Design, permit and build your ADU.
ADU Home Builder San Diego.
Looking for an all-in-one solution for your accessory dwelling unit project? SnapADU specializes in traditional, stick-built ADU construction, offering both standard and custom plans. We ensure transparency & predictability in every project, with in-house architectural designers, deep knowledge of ADU regulations, efficient permit expediting, & real-world building experience… all under one roof. We’d love to make it a snap for you to build an ADU.
SnapADU employees
Full accountability. ADU Expertise. Proven results.
Top ADU Contractor in San Diego County.
Our own team is responsible for delivering on our promises, from the first time you contact us to the time we hand you the keys to your new ADU home.
As experienced ADU contractors, we anticipate pitfalls that less seasoned or less integrated teams will miss. The volume of ADU projects we handle gives us deep expertise that we are excited to bring to your project.
We’re 100% focused on being the best ADU builders in San Diego County.
ADU Builder Serving Homeowners Like You.
Interest in San Diego ADU projects has surged, with residents eager to unlock their property’s full potential. ADUs serve various needs, from generating rental income and accommodating family members to providing versatile flex space. Discover how our clients have transformed their properties with an ADU home.
Generate rental income
Many homeowners add ADUs to create a new stream of rental income.
Learn MoreBring aging parents closer
House younger family members
Downsize and rent main house
Create flex space for work/hobby
Generate rental income
Bring aging parents closer
House younger family members
Downsize and rent main house
Create flex space for work/hobby
- See the full story & ADU
We were looking at ways to invest our money. My wife and I thought, why don't we build an ADU for rental income? Also, someday we can move into it. So it has multiple purposes.
Paul & Myra Winter
Homeowners, Oceanside
- See the full story & ADU
When we bought our house, Kristen was pregnant and we wanted Grandma to be around to help with the baby. And then ultimately, we wanted to be around for Mom when she gets older.
The Heards
Homeowners, Oceanside
- See the full story & ADU
We decided to build an ADU because our family's property is a big lot. That's hard to find these days, especially with the cost of housing. Plus we are closer to my mom.
Marina & Will
ADU Residents, San Marcos
- See the full story & ADU
I decided to build an ADU because the property was a double wide lot. I'm a half mile from the beach and could see the view from the top of my house and thought, I have to take advantage of that.
Zeno Rausa
Homeowner, Oceanside
- See the full story & ADU
I'm a product stylist and photographer. I decided to build an ADU because my business was taking off and I was spending a lot of time outside of the home. Building a studio lets me work from home more.
Liz Ream
Homeowner, Vista
Explore our ADU projects.
Discover the many ADU projects we’ve designed & built at SnapADU. As an all-in-one ADU contractor, our portfolio ranges from compact, efficient designs to expansive, luxurious spaces, each tailored to the unique needs of the property and homeowner. Whether you’re interested in a backyard cottage, a guest house, or a two-story ADU, our projects offer a glimpse into the potential of your property. Explore our work and envision the possibilities for your own custom ADU project with SnapADU.
Why choose a design build ADU contractor?
In San Diego ADU development, choosing the right partner can make all the difference in turning your vision into reality.
You may be wondering if you should start with an ADU consultant, designer, architect, general contractor or ADU builder. The difference with a true design build ADU construction company is that the same company and team of people will be responsible for designing and permitting an ADU house that can also be built on budget. Incentives are fully aligned with the client; the entire guest house project must be a success and run as quickly as possible.
Our approach, distinct from prefab ADU providers, is tailored and flexible. We use traditional “stick-built” construction methods, ensuring a custom fit for your property’s unique needs, something prefab often can’t match. And our focus on ADUs in San Diego means that we have deep expertise that allows us to advocate for homeowners, saving thousands.
Your one-stop-shop for ADUs.
SnapADU is your one-stop-shop for all your ADU needs. As the leading ADU builder in San Diego, we provide a comprehensive, turnkey solution for homeowners looking to add value and space to their property. Our expertise as an ADU contractor ensures that every detail is meticulously planned and executed, offering unmatched accountability.
Feasibility & Budget
Can you build a guest house on your property? How much will it cost? We are ready to dive into your accessory dwelling unit project goals so we can answer questions and get into costs and timeline right away.
ADU COSTS
Architectural Plans
We’ve created many build ready ADU designs to maximize space utilization & construction efficiency… so you get more out of your budget. We can also customize ADU house plans to fit your unique needs.
ADU PLANS
Permit Processing
We prepare all plans and paperwork for submission to the municipality. Our own employees work with the town to ensure your ADU plans swiftly pass through required plan check and permitting processes.
LOCAL ADU REGULATIONS
Design Selections
Our curated interior & exterior ADU designs create a cohesive look for your accessory home project. Choose from our catalog of styles, or work with our ADU designers to create a custom floorplan.
ADU DESIGNS
Construction
As an ADU builder, we handle the entire construction process, from breaking ground all the way to the final walk-through to make sure your guest home exceeds your expectations and is built to last.
BUILD PROCESS
Project Management
Our systems and processes keep your ADU design build job running smoothly and give you visibility on progress with our schedule. You can view documents, make approvals, and pay invoices right from your phone or computer.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Rental Support
Planning to build your accessory dwelling unit to rent? Check out how to plan for the best ADU design build to maximize rent potential.
ADU RENTAL GUIDE
Find Property
Looking to buy a property and build an additional accessory unit? We can help you assess feasibility & cost of adding an ADU house to property so you can make an informed purchase decision & start planning.
ADU Investments
ADU Builders Near Me
ADU Contractor Serving Greater San Diego
SnapADU is the largest design, permit & build ADU company serving San Diego, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Poway, San Marcos, Escondido, La Mesa, El Cajon, Vista, Chula Vista, Rancho Santa Fe, Santee, Lemon Grove, Imperial Beach, National City and surrounding areas of San Diego County.
Search ADU floor plans.
Be inspired by a variety of ADU floor plans from our library. Starting with a plan that has been built before can help speed up the design process. We also offer custom ADUs and can modify any plan or start with your own drawings. Our in-house ADU designers ensure your floor plan & elevations work with the rest of your property constraints and can be permitted with the city.
Need a custom ADU floor plan?
Looking to create a custom ADU that aligns seamlessly with your property’s unique characteristics? Whether you’re interested in modifying an existing accessory dwelling unit floor plan, working with a strict HOA, or envisioning something completely unique, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us to discuss the endless possibilities for your custom ADU. Our specialized in-house drafting team is eager to collaborate with you, ensuring your custom ADU project is executed to perfection.
Featured ADU Project
Two Bedroom Carriage House in Carlsbad
2 Bed • 2 Bath • 749 ft2+ Garage below
A family transformed their property by adding a brand new ADU over a garage to add additional living space. With adult children who come to visit, the family wanted a beautiful space for their family to stay… plus added flexibility down the road.
Where should I start on my ADU?
There’s a lot to consider when building a granny flat and we want to make it easier for you. Clients come to us at all phases of their ADU project… just starting out, ready to go and looking for an ADU builder, or somewhere in between. Choose a path below to get started on the content most relevant to you.
I'm new to the ADU thing
Just learning about ADUs? Wondering if an accessory home makes sense for you? We can help you get up to speed on the relevant regulations & share what they mean for your ADU costs in San Diego.
I'm considering options
Still thinking about ADU construction options? Not sure which route is best for you? Learn why an ADU design build general contractor offers unparalleled accountability and value when adding a granny flat to your house.
I'm ready to build an ADU
Ready to get a proposal for an ADU? Comparing ADU builders in San Diego? You’ve come to the right place. We will look at your property specifics and prepare a proposal to design, permit and build your ADU unit.
Explore ADU Designs
ADU Design Build Galleries
Not sure where to start with the hundreds of choices to make for your interior & exterior accessory dwelling unit design? We can help make your ADU design process simple and enjoyable. Click to explore our ADU galleries.
Interior
Exterior
ADU Contractor Near Me
How to find an ADU contractor?
Check our our list of what to look for in ADU contractors, plus how to have a good experience building your custom ADU home… whether you build it yourself, hire a licensed ADU contractor, or something in between. Snap ADU has also been named to the top ADU builders in San Diego. Accessory dwelling units are a flexible opportunity for homeowners and we’re excited to be part of this new wave of backyard ADU housing in California.
Prefab ADU vs. Stick Built: Which is best?
Comparing ADU construction options in San Diego
For ADU construction, stick-built shines for those wanting customization, dealing with tricky lots or HOAs, or building multiple larger units. SnapADU specializes in design build with on-site traditional wood framed construction. We offer unmatched value for larger ADUs or multi-unit projects. Meanwhile, a prefab ADU could be a better option for a smaller build or on a spacious, flat lot. Choosing between prefab and a stick-built ADU contractor hinges on your site’s specifics, investment goals, and whether your project calls for a bespoke design. Read more in our guide to prefab ADUs.
San Diego ADU Specialists
We are ADU Builders.
SnapADU specializes in designing & building accessory dwelling units (also known as ADUs, granny flats, casitas, guest houses, in law suites) in Greater San Diego. As a licensed general contractor, we take responsibility for the entire design, permit and build process for accessory homes. We want to provide the predictability you need on your highly specialized project of building a backyard accessory dwelling unit. We bring ADU design build all under one roof to ensure accountability for the whole process.
We work with both standard and custom ADU floor plans. Our team of employees are responsible for each step, from initial planning & budgeting, feasibility & design, plan check & permitting, and building your guest house. This means we can offer a price lock within the first few weeks of your project.
With over a decade of custom home building experience and stellar client feedback as ADU builders, we’re excited to focus exclusively on accessory dwelling units. We’re bringing all of our expertise to your ADU construction project, which means we will look at the entire ADU cost from day 1.
Watch our ADU 101 Webinar
Thinking about building an ADU and want to learn more about the whole process? We’d love to help make sure you know exactly how it all works in our on-demand webinar led by SnapADU co-founder, Whitney Hill. Learn the top insights from an experienced ADU contractor in San Diego.