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Dwelltry ADUs, San Diego, CA (2026)

07/24/2026

Where does the money go when building an ADU?

Before your ADU ever generates rental income, there are several important stages that make up the total project investment. Understanding where your budget goes can help you plan smarter and avoid surprises along the way.

Here is a rough breakdown of a typical detached ADU construction budget:

🏗️ Site Work & Foundation | 24%

Preparing the site and creating a strong foundation are some of the first major investments in an ADU project. This stage includes preparing the area, excavation, grading, and the foundation needed to support the new structure.

🏠 Framing & Shell | 22%

The structure begins to take shape during this phase. Framing, roofing, exterior walls, windows, and other elements that create the building envelope are part of bringing the design to life.

⚡ Plumbing, Electrical & HVAC | 20%

The systems that make your ADU comfortable and functional are a major part of the budget. This includes water lines, electrical systems, heating, cooling, and ventilation.

🎨 Interior Finishes | 22%

The details that turn a structure into a home happen here. Flooring, cabinets, countertops, fixtures, paint, and other finishing touches create the final living space.

📐 Permits, Fees & Design | 12%

Before construction begins, planning and approvals are essential. Design work, engineering, permits, and required fees help ensure the project meets local requirements and moves forward properly.

Every ADU project is different. Costs can vary depending on your property, design choices, site conditions, and local requirements. Understanding the process and planning ahead are key steps toward a successful build.

Thinking about adding an ADU to your property? Start by understanding what's possible.

ADUs, Know A Bout Them.

Serving homeowners throughout San Diego County.

07/24/2026

Thinking about building an ADU but don't want to live on the property?

Here's some good news for California homeowners.

For many ADUs, owner occupancy is no longer required. That means you may be able to rent out your ADU without living on the property yourself, giving homeowners greater flexibility and creating more opportunities to make the most of their investment.

Whether you're looking to generate rental income, create additional housing, or increase your property's long term value, an ADU can provide options that weren't available just a few years ago.

Every property is unique, and local regulations can still apply depending on your project. That's why it's important to understand your property's specific requirements before starting the design and permitting process.

If you've been considering building an ADU in San Diego, now may be a great time to explore what's possible. A feasibility review is the first step in determining how your property can work for your goals.

We're here to help guide you through every stage of the process, from feasibility and design to permitting, construction, and the day you receive the keys.

ADUs, Know A Bout Them.

Serving homeowners throughout San Diego County.

07/24/2026

Did you know that California law requires cities and counties to act on a complete ADU application within 60 days?

If your ADU application is complete and there isn't a simultaneous proposal to create a new single family home on the same lot, the local agency generally has 60 days to approve or deny the application. This timeline was established to help make the ADU permitting process more efficient and reduce unnecessary delays for homeowners.

While every project is different, having a complete and accurate set of plans before submitting your application can make a significant difference. Missing information or incomplete documents can result in requests for revisions, which may extend the overall timeline.

Preparing your project correctly from the beginning helps keep the permitting process moving and reduces the likelihood of avoidable setbacks.

If you're considering building an ADU in San Diego, understanding the permitting process is one of the first steps toward a successful project. Taking the time to prepare everything properly can save time, reduce stress, and help you move from planning to construction with greater confidence.

Have questions about whether your property qualifies for an ADU or where to begin? We're here to help guide you through the process from feasibility to final approval.

Serving homeowners throughout San Diego County.

07/24/2026

Every ADU starts with an idea. The difference between a stressful project and a successful one is having a clear plan from day one.

Whether your goal is to create additional living space for family, generate rental income, or increase your property's long term value, every project follows a series of important steps.

🏡 Feasibility

Before anything is designed, we evaluate your property to determine what may be possible based on your lot, local regulations, and your goals. Starting with feasibility helps avoid costly surprises later in the process.

📐 Design

Once feasibility is complete, we develop a design that fits your needs while making the most of your available space. Every property is different, which is why every design should be tailored to the homeowner.

📝 Permitting

Navigating permits can be one of the most confusing parts of building an ADU. We help move your project through the permitting process so you can stay focused on the bigger picture.

🔨 Construction

With approved plans in place, construction begins and your vision starts becoming reality. Good planning upfront helps create a smoother building experience from start to finish.

🔑 Move In or Rent

The final step is enjoying the finished space. Whether it's for loved ones, guests, a home office, or rental income, your ADU becomes an investment in your property's future.

If you've been wondering whether your property could accommodate an ADU, the best place to start is with a feasibility review. Understanding what's possible today can help you make informed decisions for tomorrow.

Serving homeowners throughout San Diego County.

07/23/2026

Most people think an ADU is just one thing.

A small backyard unit.

But in practice, there are actually a few different ways an ADU can show up on a property.

In California, it usually breaks down into four main types:

A detached ADU
A new, separate structure on the property. This is what most people picture when they hear “ADU.”

An attached ADU
Built as an extension of the existing home, sharing at least one wall.

A garage conversion ADU
Taking an existing garage or similar space and turning it into a livable unit.

A JADU (Junior ADU)
A smaller unit within the existing home, usually with its own entrance and limited size.

Each one has different requirements, and not every property is equally suited for all four.

Some lots are great for detached units but don’t work well for additions.
Some homes are perfect for garage conversions but not much else.
And some properties can support more than one approach depending on layout and zoning.

This is where most of the confusion happens. People think they’re deciding between “build an ADU or not.”

When really the first question is usually:
“What type of ADU actually makes sense here?”

That answer changes everything about cost, design, and feasibility.

07/23/2026

A lot of people look at their backyard and immediately assume an ADU won’t fit.

Usually because they think everything needs a lot of space from the property lines.

In reality, it’s often tighter than people expect, but not as restrictive as it looks on paper.

Side and rear setbacks are commonly around 4 feet in many cases.
Front setbacks depend on zoning and can vary a lot from property to property.

And yes, building directly on a property line can be possible in some situations, but that usually comes with fire-rated construction requirements that add cost and complexity.

This is where things get misleading for homeowners.

A yard can look “too small” at first glance, but once you actually lay out the structure, setbacks, access, and existing conditions, the result can be very different.

I’ve seen tight lots work.

I’ve also seen big lots not work the way people expected.

It’s rarely just about size. It’s about layout.

If you’re thinking about an ADU in San Diego, the real question isn’t just “how big is my yard?”

It’s “how much of it is actually usable under the rules that apply to my property?”

07/23/2026

"How much could I rent an ADU for?"

It's one of the first questions homeowners ask.

The answer?
It depends.

Size matters.
Location matters.
The layout matters.
Even the finishes and whether it's a studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom can make a noticeable difference.

The numbers in this graphic are typical asking rent ranges based on past ADU projects and San Diego area averages. They're a good starting point, but they aren't a guarantee.

That's why I always tell people not to build an ADU based on a number they saw online.

Instead, look at what similar units are actually renting for in your neighborhood and design the project around your goals.
Sometimes maximizing rent makes sense.

Other times, creating a comfortable home for family is the better investment.
Neither approach is wrong.

The important thing is knowing what you're trying to accomplish before the project begins.

If you're buying, selling, or already own property in San Diego, it's worth understanding what your property could realistically support instead of relying on statewide averages.

07/23/2026

Let me ask you a question. Does building an ADU actually make financial sense?

It's probably the most common question homeowners ask.

And the answer isn't always what people expect.

There isn't a single number that works for every property.

- Construction costs vary.
- Rental rates vary.
- Property values vary.

Even two homes on the same street can end up with completely different numbers. The estimates in this graphic are based on past ADU projects, but they're just that... estimates. They're meant to give you an idea, not promise a specific return.

That's why one of the smartest things you can do is run the numbers before you commit to anything.

A feasibility study can tell you whether the project makes sense for your property, your budget, and your goals.

Sometimes an ADU ends up being a great investment.
Sometimes it doesn't.

There's nothing wrong with either outcome. The important part is making the decision with real information instead of assumptions.

If you're buying, selling, or already own property in San Diego, understanding the numbers upfront can save you a lot of time and money later.

07/22/2026

Some of the biggest misconceptions about ADUs come from rules that no longer exist.

Two changes, in particular, have made the process much more homeowner-friendly.

First, owner-occupancy requirements have been removed in many cases. That means you don't necessarily have to live on the property to have an ADU.

Second, once a complete ADU application is submitted, local building departments generally have 60 days to make a decision.

That doesn't mean every project gets approved in 60 days. If plans are incomplete, lack detail, are just straight up wrong or corrections are needed, the timeline can change...

But compared to where ADU regulations were a few years ago, the process has become MUCH more straightforward.

If you're buying, selling, or already own property in San Diego, it's worth keeping up with these changes. A lot of people are still making decisions based on rules that have already been updated.
The regulations have changed.

The question is whether you're taking advantage of them.

07/22/2026

People ask "why someone would build an ADU?"

There usually isn't just one reason.

Some homeowners want the rental income.

Others are planning ahead for aging parents or adult kids.

Some just need more space to work from home without moving to a bigger house.

And for others, it's simply about making better use of the property they already own.

The interesting part is that an ADU can solve more than one problem at the same time. A well-designed ADU can create additional living space, provide rental income, increase a home's appeal to future buyers, and add another home to a state that continues to need more housing.

That's why it's becoming a conversation buyers, sellers, homeowners, and Realtors are having more often.

The question usually isn't, "Why build an ADU?"

It's "Does building one make sense for this property?"

That's where every project should start. Not every property is the right fit, but when it is, an ADU can become one of the most practical improvements a homeowner makes.

So let me ask you this. Why would you build an ADU? Rental income, extra space, family, or something else?

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