Answers.
Not pitch decks.
The ten questions every San Diego homeowner asks us before they decide to build. If yours isn't here, pick up the phone.
01 How much does an ADU cost in San Diego?
Most detached ADUs in San Diego County land between $175,000 and $450,000 all-in (design, permits, construction) for 500–1,200 square feet. Garage conversions typically run $105,000–$250,000. Your ADU Property Potential Report gives you a real, lot-specific number within two weeks.
02 How long does the whole process take?
From the day we sign to the day you get keys, plan on 12–24 months. Roughly: 2 weeks for the property report, 1 month for design, 6–12 months for permits (the city owns this clock), and 4–8 months for construction.
03 Can I build an ADU on my property?
If you own a single-family lot in California, the answer is almost always yes — state ADU law is very homeowner-friendly. The harder question is how big, how many, and what’s actually profitable. That’s the report.
04 How many ADUs can I build on one lot?
Under current California law, most single-family lots in SD County can add one ADU plus one Junior ADU, and many qualify for up to four total units through state density bonus provisions. We screen for this in the Property Feasibility Analysis.
05 Do you handle the permits?
Yes — end to end. Plan sets, submissions, corrections, structural engineering, school fees, utility coordination. Our permit team has personal working relationships with every major SD County jurisdiction.
06 What financing options exist for ADUs?
HELOC, cash-out refi, construction-to-permanent loans, DSCR investor loans, and several state and local ADU grant programs. We introduce every client to three to four vetted lenders who specialize in ADU construction.
07 Can I live in my ADU and rent out the main house?
Yes. California ADU law does not require you to occupy either structure — you can live in the ADU and rent the house, rent both, or keep one for family. Occupancy rules changed statewide in 2020.
08 Do you build ADUs outside of San Diego County?
We focus on San Diego County end-to-end because local permit expertise is the biggest hidden cost in an ADU. For projects in Orange or Riverside County, contact us and we’ll tell you honestly whether we’re the right fit.
09 What’s the ROI on a typical San Diego ADU?
Most of our completed ADUs cash-flow at an 8–12% cap rate on construction cost and add 1.2–1.5x of their build cost in property value. Your Property Potential Report gives you real numbers for your specific lot.
10 Is ADU PALS licensed and insured?
Yes. ADU PALS operates under a California CSLB Licensed B General Contractor license, carries full general liability and workers’ comp, and provides a one-year construction warranty on every build.
Talk to a real ADU strategist.
We answer the phone. We reply to email. We even do text.