Sumac
985 SQFT, 2 BED, 2 BATH
Sumac
985 SQFT, 2 BED, 2 BATH
Starting from: $340,000
Free modifications to match your needs!
Price Includes:
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Design
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Permit
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Build
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Finish Materials
2 Bedrooms
2 Baths
Square
985 SQFT
26'-2" x 37'-9"
1 Story

Customize any design to suit your individual needs.
Adjustment options available for your perfect ADU.
In-house designers will adapt any layout to your exact requirements.
Plan Description
The Sumac floor plan is a standout among 2 bedroom ADU floor plans, offering a modern 985 sq ft layout tailored for versatility and privacy. Designed with two separate bedroom wings—each with its own bath—the...Estimate your ROI on the Sumac ADU
Curious how much value the Sumac ADU can add to your property? Use our ROI Calculator to estimate your potential return based on real San Diego market data. Whether you plan to rent it out, host family, or increase resale value, this 985 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 bath unit offers a compelling financial case.
1,739%
Real Estate
Avg. 6-8%
Stocks
Avg. 5-7%
Savings Account
Avg. 2-4%

A tip from our designer…
Sarah
Interior DesignerHomeowners love this layout
The big benefits of a 985 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 bath ADU
This mid-sized ADU floor plan delivers a perfect mix of comfort, flexibility, and long-term value. Whether you’re planning for rental income, multigenerational living, or simply boosting your property’s potential, a 985 sq ft ADU offers one of the highest returns on space—and investment.
A 2 bedroom, 2 bath ADU like the Sumac can increase your property value by $300,000 to $500,000—far outweighing the construction cost. This layout offers full independent living, making it especially attractive to future buyers and appraisers.
With two bedrooms and two baths, this ADU is a top choice for long-term or short-term rental income. It appeals to families, professionals, and roommates—helping you generate passive income that can offset your mortgage or boost your savings.
This layout is ideal for hosting aging parents, adult children, or extended family. Two separate bedroom wings and full bathrooms offer comfort and privacy for everyone—fostering connection without sacrificing independence.
Need a home office, creative studio, or guest suite? The second bedroom in this ADU easily adapts to your lifestyle. Over time, the space can transition with your needs, from personal use to income generation or family housing.
At 985 sq ft, this ADU is the perfect blend of efficient use of space and livable comfort. The open floor plan, private bedroom layout, and modern storage features make it feel bigger than it is—without the high costs of a larger build.
Smaller footprint, smarter impact. A 985 sq ft ADU uses fewer materials, consumes less energy, and aligns with California’s sustainability goals. It’s better for the environment—and your long-term utility bills.
Designed for Your Life
Custom ADU floor plans deliver more value
Tailored to your lifestyle
Pre-approved ADU plans may be fast, but they’re often one-size-fits-all. With a custom ADU design, every square foot is crafted around how you live—whether that means a quiet home office, aging-in-place features, or an open layout perfect for entertaining.Smarter use of space
Custom ADU plans allow us to optimize your layout for your unique lot conditions, privacy needs, and sun exposure. We’ll incorporate smart storage, efficient flow, and future-proof features that you simply can’t get from a cookie-cutter design.Higher ROI & flexibility
Custom designs don’t just feel better—they perform better. A thoughtfully planned ADU is more attractive to renters, more livable for family, and adds more long-term value to your property. It adapts as your needs evolve.
Plan Smart, Build Right
What to know about San Diego ADU regulations
Building a 985 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath ADU in San Diego County is not only possible—it’s a smart investment. This ADU size falls comfortably within California and local zoning limits, allowing you to unlock your property’s potential without facing major permitting hurdles.
Maximum ADU size
Detached ADUs may be built up to 1,200 sq. ft. in San Diego County.Zoning eligibility
Single-family, multifamily, mixed-use lots (multifamily rules apply).Owner-occupancy optional
San Diego County does not require owner occupancy for ADUs.Height limit – 24 feet
Can have a maximum height of 24 feet on single-family lots.Setback requirements
4-ft side/rear (conversions exempt); front per zoning (≤800 sq ft may encroach).Streamlined permitting
Reviews completed ADU permits within 60 days.Flexible by Design
Smart uses for a 985 sq ft, 2 bedroom, 2 bath ADU

Rental income generator
This ADU is ideal for long-term or short-term rentals, offering enough space for families, professionals, or roommates. Two bathrooms increase appeal and allow for premium rental rates in San Diego’s competitive market.
Multigenerational living
With a split-bedroom layout and two full baths, this floor plan is perfect for aging parents, adult children, or extended family—supporting privacy and independence under one roof.
Work-from-home haven
Turn the second bedroom into a private home office or studio space. With its own bath nearby and separation from the main living space, it’s an ideal productivity zone.
Future-proof flexibility
As your lifestyle evolves, so can your ADU. Use it now as a guest house or home office—then convert it into a rental or family unit later. The layout adapts to meet your long-term needs.
Your path to a 985 sq ft, 2 bed, 2-bath ADU
We make building your 985 sq ft, 2-bedroom, 2-bath ADU simple by managing every step—from your first consultation to move-in day. With Better Place Design & Build, you get a streamlined, stress-free experience tailored to your property, your needs, and your lifestyle.
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Discovery chat
Share your vision, goals, and how you plan to use your ADU—whether for family, rental income, or a flexible living space. We’ll assess your lot, budget, and lifestyle to recommend the right approach for your 2-bedroom ADU.
2
Design & planning
Our expert design team works with you to customize the Sumac floor plan, including options like a walk-in closet, dual suites, and open-concept living. You’ll see your future space in 3D and select finishes that reflect your style.
3
Plans & permitting
We create detailed plans that meet local codes and align with your goals. Our team manages the entire permitting process with San Diego County, ensuring your 985 sq ft ADU is fully compliant and ready to build.
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Build & completion
From utility work and foundation to final finishes, our experienced builders bring your ADU to life with precision and care. We manage every detail—so all you have to do is get ready to enjoy your new space.
VIEW IN 3D
You can explore the floor plan in VR!
Experience your ADU design in VR at our office. See and explore your plan in a virtual space with us, not just online.

FAQs about 985 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 bath ADUs
If you're considering building a 985 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 bath ADU like the Sumac, you probably have questions—about cost, regulations, usage, and more. Below are the top questions we hear from San Diego homeowners researching this smart, versatile floor plan.
Construction costs typically range from $350 to $600 per square foot, depending on finishes and site conditions. For a 985 sq ft unit, expect a ballpark investment of $340,000–$590,000, including design, permitting, and construction.
Yes. San Diego County allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, so this size is well within the limit. You’ll need to meet zoning and setback requirements, but the Sumac is designed to be fully compliant.
Absolutely. This layout is highly desirable for long-term rentals (30+ days), thanks to its two private bedrooms and full baths. It’s ideal for small families, professionals, or roommates seeking stable, comfortable living arrangements.
This floor plan is great for multigenerational living, passive rental income, home offices, or downsizing. Many clients use it to house parents, adult children, or even as their own home while renting out the main residence.
Yes—significantly. A 985 sq ft ADU can boost your property value by approximately $300,000 to $500,000, depending on your location, architectural styles, and build quality. Additionally, it provides opportunities for bedroom rental, creating potential for additional income that further strengthens your investment.
Yes. With its balanced layout and compact dimensions (approximately 37′ 9″ × 26′ 2″), the Sumac easily meets California’s 4-foot requirement, making it ideal for most standard San Diego residential lots. Its thoughtful design ensures efficient availability of space, provides cost savings, and delivers a comfortable, cozier living space without sacrificing functionality or privacy.
In most cases, no. Under California law, parking requirements are waived if your property is within half a mile of public transit or if you're converting an existing structure into separate living space. This flexibility makes an ADU an attractive option and a popular choice for homeowners looking to maximize space on properties of average homes without additional parking constraints.
Yes. We offer custom plans to tailor all aspects of our floor plan designs, including layout modifications, adding an additional bedroom, enhancing space efficiency, and optimizing open-concept living areas. You can select finishes, adjust architectural drawings for compliance with local building codes, and personalize rooms like a spacious kitchen with generous counter space or dedicated dining areas. Our design team ensures plenty of natural light, ample closet space, and seamless functionality customized to your lifestyle.
The average construction time for an accessory dwelling unit design—from planning and the permitting process through construction—is typically 8 to 12 months. Timelines can vary based on site conditions, whether you select custom plans or faster pre-made plans, and how quickly the local building department issues your building permit. Our bundled services streamline approvals, manage coverage regulations, and provide an accurate estimate to help you plan confidently.
Yes—our construction experts manage the entire permitting process, including navigating local zoning regulations and property constraints. As your one-stop shop, we streamline approvals, inspections, and construction, making us an excellent choice for reducing overall construction time. Our comprehensive approach often results in shorter-than-average construction times, with full compliance guaranteed.
The smallest practical accommodation sizes for a two-bedroom ADU generally start around 600 sq ft, though designs as compact as 500 sq ft exist. Most ADU experts recommend between 650 and 800 sq ft to achieve a perfect balance of privacy, storage, and spacious living. When dealing with property constraints, thoughtful layouts become essential to maximize comfort and usability. Always verify local zoning regulations, as some areas have specific minimum space requirements or design guidelines.
Yes, building a 2-story 2 bedroom Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU house) is permitted in many California cities, making it a perfect solution for maximizing limited lot space. Local height regulations usually range between 16 to 24 feet or higher, accommodating two-story designs. Popular layouts often feature a primary bedroom with deck for added appeal. However, these multi-level structures involve additional cost factors, such as increased setbacks, structural requirements, and privacy considerations. Always confirm specific height and zoning rules with your local planning department before starting your project.
Typically, a 1-2 bedroom apartment comfortably houses up to four or five people. A common guideline is the "two-plus-one" rule—two occupants per bedroom plus one additional person—allowing ample space for up to five residents. However, exact limits depend on factors like spacious bedrooms, apartment size, and local housing regulations. In residential properties, including an ADU house, occupancy standards may vary based on specific ADU types, especially if a larger primary bedroom is included. Always confirm with your local housing authority or property manager to ensure compliance.
California zoning laws do not set a minimum lot size requirement for an ADU house, allowing homeowners to pursue an ADU project on almost any property size. While local jurisdictions can't enforce minimum lot sizes, they can still regulate maximum sizes—typically permitting up to a 1,200-square-foot design. Always confirm local code requirements related to setbacks, height, and lot coverage with your city or county planning department.
Two-bedroom accessory dwelling units typically range from 600 to 1,000 sq ft, though California allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Most homeowners opt for compact layouts between 800 and 1,000 sq ft, providing comfortable additional living space with efficient floor plan designs. Our ADU experts offer an array of designs to fit your property, budget, and lifestyle needs. Always verify specific size limits with local regulations.