Design, permit and build your ADU.
San Diego’s Trusted ADU Home Builder
We make it a snap to build an ADU, so you can focus on what you do best. Everything from custom design to construction under one roof for unmatched accountability & professionalism.
Explore Greater San Diego ADU projects.
As an all-in-one ADU design build contractor, our portfolio ranges from standard, efficient designs to expansive, custom ADU projects. Our in-house design team tailors plans to your unique needs, and our construction team ensures your project stays on budget. Whether you’re interested in a small backyard cottage, a large guest house, a two-story ADU, or multiple units, we are equipped to bring your vision to life.
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.
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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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Explore ADU Designs
ADU Design Ideas
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 design ideas.
ADU Interiors
ADU Exteriors
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.
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.
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Generate rental income
Build an ADU to generate a new stream of rental income.
Learn more -
Bring aging family closer
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House younger family members
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Downsize and rent main house
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Create flex space for work/hobby
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Generate rental income
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Bring aging family closer
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House younger family members
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Downsize and rent main house
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Create flex space for work/hobby
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See the full story & ADU
I talked to SnapADU maybe 30 times throughout the process… and then there was this beautiful home in my yard.
Zach Adamson
Homeowner, Encinitas
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It’s going to be a great space for my mom to have her own independent area while staying close to our family.
Tiffany Rajski
Homeowner, Poway
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See the full story & ADU
With the cost of housing these days, multigenerational living is making a comeback. It provides so much more than living on your own ever could, including financial investment and family support.
Cynthia Megill
Homeowner, Oceanside
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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
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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
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? Curious what you can build and how much it will cost? As the top ADU contractor in San Diego, we love sharing all our learnings so you know what to expect. Watch our webinar for a helpful overview.
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.
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 deeply experienced ADU contractors, we anticipate pitfalls that less seasoned or less integrated teams will miss. The volume of ADU projects we handle means we have unrivaled expertise that we are excited to bring to your project.
We’re 100% focused on being the best ADU builders in San Diego County, and we take pride in the personal touch our in-house team brings to every project.
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.
ADU Contractor Near Me
How to find top ADU contractors?
Check our our list of what to look for in the best ADU companies. Understand different types of ADU firms, from ADU consultants to design build. Consider the top questions to ask each ADU company you interview for your backyard home project.
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.
Prefab ADU vs. Stick Built
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. We build for multigenerational living and for investors. 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.