Del Mar, CA

Three Generations, One Del Mar Home

Winner, 2026 NARI Remodeler of the Year, Regional, Entire House $750,000 and Over. A whole-home remodel and addition that opened a single-story ranch to its backyard and added an attached ADU, so Mom could live close by on her own terms. We expanded the home into one open great room under a vaulted, beamed ceiling, added a complete ADU with its own kitchen, laundry and a curbless, accessible shower, and connected both homes to a shared deck, fire pit patio and spa. Planning an ADU for a parent? Start with our San Diego ADU Guide, or see how we designed a two-story ADU and garage addition in Kensington.

Concrete patio with a white linear gas fire pit and four black Adirondack chairs, facing a pergola-covered deck and open folding doors into the great room

Backyard with fire pit patio, covered deck dining, spa, lawn and a horizontal slat privacy fence lined with plantings

Open great room with sectional sofa, beamed vaulted ceiling and folding doors open to the deck, with the kitchen island and dining area beyond

Kitchen with white shaker upper cabinets, charcoal lowers, white glazed subway tile, professional-style range with stainless hood and quartz island with sink and seating

Linear gas fireplace with black surround and floating stained wood mantel, wall-mounted TV above

Living room looking toward black double entry doors with a transom, beamed ceiling and fireplace wall

Questions families ask about ADUs

Can we add an ADU for a parent at our San Diego home?

In most cases, yes. California law allows an accessory dwelling unit on most single-family lots, and many lots can also add a junior ADU (California Government Code Section 66314 and following). Size, setbacks, parking and fees depend on your lot and on the city reviewing the plans, such as the City of San Diego or the City of Del Mar. We review those details with you before design starts.

Should an ADU for a parent be attached or detached?

An attached ADU shares a wall with the main house, which keeps family close and often simplifies utility connections. A detached ADU offers more separation. The right choice depends on your lot, how much independence your parent wants, and how the family plans to use the yard.

Do you handle design, permits and construction together?

Yes. Our architectural designers, interior designers, estimators and construction team are all in-house, so one accountable team carries your project from the first conversation through the final walkthrough.

Ready to start the conversation?

Contact Murray Lampert