The landscape of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in California is continually evolving, with new state and local legislation frequently shaping how these structures can be designed and built. One of the latest developments is California Assembly Bill 1033 (AB 1033), a...
ADU Resources from SnapADU
Guides & Process
Navigate every phase of your project, from ideation to completion, using our comprehensive ADU guides. Each article is designed to simplify complex steps, as we know the ADU process in and out. Read all our top tips in our comprehensive ADU guides on planning, design, permitting and construction.
Two Story ADUs in San Diego: A Complete Guide
The new wave of accessory dwelling units popping up in Southern California neighborhoods continues to captivate the attention of homeowners and renters alike. However, the build process just got more interesting, as two story ADUs have increased in popularity in...
Why You Need an Experienced ADU Builder
How ADU builders overcome costly roadblocks by navigating regulations & unforeseen issues. ADUs are not like other construction projects.
Guide to San Diego’s Pre-Approved ADU Plans
You may have heard that San Diego County, as well as the City of Encinitas, Carlsbad, and others are making floor plans for accessory dwelling unit (also known as ADUs, guest houses, second units, casitas, granny flats) available to the public. Read on to decide if...
ADU Pricing in San Diego – What you need to know
If you made it this far, it is safe you assume you are seriously considering adding an accessory dwelling unit onto your property. And, like any responsible property owner, you are probably pretty curious about how this decision will affect you financially. There are...
How Long Does it Take to Build an ADU?
Time is money, so it's important to understand how long the whole process to design, permit and build an accessory dwelling unit will take. There are three phases that contribute to the timeline, and each phase has variables based on the city, ADU size & design,...
What it was like deciding to build an ADU
We know that many homeowners wonder what it's like to actually build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Who else is building them? When and how do they decide to take the plunge and move forward? What is the actual experience like? To get some answers, we were...
How To Build an ADU: A Complete Guide to ADU Construction
Building a guest house or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are secondary units that can be built on residential properties, providing an excellent opportunity for homeowners to increase their property value and generate rental income....
Planning for a Pool Alongside Your ADU
This article is for you if you are considering the addition of a poolside accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a pool house to commune and snack, or just a simple structure for flexible storage or entertainment space. Regardless of the use, there are a number of...
What to Consider When Downsizing to an ADU
If you have followed local legislation in recent years, you have seen numerous examples of how California is moving to be more of an ADU-friendly state. Things like fee waivers, owner occupancy requirements, and even a recent bonus program all serve to entice...
Complete Guide to Renting Your ADU in San Diego
Are you a homeowner looking for additional rental income? Perhaps you’re thinking about adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property so that you have additional space to rent out for income. You may want to rent the ADU out immediately, or down the road...
ADU Guide for Family Members
So you've decided to build an accessory dwelling unit in your back yard for a family member. Fantastic! Read on for important financial, legal & logistical questions to consider as you think about how to move forward with building your new granny flat. 1. What are...
How to Find ADU Builders: What to look for in a contractor?
We hear a lot of questions from homeowners who are hesitant about starting their accessory dwelling unit project because they don’t know what to expect working with a contractor. Or worse, they had a negative experience in the past and are now worried about finding...
SnapADU 2021: Year In Review
See what SnapADU has been up to in 2021 in this 4 min video covering highlights of press coverage, design packages, best-in-class processes, client reviews, and fun facts.
Snap ADU 101: Interview with Co-Founder Whitney Hill
In this interview, Whitney Hill discusses how we’re making it a snap to build an accessory dwelling unit in San Diego. Hear about the pros and cons of standard plans, what it costs to build an ADU, how technology is making it faster and more seamless to build,...
Do You Trust Your Builder?
Investing in an ADU on your property can be an exciting, even life-changing decision. It can also be a daunting and stressful decision. There is a lot at stake financially, and plenty of considerations to keep you up at night. Will my vision come to life? Will my...
ADU Project Management with Buildertrend
You can track the status of your Domino's pizza order from the moment Jonathan starts making it, to the moment the piping hot pie is ready for pickup. It's only a $15 purchase, but that's the communication we expect in today's world. When you spend tens of thousands...