Types of ADUs in San Diego
Adding an accessory dwelling unit to your home is a brilliant way to create more living space and add significant value.
For ADU construction in San Diego, here are the three most popular options:
License #1031735
Call Now: (858) 217-4429Adding an accessory dwelling unit to your home is a brilliant way to create more living space and add significant value.
For ADU construction in San Diego, here are the three most popular options:
Also known as “sidecar” or “in-law” units, attached accessory dwelling units are physically attached to the primary residence on a property. We often build them on an addition to the existing house or convert them from an existing portion of the house, such as a garage.
Similar to additions, attached ADUs add less square footage than standalone ADUs, and their floor plans may be restricted by the size and shape of the existing structures they are attached to. They usually share walls with the main house and have a separate entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
Commonly known as “granny flats,” “secondary suites,” or “in-law units,” detached accessory dwelling units are completely separate from the primary home and with own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
They are a great solution for maintaining privacy for a rental unit and are smaller than the primary residence.
Interior ADUs, or Accessory Dwelling Units, are separate living spaces created within the interior of a single-family home. This can include converting existing spaces such as attics, basements, or garages into living areas. These units are typically located within the main house and are accessible from the main living areas. The creation of interior ADUs can provide additional living space for families or individuals.
Click to View Before and After Photos of Our Completed Projects
In San Diego, a single-family home allows for one or two accessory dwelling units (ADUs) – one detached ADU and one attached ADU on their property, for a total of two ADUs.
These regulations are implemented to ensure the city’s housing stock is balanced, and the ADUs are safe and comply with building codes and zoning laws.
For attached ADUs, the floor area must be at most 50% of the main dwelling, limited to 1,200 square feet. However, an exception applies if the ADU has more than one bedroom, and the maximum floor area can be increased to 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet, irrespective of the size of the main dwelling.
For detached ADUs, the maximum floor area is 1,200 square feet, regardless of the size of the existing main dwelling.
Attached ADUs exceeding 1,000 sq. ft. and/or more than 12 feet in height will be subject to the main building setbacks and height regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.
A detached ADU is limited to a maximum height of 25 feet, except for multifamily complexes.
We also ensure all newly constructed ADUs conform to the obligatory front yard setbacks and must maintain a minimum side and rear setback of 4 feet (except where fire setback regulations apply).
One parking space is required for both attached and detached ADUs, unless an exemption from parking requirements applies to the project.
The first step in our San Diego ADU construction process is to conduct a site and property assessment to determine if an ADU is possible and to assess any potential issues that may arise, including reviewing zoning laws, building codes, and any other ADU construction regulations.
Once the site and property have been assessed, the next step is to explore the different ADU options available and decide on the best option that suits your needs in terms of space, cost and return on investment.
Our ADU design process will include determining the ADU’s size, location, access, and interior and exterior features. This will include details such as the layout, flooring, cabinetry, and appliances.
Once the design is finalized, we prepare architectural and structural layout plans that include detailed drawings, floor plans, elevations, and construction details, especially for detached ADUs.
We will submit the architectural and structural plans to the city for review and approval. This may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the city’s workload.
Once the plans are approved, we will apply for the necessary building permit, electrical and plumbing permits. This permit will allow us to begin construction or remodeling work on the ADU.
The construction or remodeling work can then begin as per the plans. The construction involves earthworks, foundation building, framing, roof and wall panel installations, windows and doors, and install all the finishing details.
The city will conduct several inspections during the construction process to ensure that the work is being done per the approved plans and building codes. Once all inspections are passed, the ADU will be deemed habitable and ready to be occupied.
ADUs have become a popular housing option among property owners in San Diego thanks to their ability to cater to diverse needs and preferences.
Here are the five benefits of building an accessory dwelling unit on your property:
ADUs are typically larger than JADUs, with JADUs being less than 500 square feet in size, while ADUs are allowed up to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the living area.
ADUs can be used for various purposes, such as rental property, aging parents or adult children, or as a home office, while JADUs are only retained for owner occupancy.
ADUs can be located on the same property as the primary residence or a separate lot, while JADUs are typically built on the same property as the primary residence.
ADUs can have separate or shared access with the primary residence, while JADUs typically have separate access.
ADUs are required to have separate utilities, while JADUs may share utilities with the primary residence.
1
We’ll arrive at your home to get a better understanding of your vision and to discuss your ideas, budget and needs.
2
After discussing all of the details of your remodel, our experts will begin designing your project. Planning is essential at this stage as we move toward a successful project. We will communicate with you throughout the process, keeping you up to date on the overall plan as it’s developed.
3
We’ll make sure to get and prepare all documentation and permits required to proceed with your home renovation project.
4
Once the plan has been agreed on and finalized we’ll begin the construction phase. We will work relentlessly to make your vision a beautiful, efficient, and long-lasting reality. All our San Diego home renovation projects are built to the highest standards.
5
Before we hand you back your keys we’ll do a final walkthrough to ensure that every detail is of the highest quality, and that you have received every item on the project plan and is to your satisfaction.
San Diego County has permitted ADUs on most residentially zoned lots regardless of their size as long as an existing home is already on the property and the structure meets the basic restrictions. ADUs are also allowed on multifamily properties.
In San Diego, ADUs typically have separate utility connections for sewers and meters for electricity, gas, and water.
We are involved in the process from day one since we are open and transparent and everything is recorded and documented.
Inspections are handled by San Diego county, and they happen at all critical phases, from Site Development to structure to plumbing, mechanical and electrical, and through all phases of trim out and the certificate of occupancy (CO).
At Better Place Remodeling, we handle all engineering, design, and implementation phases. Soil samples, compaction tests, and geotechnical analysis are part of the planning process. We start by reviewing your survey, and then our designers will determine what can be built and where.
According to the County of San Diego, ADU constructions will not trigger a review, but the unit itself will be evaluated for tax purposes. We will help you check with your local tax assessor’s office for further information.
From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, we take the time to answer your questions and actualize your home upgrade dream as your trusted San Diego ADU contractor. If you have any questions, fill out the form below or call us at
(858) 217-4429