Service Guide
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
A practical guide for homeowners considering a detached or attached ADU in San Diego.
What an ADU Solves for Homeowners
An ADU gives you flexible usable space without buying a second property. Many homeowners use ADUs for rental income, multigenerational living, long-term guest space, or future downsizing options. The biggest value is adaptability: you can use the same structure differently over time as family and financial needs change.
From a planning perspective, ADUs are most successful when designed for long-term function, not only short-term cost savings. Layout efficiency, natural light, storage, and utility design all matter because small spaces are less forgiving than large homes when decisions are rushed.
Design and Planning Priorities
Before permit drawings start, homeowners should align on purpose, budget range, and timeline expectations. If the ADU is primarily for rental income, durability and maintenance costs become major design drivers. If it is for family occupancy, accessibility, privacy, and daily comfort should guide the floor plan.
Site conditions also drive cost and complexity. Access paths, existing utilities, slope, and distances from main service connections can significantly influence mechanical and electrical scope. Addressing these constraints early prevents redesigns later.
Permits, Code, and Utility Coordination
ADU approvals are not just about floor plans. They involve zoning allowances, life safety standards, energy code, utility connections, and inspection sequencing. A professional construction plan must account for each approval stage so the build sequence stays compliant and predictable.
In San Diego, homeowners should review official city and state resources early. Understanding local requirements upfront helps avoid scope changes after plan submittal.
Budget Clarity and Transparency
ADU projects should be quoted with clear scope boundaries and documented assumptions. Transparency means every major cost category is visible: structural work, utility upgrades, finishes, permitting, and contingency items. It also means change orders are discussed before any extra work is performed.
At Alpha Advantage, our approach is straightforward: no hidden fees, detailed written quotes, and proactive communication whenever scope changes affect cost or schedule.