What would your ADU actually cost?
Answer 10 quick questions and see a realistic investment range — built on current San Diego construction costs. Not a quote. Not a guess. An honest starting point, from the company that guarantees its price in writing.
See My Cost Range →
The number is decided by three things.
Most quotes are built on assumptions. This calculator asks about what actually moves the number — so your range means something.
Size & layout
Bedrooms and square footage set the base. Construction cost scales with every foot — and so does rental income.
Finish level
From clean and functional to full luxury — finishes move the total meaningfully, and the right tier depends on your goal.
Your site
Slope, access, and site conditions are the quiet cost drivers most quotes ignore — and the biggest source of surprise change orders.
What would your ADU cost to build?
Answer 10 questions and see a realistic cost range — built on current San Diego construction costs. Not a quote. Not a guess. An honest starting point — from the company that guarantees its price in writing.
Get your ADU investment range in 3 minutes
Calibrated to San Diego detached ADU construction. No obligation, no spam — just clarity.
Your range appears on screen the moment you finish — we'll email you the full breakdown to keep.
Your information is private and only used by our team.
What's your main goal for the ADU?
This helps us recommend the right size and finish level for your situation.
How many bedrooms?
Bedroom count is one of the largest drivers of both build cost and rental income.
Dial in your target size.
Drag the slider — we'll use this to calibrate your cost range.
One story or two?
A second story fits more living space on a smaller footprint — and adds to structural and framing costs. We price it honestly.
What finish level fits your vision?
Finishes are a significant cost variable — choose the tier that aligns with your goals.
Describe your backyard / lot.
Site conditions affect foundation and grading costs — this helps us stay accurate.
Has your home's existing electrical panel already been upgraded?
We mean the panel on your house today, not the one your ADU will need. Check the main breaker — the number on it (100, 150 or 200) is your panel size. Many San Diego homes need an upgrade, so we price it up front.
Any add-ons you're considering?
Most people skip this. Only pick what you already know you want.
What's your timeline?
No wrong answer here — this helps our team plan the right next step for you.
Your cost range is ready — see it on the next screen.
Your range appears on screen the moment you tap the button — no waiting, no callback needed. We’ll also email you a copy of the full breakdown to keep.
🔒 Private. No sales calls — we only reach out if you ask us to.
Here's your investment range
Calibrated to San Diego detached ADU construction ·
Cost Breakdown
Permits and city fees are not included above — budget roughly $10,000–$20,000 on top.
Why a range — and not one number?
No honest builder can give you an exact price without seeing your property. That's not a pricing problem — it's a process problem.
Two companies price the same ADU $100,000 apart. Both numbers usually change after you sign.
We check everything first — your lot, utilities, access, city requirements. Then one fixed price, guaranteed in writing. It doesn't grow.
Your full cost breakdown is on its way to
Want to know what's actually possible on your property?
A free discovery call goes deeper. We'll look at your property, talk through your goals, and tell you honestly what's possible. No pressure. Just clarity.
Book My Free Discovery Call →300+ five-star reviews · Licensed & Insured · License #1031735
This range is a planning tool based on typical San Diego ADU construction costs. Your real number depends on your site, your design, and your city’s requirements — which is why we check everything about your property before giving you one fixed, protected price.
100+ ADUs. The same experience, every time.
"Better Place Design & Build takes care of everything. They make the process so much smoother. You can actually enjoy seeing your project come to life without the stress."
"I can see why this business has five stars. If you're looking to build an ADU, I can assure you that you will get someone you can trust."
"From start to finish, they demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise. The final result exceeded our wildest dreams."
"Better Place Design & Build is the absolute best choice for a start-to-finish ADU project. If you want a seamless ADU experience, look no further."
Know your number.
Three minutes, eight questions, and a realistic range built on current San Diego construction costs — before you talk to anyone.
See My Cost Range →Prefer to talk it through first? (858) 355-9766