2BR/2BA 48×31 L-Shape

1200 Sq Ft ADU Plans: Expansive and Functional Living in an Efficient Layout

Our ADU floor plans with 1200 sq ft are designed for those who want maximum living space without compromising on comfort or functionality. This two-bedroom, two-bath layout includes a spacious primary suite, a secondary smaller suite, and a bright open great room that combines the kitchen, dining, and living areas. Perfect for long-term living, this ADU layout creates a versatile and welcoming home environment.

Well-Designed 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Layout

This 1200 square foot ADU layout brings thoughtful design and convenient features into every corner. Both bedrooms are located on the same side of the unit, providing a cohesive, private living space. The primary suite includes a walk-in closet and an en suite bathroom with dual vanities. The second bedroom also has an en suite bathroom, which includes an extra door for shared access from the great room.

Key Layout Features:

• Primary Suite with Walk-In Closet: The main bedroom includes a large en suite bathroom with dual vanities and a spacious walk-in closet.
• Guest Suite with Shared Bath Access: The second bedroom has an en suite bathroom, with an additional door to access the common area.
• Open-Concept Great Room: The living, dining, and kitchen areas flow together in an open layout, ideal for relaxing or entertaining.
• Flexible Kitchen Design: Add an eat-in island to maximize kitchen storage and provide extra seating.
• In-Unit Laundry and Entry Storage: A side-by-side washer and dryer add convenience, and the entry closet provides valuable storage.
• Optional Sliding Doors: Sliding doors off the great room offer a seamless transition to outdoor spaces for expanded indoor-outdoor living.

Benefits of Building a 1200 Sq Ft ADU

Building a 1200 sq ft ADU allows you to enjoy a spacious, independent living space on your property. Most municipalities allow ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, including San Diego County, Chula Vista, and La Mesa,  although some properties may be subject to floor area ratio (FAR) limits or other zoning restrictions. SnapADU can help determine if your property qualifies for this size, ensuring compliance with local requirements.

Key Benefits and Cost Considerations:

• Spacious, Home-Like Feel: At 1,200 sq ft, this ADU feels more like a traditional home, with space for bedrooms, bathrooms, and open living areas.
• Lower Cost Per Square Foot: While total costs are higher than smaller ADUs, the cost per square foot is lower, providing better value.
• Maximum Use of Property: A larger ADU makes efficient use of your property, adding long-term value and functionality.
• Estimated Cost: On an ideal lot for an ADU, this unit can be completed for the mid to high $400Ks, depending on site conditions and finishes.

Pre-Approved ADU Plans in Chula Vista

This design by SnapADU is part of the City of Chula Vista’s Standard ADU Plans, developed to streamline the permitting process. They are approximately 85% complete with the rest to be completed with project-specific information. By choosing this pre-approved plan, homeowners can reduce design costs and expedite approvals, saving both time and money. For more details on local ADU regulations, visit Chula Vista’s ADU regulation page.

Plans Download: 1200 SF ADU

Download the ZIP file of this full set of plans: 1199 L-Shape – Construction Documents. Additional versions of this plan, including the reverse, are also available.

Is a Pre-Approved Plan Right for You?

Pre-approved ADU plans offer several advantages:

• Faster Permitting: These plans meet local codes and are pre-reviewed, cutting down on approval times.
• Lower Costs: Skip custom design fees with pre-designed layouts tailored to local requirements.
• Simplified Process: Pre-approved plans estimate much of the uncertainty in the design and permitting stages.

They are a great option for homeowners who want to fast-track the design & permitting process and reduce costs. However, it is important to note that pre-approved plans cannot be customized. They are fixed designs intended to simplify and expedite the process, but they do not allow for adjustments such as reconfiguring rooms, resizing, or adding custom features. Read more about pre-approved plans.

If you’re looking for more flexibility, this layout can be tailored as a semi-custom ADU plan. Read more about customization paths in our Custom ADU Guide.

Alternate Build Ready Option

An alternate 1200 sf build-ready floor plan also features a similar two bedroom two bathroom layout but includes a 279 sf covered porch.

About Build Ready Floor Plans

Build ready floor plans are pre-designed layouts developed from real projects, ready to be used or modified into a semi-custom plan. Choosing a build ready plan saves homeowners time and money by utilizing designs we’ve already permitted and built. These plans also minimize risk, as their engineering and construction processes are already well-documented.

For homeowners seeking more flexibility, semi-custom options allow for modifications to standard designs without significant additional fees. Adjustments can include layout changes, such as flipping or rotating the plan, customizing windows and doors, or altering finish materials. With semi-custom plans, you get the perfect balance of personalization and efficiency.

Additionally, build ready plans allow us to more accurately forecast costs in early planning phases. Since we’ve built similar units, we understand the engineering and potential expenses involved, providing homeowners with greater confidence and clarity during the process.

Learn more about build-ready and semi-custom options.

Ideal Use Cases for a 1200 Sq Ft ADU

An ADU with 1200 sq ft is suited to various uses, providing enough space for comfortable living while remaining compact and manageable. With a private primary suite, additional bedroom, and ample storage, this layout works well for long-term guests or tenants.

Popular Use Cases:

• In-Law Suite: The layout is perfect for providing family members with independent living quarters near the main home. Read more about multigenerational living.
• Guest House: The spacious great room, en suite bedrooms, and optional outdoor access make this ADU an inviting option for guests.
• Rental Property: This layout offers privacy and amenities ideal for long-term tenants. With ample square footage, this plan can easily accommodate a small family. Read more about renting your ADU.
• Home Office or Creative Space: Use the guest suite as a home office, studio, or hobby room while maintaining living space in the primary suite.

A 1200 sqft ADU combines spacious living, privacy, and functionality in a well-designed floor plan. SnapADU offers custom options and expert ADU guidance to help you create a home that fits your lifestyle and maximizes your property’s potential.