The average price to build a 700 square foot, two-bedroom ADU like the Almond in San Diego typically ranges between $250,000 and $325,000, depending on design selections, site conditions, and materials. As an accessory dwelling unit, the Almond offers exceptional value by maximizing living space within compact maximum sizes allowed under local regulations. Homeowners can also explore various financing options—including renovation loans, home equity lines, and specialized ADU loan programs—to make building more affordable. Thanks to its efficient layout and strong rental potential, the Almond represents one of the smartest investments you can make in a two-bedroom ADU.

When building a 700 sq ft ADU—like the Almond—in San Diego County, it’s important to follow specific city regulations and code compliance standards. As an ADU type that falls under California's 4-foot requirement, detached backyard homes must maintain a minimum 4-foot setback from side and rear property lines. Units under 800 sq ft also benefit from state exemptions, meaning they often qualify for waived impact fees. City planners require that your ADU complements the main residence in design, and the ADU size must stay within allowable maximums. Working with ADU experts like Better Place Design & Build ensures that every aspect of your project—from setbacks to final finishes—is fully compliant and optimized for your property.

Absolutely. A 700 sq ft Additional Dwelling Unit like the Almond is designed with a balanced layout that maximizes the availability of space without sacrificing comfort. Thanks to smart planning, the Almond comfortably fits two private bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a functional kitchen that flows into an open-concept living and dining area. It’s a bedroom residence perfect for multigenerational living, rental income, or guest accommodations—all within an efficient, thoughtfully crafted design.

Yes! A 2-bedroom ADU house like the Almond is an excellent option for generating extra income. With 1-2 bedrooms, it appeals to a wider range of tenants, including small families, roommates, and short-term vacation renters. Compared to smaller secondary housing units, the Almond’s layout feels more like a full-sized home, allowing you to command higher rental rates and attract long-term tenants looking for more space and comfort.

Building a two-bedroom house like the Almond—designed as a flexible living space—typically takes about 6–9 months from initial feasibility to move-in. This ballpark estimate includes the full design, permitting, and construction process. By working with ADU experts like Better Place Design & Build, you benefit from a streamlined, turnkey approach that minimizes delays. We offer both build-ready and semi-custom options, giving you flexibility based on your timeline and budget while maintaining a high standard of quality. With our team, the average construction time stays efficient and predictable, ensuring a smooth journey to your new ADU.

If you're working with budget constraints, using pre-made plans might seem appealing because they offer faster approvals and lower amounts on design fees. However, for a functional two-bedroom ADU like the Almond, a custom plan typically delivers better results. Custom designs are tailored to your lot, lifestyle, and long-term goals, making them ideal for comfortable long-term use. While pre-approved designs can work in certain situations, choosing from a broader array of designs or creating a custom layout ensures your ADU becomes an attractive option for future renters, resale, or personal enjoyment. Plus, with Better Place Design & Build, the average construction time remains efficient whether you choose a custom or semi-custom plan.

Absolutely! The Almond’s smart ADU design is perfect for multi-generational living, offering space for family members like aging parents, adult children, or long-term guests who need privacy while staying close. With separate bedrooms and an efficient open-concept layout, it provides the right balance of independence and togetherness. In today's housing crisis, adding a backyard ADU creates essential flexibility and cost savings, helping families stay connected without sacrificing comfort. Plus, with a variety of layouts available and careful use of backyard space, the Almond is a versatile solution that grows with your family's needs.

Yes! With building dimensions of approximately 25′ 7″ × 27′ 5″, the Almond offers a basic floor design that allows for seamless integration onto many standard residential lots. Its compact yet efficient footprint preserves valuable backyard space while still providing all the essentials for comfortable living. Thoughtfully crafted architectural layouts ensure that even smaller properties can accommodate this two-bedroom ADU without feeling cramped, making it a smart solution for homeowners looking to expand without overwhelming their lot.

For detached residential properties like the Almond ADU, separate utility connections for water, sewer, and electricity are often required. Fortunately, cost factors such as connection fees are scaled to the unit's size, helping homeowners manage budget constraints. Our team ensures a smooth process by handling all permitting, inspections, and code compliance. The Almond’s efficient floor plan design—featuring a bathroom with shower and unit laundry—strikes a smart balance of comfort and practicality, offering strong long-term value without overwhelming installation costs.

Yes! The Almond is designed to meet and exceed modern code requirements for energy efficiency, making it an affordable option for homeowners focused on sustainability and long-term savings. Its compact footprint supports the use of energy-efficient appliances, high-performance insulation, and smart home technology, all of which help lower utility bills. We also offer options for solar panel integration, further reducing your carbon footprint while enhancing the Almond’s eco-friendly and cost-effective appeal.

A two-bedroom, one-bath ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) typically ranges from 600 to 900 square feet, depending on the layout and design. At 700 square feet, like the Almond floor plan, you get a highly efficient setup that comfortably accommodates two bedrooms, a bathroom, a full kitchen, living area, and even a laundry nook. This size strikes a perfect balance between space efficiency and livability, fitting well on most urban and suburban properties.

In a smart design like the Almond’s, a 12x12 room (144 square feet) offers enough additional space for a comfortable setup. Typically, you can fit one queen-sized bed with room for essentials like nightstands or a small dresser, creating spacious bedrooms ideal for long-term living. If you prefer a shared arrangement, two twin beds can also fit, though the layout would be tighter. Whether you're designing an extra bedroom for guests or dreaming of a bedroom with deck access in a custom ADU layout, a 12x12 space provides excellent flexibility without feeling cramped.

For a truly comfortable living space, a two-person bedroom should ideally range between 120 to 150 square feet, similar to what you’ll find in many average homes. This size easily accommodates a queen or king bed, nightstands, and possibly a dresser or small desk, allowing for ease of movement and smart storage. In ADUs like the Almond, thoughtful design creates a balance of style and functionality, maximizing comfort without wasting valuable square footage. Plus, all layouts are planned with local zoning regulations in mind, ensuring bedrooms meet both space and code standards.

In San Diego County and much of California, a detached guest house or ADU must maintain a minimum 4-foot setback from side and rear property lines to comply with building codes. The distance from your main house for privacy often depends on local zoning requirements, fire safety standards, and utility access needs. In most cases, an ADU can be built relatively close to the primary home while still preserving compact space for landscaping and maintenance access. Whether you're adding additional living space or maximizing a smaller lot, securing a building permit is essential, and our team at Better Place Design & Build manages the entire process to ensure full compliance and a smooth experience.

Saving money on an ADU project comes down to smart planning and design choices. You can reduce costs by building a smaller footprint (like a 700 sq ft, 2-bedroom unit), keeping the design simple, minimizing custom structural changes, selecting cost-effective materials that still offer durability, and using an experienced design-build team that streamlines the process. Additionally, taking advantage of state incentives like waived impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft in California can save thousands. Better Place Design & Build specializes in helping homeowners maximize their budget while delivering a high-quality, high-value finished product.