ADU Construction in San Diego County
ADU Construction in San Diego County
San Diego County is in the middle of an ADU boom. Between California's expanding ADU laws, rising housing costs, and homeowners looking for rental income or space for family, accessory dwelling units have gone from a niche project to one of the most common builds we do.
Newland General Construction has been building ADUs across San Diego County for 18 years (License #905677). We're a design-build contractor based in Oceanside, which means one team handles your design, permits, and construction. You don't coordinate between an architect, a draftsperson, a permit expediter, and three subs — you call us.
Whether you're in coastal Encinitas with a tight lot, on a hillside in Poway, or sitting on a half-acre in Vista, we've built ADUs in conditions like yours. The right design depends on your lot, your goals, and your budget — and we walk you through all of it on the first visit.
Why Newland General Construction for Your ADU
We're not a national chain that subcontracts every job. We're a family-run, San Diego-based contractor that's been at this since 2008. That matters in two practical ways.
One team, one accountability. Design-build means our team owns the project from first sketch to final inspection. When something needs to change mid-project — and on real projects, things always need to change — we don't lose two weeks waiting on a separate architect to redraw it.
Local relationships. Eighteen years working in San Diego County means we know the planning departments, the inspectors, and the trades who actually show up. That's not glamorous, but it's the difference between an ADU that finishes in 5 months and one that finishes in 9.
Types of ADUs We Build
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Detached ADUs — A separate, freestanding unit on your property. Most flexibility in design. Up to 1,200 sqft under California state law.
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Garage conversions — Often the fastest and most cost-effective ADU path. We convert your existing garage into a fully permitted living space.
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Attached / addition ADUs — Connected to your main home but with its own entrance, kitchen, and bath.
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Junior ADUs (JADUs) — Up to 500 sqft within your existing home. Lower cost, fewer requirements, but specific rules apply.
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Two-story ADUs — Allowed in many San Diego zones. Useful when your lot is small but your goals are big.
California ADU Law: What's Possible on Your Lot
California state law sets a floor that no city in San Diego County can go below. The practical highlights:
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Cities must approve compliant ADU permits within 60 days
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Detached ADUs of up to 1,200 sqft are allowed regardless of lot size
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No owner-occupancy requirement for new ADUs — you can rent both the main house and the ADU
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Parking is often waived for ADUs under 750 sqft or near transit
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HOAs cannot prohibit ADUs (with narrow exceptions)
What's possible on your specific lot depends on zoning, easements, slope, and existing structures. That's what the free consultation is for.
Our ADU Construction Process
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Free On-Site Consultation. We come to you, walk the property, and give you an honest read on what's possible. No deck, no sales pitch.
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Design & Feasibility. We draft an ADU design that fits your lot, your goals, and your city's ordinance.
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Permits. We submit, respond to plan-check comments, and shepherd the application. You don't talk to the city.
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Construction. Foundation through finishes. Real schedule, single point of contact, weekly updates.
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Final Inspection & Handoff. Walk-through, punch list cleared fast, keys in hand.
ADU Construction by City
We build ADUs throughout San Diego County. Click your city for ADU regulations, costs, and project examples specific to where you live:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ADU cost in San Diego County?
Quality detached ADUs typically run $300–$500 per sqft for full design-build, depending on finishes, site conditions, and whether you're in a coastal zone. A 750 sqft ADU lands in the $250K–$400K range. Garage conversions can be significantly less. We give you a real number after the site visit.
How long does an ADU project take?
From first call to keys in hand, typically 8–12 months. Design and permits take 3–4 months; construction runs 4–6 months. Garage conversions are often faster.
Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb?
Depends on your city. Some San Diego cities restrict short-term rentals on ADUs; long-term rentals (30+ days) are allowed nearly everywhere. We'll flag your local rules during the consultation.
Will my ADU get reassessed for property taxes?
Only the added value of the ADU gets assessed — your existing home's tax basis stays intact.
Do I need to live in the main house?
No. California removed owner-occupancy requirements for new ADUs. You can rent both units.
What's the ROI on an ADU in San Diego?
For most clients, an ADU pays for itself in rental income within 8–12 years and adds significant resale value to the property. The exact math depends on your neighborhood's rental rates.