How to Choose the Right ADU Contractor in San Diego
If you are planning ADU construction in San Diego, you need to know these tips and tricks to choose the right ADU contractor for your project. If you are considering adding an ADU to your property, you aren’t alone! Many Californians are choosing to convert their garages, sheds, and backyards into secondary living spaces. The benefits are numerous.
If you want to have a team of experts collaborate with you to bring your dream to life, you reach out to House to Home. We’re a primer design-build company with a team of expert architects, interior designers, general contractors, electricians, and more, so you do not have to worry about hiring subcontractors. We will manage your project from beginning to end!
The Basics of ADU Construction in San Diego
ADU Zoning and Permits in San Diego
The first step is to learn about the zoning of your property and file the proper permits to begin construction of your ADU.
ADUs can be built on single-family properties with some special exceptions for multi-family properties. The property must be at least 4,500 sqft and located near the primary residence on the property to qualify.
You can have 1 ADU and 1 JADU on single-family properties and 2 detached ADUs on multi-family zones.
ADU Design in San Diego
You must choose between detached or attached ADU construction. So, a detached ADU would be in your backyard, and an attached ADU would be converting a garage into an ADU.
One of the reasons why you need to hire a professional ADU builder is that all ADUs must meet current building codes, including accessibility and energy efficiency standards.
Did you know that at least two trees are required on the property for every 5,000 sqft of your property, with a minimum of 1 tree per living space?
ADU Construction in San Diego
It would be best if you planned for a clearance of at least 4 feet from existing structures on property lines for ADU builders to begin construction and move equipment on the property.
This is the point at which you should file for a separate address for your ADU through the City of San Diego’s address assignment process.
ADU Construction in San Diego Cost
Depending on your budget and design choice, your cost will range between $100k to $300k but could even be higher depending on the quality and selection of materials. This cost varies due to a range of factors. We’ve listed some of these below.
- Site costs, what needs to be done prior to building
- Electrical work
- Plumbing
- Design features and fit-outs
- Building materials
Why ADU Builders in San Diego Are in High Demand
ADU construction in San Diego can add a source of income for you. You can rent out your ADU or list it on Airbnb. When you choose the right custom ADU builders, your ADU design will attract more renters with innovative eco-friendly materials and on-trend design choices.
With the current housing crisis in San Diego, many people are turning to ADUs to provide housing for relatives and aging parents who need care (but still want their independence!)
With the work-from-home trend on the rise, building an ADU will give you a space to focus on work so you can be more productive and always have a great backdrop.
How to Choose the Right ADU Builder
The process for choosing ADU builders in San Diego is important.
1. Researching custom ADU Builders San Diego
When you are researching ADU builders, you should check reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, Angi, and Houzz to check their reputation and past work experience. You’ll want to verify their certifications, licenses, and insurance.
2. Key Questions to Ask Potential ADU San Diego Builders
- Are you knowledgeable about ADU law and the permitting process for ADUs?
- What ADU projects have you completed?
- How many years have you been building ADUs?
- Do you provide a free quote or consultation?
Something that many people need to remember is to ask if the ADU builder is open to collaboration and will work with you every step of the way to ensure you are satisfied. You want open communication on each milestone.
3. Evaluating Quotes and Portfolios
You should review each of the quotes and look for a detailed breakdown of labor, materials, and miscellaneous costs. You want to compare the project timeline and milestones as well as the payment terms and schedule.
You should be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others, as that can indicate that they will be cutting corners and using low-quality materials.
When reviewing each ADU builder’s portfolio, you want to look for similar ADU projects, paying attention to the quality of work and attention to detail.
Choosing Custom ADU Builders Based on Your Needs
To sum up, when choosing ADU builders in San Diego, you need to consider their past portfolio of similar jobs, read their customer reviews, and evaluate their quotes based on the information provided. You want to ensure they will be open to collaboration to bring your vision to life.
If you want to get the best possible service, where every aspect of the ADU construction project is taken care of for you, you should hire a design firm like House to Home. We handle everything from design to construction; all you have to do is tell us where to build and collaborate with us on the design details. We have a team of experienced architects, interior designers, and property managers.
How to Choose the Right ADU Contractor in San Diego FAQs
You should check the California State License Board website for their license status, which will ensure you are working with a reputable company.
You want to verify their experience and certifications and review their portfolio of completed ADU projects. You also want to make sure they have insurance and a valid license.
Your contract (which is the next step after a quote) should include all of the project details, including timelines, costs, materials used, warranties, and any additional services. This is to ensure both you and the contract are on the same page.