Licensed general contractor serving greater San Diego

Design, permit and build your ADU.

Looking for an all-in-one solution to ensure your accessory dwelling unit project is a success? SnapADU is known for making the process transparent and predictable, with in-house design, ADU regulation acumen, permit expediting, and real-world building experience… all under one roof for you. We’d love to make it a snap for you to build an ADU.
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ADUs completed & in progress

SnapADU employees

Full accountability. ADU expertise. Proven results.

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 builders, we anticipate pitfalls that less seasoned or less integrated teams will miss. And the volume of ADU jobs we handle means we have an incredible amount of expertise that we are excited to bring to your project.

We’re 100% focused on being the best ADU builders in San Diego County.

Serving homeowners like you.

Property owners in San Diego build accessory dwelling units for all kinds of fantastic reasons.
Why are you going to build an ADU?
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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?

You may be wondering if you should start with an ADU consultant, designer, architect, general contractor or ADU builder for your guest house project. In any of those scenarios, you will have to assemble a team, which may or may not work cohesively.

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 project must be a success and run as quickly as possible.

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.

Can you build an ADU on your property? What will it realistically cost? We evaluate your lot, utilities, fire access, and zoning upfront so you get a clear budget range and timeline before moving forward.
ADU COSTS

We create build-ready architectural plans tailored to your lot and budget. Start from one of our pre-approved floor plans to maximize efficiency, or customize ADU house plans with our in-house team.
ADU PLANS

We prepare all plans and paperwork for submission to the municipality. Our own employees handle agency coordination to move your project efficiently through the plan check and permitting processes.
ADU REGULATIONS

Our curated interior & exterior 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

As a licensed general contractor specializing in detached ADUs, we manage construction from mobilization to final inspection with defined timelines, cost predictability, and dependable warranty support.
BUILD PROCESS

Structured processes and real-time visibility keep your project moving from design through build. Access the current schedule, documents, photos, approvals, and invoices through our online portal.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

We work with lenders who focus exclusively on ADU loans and who have vetted us as an approved ADU general contractor. We ensure you have the documentation you need to get funding for your casita.
FINANCING

Building to rent? We help you design for long-term value, based on what has worked across 100+ ADU builds in San Diego. Read how to plan for the best ADU design build to maximize rent potential.
ADU RENTAL GUIDE

Looking to buy a property and build an additional unit? Our ADU services in San Diego include assessing realistic construction costs so you can make informed decisions and plan your ADU with confidence.
ADU Investments

COVERAGE

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, Fallbrook, La Mesa, El Cajon, Vista, Chula Vista, Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Bernardo, 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 drafters ensure your floor plan & elevations work with the rest of your property constraints and can be permitted with the city.

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Featured 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? 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 Design 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

FROM OUR BLOG

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 contractor, or something in between. Snap ADU has also been named to the top ADU builders in San Diego. Accessory dwelling units are an exciting opportunity for homeowners and we’re excited to be part of this new wave of housing.

Who We Are

We are Accessory Dwelling Unit 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 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 nearly 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.