Snap ADU

Call Directions Website Contact the business

Custom ADU design build services in Greater San Diego. https://linktr.ee/snapadu

10/15/2026

How quickly do ADU projects actually get permitted in San Diego? ⏱️

We followed detached new-construction ADUs from the date they were submitted to see how many reached a permit over time, then compared the citywide results with identifiable SnapADU projects.

At 12 months after submission:
📋 43% of projects citywide had received a permit
✅ 92% of SnapADU projects had received a permit

By 36 months, 74% of projects citywide had been permitted, compared with 100% of SnapADU projects.

Getting through permitting efficiently starts well before plans are submitted. Understanding feasibility, utilities, site conditions, and jurisdiction requirements upfront can help reduce avoidable redesigns and corrections later in the process.

Read the full analysis of San Diego ADU permit and completion data HERE.
https://snapadu.com/adu-permitting-success-data-san-diego/

📊 Source: City of San Diego permit records. SnapADU comparison is based on a smaller sample of identifiable projects and should be viewed as directional.

10/12/2026

This two-story ADU on Collier Avenue in San Diego is getting close to the finish line! 🏡

The 1,037 sqft 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home is designed for the property owner to downsize into, allowing them to enjoy a lower maintenance living space while creating the opportunity to rent out the main house.

As construction progresses, the ADU is starting to closely resemble the original renderings. Key design features are taking shape, including the upper-level deck and clerestory windows. Swipe to see the comparison! ➡️

10/09/2026

Just completed in San Diego! 🏡 This 749 sqft, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ADU was built behind an existing home to generate rental income. The homeowner selected one of our standard plans to save time and design costs while keeping the project just under 750 sqft to avoid additional impact fees.

The L-shaped layout features:
🏠 Open-concept living room and kitchen
🛏️ Two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom
🧺 In-unit washer and dryer
🌿 Private patio tucked within the “L”

Located in a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the ADU required fire-rated construction. Site preparation included removing several trees and the home’s existing rear patio cover. The homeowner finished the space with a small lawn, mulch, and landscaping for the new tenants.

10/06/2026

A custom coastal ADU is coming to Encinitas! 🌊🏡

Located in the Channel Island HOA, this nearly 500 sqft ADU will provide a private 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom home for the homeowners’ parents. The customized design includes multifold doors on two sides of the living room, creating an open concept space with a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

Building an ADU in an HOA requires additional planning. While an HOA cannot prohibit an ADU, the project may still need to follow reasonable architectural standards related to exterior materials, colors, roofing, and overall appearance. Addressing these requirements early helps keep the design and approval process moving forward.

Stay tuned as we share updates on this Encinitas project!

10/01/2026

How many submitted ADUs actually become finished homes? 🏠

We followed 1,535 detached new-construction ADU projects submitted to the City of San Diego that had at least three years of history. Within three years of submission:
✅ 74% received a permit
🏠 Just 43% reached final inspection and became completed ADUs

That means getting an ADU submitted, or even permitted, doesn’t necessarily mean it will ultimately get built. This is why we wanted to look beyond the usual application and permit totals. By following individual projects from submission through final inspection, we can get a clearer picture of how many proposed ADUs actually turn into completed housing.

Read the full analysis of San Diego ADU permit and completion data HERE.
https://snapadu.com/adu-permitting-success-data-san-diego/

📊 Source: City of San Diego permit records. Detached new-construction ADUs submitted at least three years ago.

09/28/2026

From an empty lot to an almost-complete home! 🏡

This just under 700 sqft 2 bedroom, 1 bath ADU in San Diego is being built to give the homeowners’ aging parents an independent space close to family.

Construction is nearing the finish line, and it has been exciting to watch the property transform. Swipe through to see the progress from the empty site to where the ADU stands today! ➡️

09/25/2026

It’s Feasibility Friday in Oceanside! 🏡🌊 & today, we’re featuring a stacked ADU project that will add two new rental units behind an existing duplex.

The homeowner plans to generate additional rental income with a two-story structure. Each floor will contain an identical 706 sqft, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom ADU. The kitchen and living area sit at the center of each floor plan, with a bedroom and ensuite bathroom on either side.

California’s multifamily ADU laws allow qualifying properties to add detached ADUs based on the number of existing units, up to eight. Because this property has an existing duplex, the homeowner can build two detached ADUs.

Building vertically makes efficient use of the available space, but two-story ADUs in Oceanside must follow the setbacks established by the property’s zoning rather than the reduced 4' side and rear setbacks commonly available for ADUs.

During feasibility, our team evaluates zoning, setbacks, existing structures, access, utilities, and other site conditions to determine where the ADUs can fit and identify potential hurdles before design begins.

09/22/2026

A new two-story ADU is coming to Carlsbad! ⬆️🏡

This custom 499 sqft 1BR/1BA ADU with 465 SF garage below is being built as a home for the homeowner’s daughter. The carriage house design takes advantage of the backyard and alley access, with the ADU above a garage and workshop that will remain available for the homeowner’s use.

📍 One important Carlsbad consideration: Two-story ADUs are generally only allowed when built over a garage or when the property is within ½ mile of a major public transit stop. For this project, building above the garage made a two-story ADU possible while keeping the garage and workshop space below.

Stay tuned as we share updates on this Carlsbad ADU throughout design and construction! 👀

09/17/2026

What types of ADUs are actually being built in San Diego? 🏠

We analyzed more than 10,000 ADU and JADU applications submitted to the City of San Diego from 2021–2025 and found that detached new construction is the single largest category, accounting for about 45% of applications.

The rest are spread across detached conversions and additions, attached conversions, attached new construction, and combination projects.

Why does that distinction matter? Different types of ADU projects can vary significantly in scope, complexity, timeline, and path to completion.

Read the full analysis of San Diego ADU permit and completion data HERE.
https://snapadu.com/adu-permitting-success-data-san-diego/

📊 Source: City of San Diego permit records. SnapADU independently classified project types based on permit scope descriptions.

09/14/2026

This San Marcos ADU has been years in the making, and it’s getting close to the finish line! 🏡🔨

The homeowners originally started planning their ADU several years ago, but an easement on the property stood in the way of their proposed location. Before they could move forward, they needed to work with SDGE to have the easement vacated, putting their ADU plans on hold.

Years later, with a clean title, they were ready to revisit the project. This time, they opted for one of our standard ADU plans, helping streamline the design and permitting process. Their permit was approved in under three months!

Now construction is well underway and the finish line is in sight. 👀 Swipe to see the progress from an empty site to a nearly completed ADU!

Address

1223 Cleveland Avenue, #200/115
San Diego, CA
92013

Telephone

+17602592321

Website

https://snapadu.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Snap ADU posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Snap ADU:

Want your business to be the top-listed contractor in San Diego?