San Diego ADU Contractor

ADUs are more complex than they appear. San Diego’s ministerial ADU approval process sounds straightforward, but navigating setbacks, utility connections, Title 24 energy compliance, and fire separation requirements demands experience from day one. When design and construction are handled by separate parties, problems compound — plans go to bid and costs shift, or a constructability issue surfaces mid-build with no one accountable. Murray Lampert’s architectural designers and project managers work under the same roof. We design your ADU to your budget, set a fixed price before breaking ground, and manage every permit and inspection through to your certificate of occupancy.

ADU costs in San Diego range from roughly $150,000 for a garage conversion to $450,000 or more for a custom detached unit, depending on size, site conditions, and finish level. Junior ADUs converted within existing living space typically fall between $50,000 and $100,000. Timeline from design through certificate of occupancy is typically 10 to 18 months — 2 to 3 months for design, 3 to 6 months for City permitting, and 4 to 9 months for construction. Garage conversions and JADUs move faster. Murray Lampert provides a detailed written investment range during the design phase, before you commit to construction.