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ADU Blog and Guides

Costs, permits, design, and local ADU rules, explained plainly.

Backyard ADU under construction in San Diego County with framing visible

How Much Does an ADU Cost in San Diego County?

Real ADU cost ranges for San Diego County: garage conversions, junior ADUs, and detached builds. Get honest numbers and what drives the price up or down.

June 17, 2026 · 7 min read

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Architectural plans spread on a table next to a San Diego County permit application

Explainers

The ADU Permit Process in San Diego, Explained

How the ADU permit process works in San Diego County: feasibility, plan submittal, plan check, corrections, approvals, and inspections. Step by step, no jargon.

June 9, 2026 · 6 min read

Converted garage ADU with modern glass door and landscaped entrance in a San Diego backyard

Buying guides

Garage Conversion ADU: Is It Right for You?

A garage conversion ADU is the most affordable way to add living space in San Diego. Learn costs, setback rules, and when it makes sense for your lot.

June 1, 2026 · 6 min read

Side-by-side comparison of a detached ADU cottage and a junior ADU conversion inside a home in San Diego

Buying guides

Detached ADU vs. Junior ADU: Which Fits Your Lot?

Trying to choose between a detached ADU and a junior ADU in San Diego? Here's how size limits, cost, privacy, and rental income break down for each option.

May 23, 2026 · 6 min read

Small backyard home with warm lighting in a San Diego neighborhood at dusk

Rebates & costs

Can an ADU Pay for Itself? Rental Income in San Diego

San Diego ADU rental income, payback math, short-term vs long-term rentals, financing, and how a backyard home builds real family wealth over time.

May 14, 2026 · 6 min read

Grandmother and grandchild walking between a main house and a small backyard home in San Diego

Buying guides

Building an ADU for Aging Parents or Family

How a backyard ADU keeps aging parents close while preserving everyone's independence. Accessibility design, privacy, costs, and peace of mind for San Diego families.

May 5, 2026 · 6 min read

San Diego County residential lot with a backyard ready for ADU construction planning

Explainers

ADU Feasibility: What Your San Diego Lot Allows

Before you design a backyard home, a feasibility check tells you what your San Diego County lot can support. This review saves money and avoids heartbreak.

April 26, 2026 · 5 min read

ADU under construction in a San Diego County backyard showing framing and roof structure

Explainers

How Long Does It Take to Build an ADU?

Realistic ADU timeline for San Diego County, phase by phase: design, permits, and construction. Here's what to expect and what tends to slow things down.

April 17, 2026 · 5 min read

Bright ADU interior with open kitchen and glass doors opening to a small patio in San Diego

Buying guides

ADU Design Ideas and Floor Plans That Work

Smart ADU floor plan ideas for San Diego families: studio, 1BR, and 2BR layouts that maximize light, storage, and indoor-outdoor living in a small footprint.

April 9, 2026 · 6 min read

San Diego County neighborhood with detached ADU visible behind a single-family home

Explainers

California ADU Laws in 2026: What to Know

Plain-English guide to California ADU laws in 2026: what cities can require, what they cannot, ministerial approval, parking rules, and owner-occupancy changes.

April 1, 2026 · 6 min read

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