700 Sq Ft ADU in Vista for Mother & Daughter
Hilo Drive, Vista, CA 92081
Homeowner Story: House younger family
This project features a customized 700 sq ft ADU built in Vista, CA, designed for a daughter to live nearby her mother. Originally, the homeowner chose to expand a 500 sq ft plan into a larger 700 sqft layout, allowing for more space in the bedroom and additional storage options. The result is a functional and inviting one-bedroom unit, perfect for a single occupant looking for extra room.
Why Choose a 700 Sq Ft ADU?
Opting for a 700 sq ft ADU can be a smart decision for homeowners for several reasons. First, staying under 750 sq ft can help you avoid impact fees in many jurisdictions, saving thousands of dollars during the permitting process. This size is perfect for adding a comfortable living space while keeping construction costs in check. Additionally, a 700 sqft ADU provides enough space to create a spacious layout, including two bedrooms and a comfortable living area. It’s a practical choice that maximizes value while minimizing costs.
A Well-Designed 700 Sq Ft Home
This 700 sq ft home was designed with an eye for detail. The ADU features a thoughtfully laid-out floor plan with two equal-sized bedrooms, each providing ample space and privacy. A sliding door in the kitchen allows for easy access to the outdoor area, creating an indoor-outdoor flow that makes the space feel larger than its square footage suggests. The large clerestory windows in the living room and bedrooms flood the home with natural light, adding to the airy, open feel of this compact unit.
Custom Touches for Enhanced Living
Customizing this 700 sqft ADU allowed the homeowner to tailor the space to their needs. For instance, they opted for a larger bathroom and added a kitchen island, creating a central gathering spot for family meals and entertainment. These custom touches helped create a unique and inviting living space, offering all the comforts of a full-sized home within a smaller footprint.
Functional ADU Kitchen Ideas for 700 Sq Ft Homes
In smaller ADUs like this one, the kitchen layout plays a significant role in the overall functionality of the home. The kitchen in this 700 sqft ADU was designed to maximize space while offering modern amenities. Custom cabinetry, a large island, and energy-efficient appliances create a kitchen that’s both practical and stylish. Homeowners can explore our ADU kitchen ideas and gallery for inspiration when designing their own compact cooking spaces.
Balancing Cost and Comfort in a 700 Sq Ft ADU
The cost to build a 700 sq ft ADU can vary depending on factors like site conditions, finishes, and design customizations. Staying below 750 sqft helps keep costs manageable by avoiding impact fees, making a 700 sq ft ADU an appealing choice for those looking to add value to their property without overspending. SnapADU’s detailed Feasibility Report helped the homeowner budget effectively, providing a clear picture of the expected all-in costs before construction began. Learn more about ADU costs.
Building a 700 Sq Ft ADU in San Diego
For homeowners in San Diego, building a 700 sq ft ADU can be a practical way to add living space without the complexity of larger builds. This size strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, making it possible to create a comfortable, modern home in a compact footprint. SnapADU specializes in helping homeowners navigate the permitting and design process, ensuring that every project meets local ADU requirements while reflecting the client’s vision.
Prefab vs. Custom: Which Is Right for Your 700 Sq Ft ADU?
For those considering prefab options, a 700 sq ft prefab ADU can offer a faster timeline compared to traditional construction. However, custom ADUs, like this project in Vista, provide flexibility to tailor the design to your unique needs. While prefab solutions might reduce some initial costs, custom ADUs allow for adjustments that can make a big difference in daily living, like expanded bedrooms or larger kitchens. Learn more about the differences between prefab ADUs and custom builds to find the best fit for your project.
Advice for Homeowners Planning a 700 Sq Ft ADU
If you’re thinking about adding a 700 sq ft ADU to your property, here are a few tips based on our experience with this project:
- Start with a Feasibility Study: This will help you understand any site-specific challenges and give you a better sense of overall costs. Read more about ADU feasibility studies.
- Plan for Landscaping: While the ADU itself is a priority, don’t forget to budget for any landscaping or outdoor space enhancements. A small patio or garden can add significant value to the overall project.
- Design for Flexibility: Consider adding features like sliding doors or a kitchen island that can adapt to changing needs over time. Read 5 Steps to Design a Perfect ADU.
Adding a 700 sqft ADU can be a rewarding way to create additional living space for family, generate rental income, or simply enhance your property’s value. Read the homeowner’s full interview about how she decided to build an ADU and what it was like working with SnapADU. Read more about the benefits of ADUs.
Floor Plan:
1BR/1BA 24×29 Square
Community:
The Vista ADU Guide
SnapADU has permitted numerous projects within the city, and we know Vista’s regulations and processes very well. Turnaround times at the city are extremely fast. But homeowners should anticipate higher permit fees (closer to $16-20/sqft for larger units), as plan check, building permit, and impact fees are not waived for ADUs >750 sqft (impact fees will be proportional to the size of the primary dwelling). To balance this, Vista does offer a fee waiver program for qualified ADUs (either for caregivers or low income).
Vista requires in-person submissions which does add some processing expense. Also, soils reports are generally required for ADUs, as well as storm water mitigation.