
800 sqft ADU floor plans
An 800 sq ft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) blends comfort and efficiency, easily accommodating two bedrooms or a spacious one-bedroom layout with a master suite, hall bath, and open-concept kitchen. Ideal for multigenerational living, guests, or rental use, this size maximizes flexibility without high construction costs.

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.
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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.
Large Floor Plans 7 results
Medium Floor Plans 8 results
Small Floor Plans 8 results
Compact Floor Plans 12 results
Designed to do more
800 sq ft ADU floor plans
With enough room for two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a functional living room, 800 sq ft ADUs offer a smart mix of livability and flexibility. Whether you're building for multigenerational living, rental income, or a personal retreat, this size adds long-term value while fitting seamlessly into a well-designed Sample Plan.
This size allows you to create a fully self-contained living space without stretching your budget or lot constraints. It’s well-suited to meet San Diego’s ADU regulations and simplifies the building permit and utility plans process, making it easier to move from concept to reality.
Open layouts, smart wall type selection, and ample natural light make the space feel larger than it is. Every area is planned with purpose, combining comfort with low-maintenance space solutions.
Whether you need a second bedroom, a quiet home office, or a kitchen with room to gather, this footprint adapts to your routine. Flexible layouts can accommodate a walk-in wardrobe, extended counters, or multifunctional rooms with smart storage solutions.
Thoughtful design choices—like strategic room placement and private entrances—help balance personal and shared spaces. Natural transitions and outdoor connections create a relaxing retreat without sacrificing usability.
This footprint works within most lots and complies with local building codes and locality regulations, reducing unexpected delays or occasional discrepancies. Orientation can be adjusted to take full advantage of sunlight, views, and yard layout.
800 square feet gives you just what you need—nothing more, nothing less. With energy-efficient systems, high-quality finishes, and careful planning, this ADU supports low construction time, durability, and long-term heated living comfort.

800 sq ft ADU designs
Why an 800 sq ft ADU is the smart choice
An 800 sq ft Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) balances space, privacy, and versatility—ideal for most San Diego properties. Comfortably fitting two bedrooms, a full kitchen, master suite, and laundry, it’s perfect for family, guests, or rentals, without excessive costs or upkeep. Thoughtful custom designs ensure it feels like a complete home, not just extra space.
Designed for family connection
A comfortable, private home for family, just steps away.Rental-ready layout
Attract quality tenants with two bedrooms and inviting spaces.Room to transition
Perfect as a starter home, downsizing option, or anything in between.A place that’s yours
Create a home office, guest suite, or peaceful retreat designed around you.Boost in home equity
Increase property value with an attractive, functional secondary unit.Flexible for the future
Adapt easily from family use to rental or retirement living.Our Design Approach
Custom vs. Pre-approved plans
Centered on how you live
A custom 800 sq ft ADU gives you complete control over layout, finishes, and features, perfectly matching your lifestyle and daily needs.Built for lasting value
Pre-approved plans simplify permitting, but custom designs offer greater flexibility, personality, and resale potential—boosting long-term value and livability.Made to match your lot
Custom designs align perfectly with your lot’s shape, size, and San Diego regulations, maximizing space and blending seamlessly with your existing home.What’s the ROI for
800 sq ft ADU?
Curious about the return on an 800 sq ft ADU? Our ROI calculator lets you explore how this spacious, versatile unit can boost your rental income, increase your property value, and support your long-term financial goals. It’s a powerful tool to visualize how your ADU can pay off over time. Fast, personalized projections—tailored to your investment strategy.
1,739%
Real Estate
Avg. 6-8%
Stocks
Avg. 5-7%
Savings Account
Avg. 2-4%

A tip from our designer...
Sarah
Interior DesignerTop 800 sq ft ADU layouts
An 800 sq ft ADU provides ideal space for adaptable, comfortable living without excess. These popular floor plans include full kitchens, private bedrooms, and flexible living areas suited for family, rental units, or personal retreats. Each layout prioritizes comfort, practicality, and code compliance—perfectly balancing everyday livability and design quality.
With additional square footage, this 880 sq ft layout offers two private bedrooms and two full baths for extra convenience. Perfect for multigenerational living or extended guest stays, it features an open-concept kitchen and communal space. Designed with comfort and compliance in mind, it also supports elements like fire sprinklers, Energy calculations, and noise control planning. Choose from our Cherry and Mesquite floor plans for a fully tailored experience.
The 845 sq ft plan features two spacious bedrooms and a single bathroom, offering flexibility for daily life or guest stays. Its smart layout includes a bright kitchen and living area, with room for storage and privacy. Designs like this often come in PDF file format, ready for review and permitting. A great option for homeowners focused on functionality and simplicity.
Fit more into less with this 3-bedroom, 1-bath design, all within 830 sq ft—ideal for families or income-producing units. The efficient use of space keeps each bedroom private while the open living area remains welcoming. With careful planning of actual plumbing pipe sizes and layout flow, this plan maximizes every inch. It’s a compact design that lives large.
An 810 sq ft layout can include two well-sized bedrooms and a shared full bath, optimized for couples or smaller households. The kitchen and living room are joined by a central open space, creating flow and functionality. It’s a practical design with easy adaptability. Ideal for those looking to manage sale prices while still achieving everyday comfort.
Our 800 sq ft ADU delivers a smart mix of comfort and privacy with two separate bedrooms and two full bathrooms. It's an excellent layout for roommates, small families, or visiting guests. The open-concept location of heating, air equipment, and central living area create seamless flow throughout the home. Choose from our Alder and Maple floor plans—designed with care by experienced residential building designers.
Build your 800 sq ft ADU with confidence
From first sketch to final inspection, we guide your 800 sq ft ADU project with clarity, care, and craftsmanship—ensuring a stress-free process that brings your goals to life without the guesswork.
1
Explore your vision
We start by understanding how your 800 sq ft ADU will serve your needs—whether that’s rental income, guest space, or a future-ready home—and how to design it for everyday comfort.
2
Personalized design planning
Our team works with you to craft a layout that maximizes space, suits your property, and reflects your lifestyle, down to the last detail.
3
Transparent, detailed proposal
You'll receive a clear, itemized proposal outlining scope, budget, and timeline—so you can move forward with complete confidence and no hidden costs.
4
From plans to keys
We manage everything from permitting to construction, delivering a high-quality 800 sq ft ADU that’s move-in ready—and built for long-term value.
Common questions for 800 sqft ADUs
Got questions about designing or building an 800 sq ft ADU? You're not alone. From layout options and space planning to zoning regulations and construction timelines, these frequently asked questions cover everything you need to know to make informed, confident decisions.
An 800 sqft ADU floor plan is a compact, self-contained living space designed for maximum efficiency and comfort. These layouts typically include 2 to 3 bedrooms, 1 or 2 bathrooms, and open-concept kitchen, living, and dining areas to create a spacious feel. Popular designs feature smart circulation, built-in storage, and dedicated laundry areas. Whether configured in an L-shape or rectangular footprint, they offer a functional solution for multigenerational living, rental income, or guest accommodations. This size strikes a balance between affordability, flexibility, and livability.
Popular 800 sqft ADU floor plans emphasize open-concept layouts that blend kitchen, living, and dining spaces to create a bright, spacious feel. Modern and contemporary designs are common, featuring clean lines, large windows, and minimalist finishes. Two-bedroom family-friendly layouts and one-bedroom retreats are both popular, often with smart storage and dedicated laundry areas. Other sought-after styles include L-shaped configurations, garage conversions, and cozy cottage or farmhouse-inspired designs. Regardless of style, the focus is on functionality, natural light, and flexibility in a compact footprint.
To make the most of 800 sqft, prioritize open-concept layouts, which eliminate unnecessary walls and promote light and flow. Use multi-functional furniture like Murphy beds and storage ottomans, and install built-in or vertical storage to free up floor space. Opt for compact kitchens with islands that double as prep and dining areas, and reduce dead space by minimizing hallways and using pocket doors. Incorporating large windows or outdoor extensions like patios also helps visually and functionally expand the space.
A well-designed 800 sqft ADU should include 1–2 private bedrooms, at least one full bathroom, and an open-concept living and dining area to enhance space and light. A functional kitchen with modern appliances and ample storage is essential, along with in-unit laundry and efficient entry or mudroom space. Key features like built-in storage, natural light, outdoor access, and flexible-use rooms (e.g., office or guest area) add livability. Smart design touches like minimal hallways, pocket doors, and multi-use furniture help maximize comfort and efficiency.
Zoning regulations in San Diego County are ADU-friendly, especially for units up to 800 sqft. These ADUs are exempt from lot coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), and open space rules, offering greater design freedom. Minimum setbacks are just 4 ft on the sides and rear, and front setbacks can't be used to block construction. Height, fire safety, and coastal zone rules may still apply, but no parking is required in most cases. These relaxed regulations are intended to simplify and encourage the development of modest-sized ADUs.
An 800 square foot floor plan typically fits 2 bedrooms comfortably, along with a bathroom, kitchen, and open living space. This layout offers a good balance between privacy and livability. While 3-bedroom options do exist, they often require smaller rooms and tighter layouts, which can reduce comfort. For most homeowners, 2 bedrooms is the ideal fit for function and space efficiency in an ADU or small home.
No, 800 square feet is generally comfortable for two people. It typically allows for a private bedroom (or two), a full kitchen, bathroom, and open living space. With smart design and storage, it offers enough room for daily living, relaxation, and even a small office or hobby area. While not expansive, it strikes a practical balance between comfort, efficiency, and affordability for couples or roommates.
For everyday residential living, 2 to 4 people can comfortably live in an 800 sqft space, depending on the layout. This size is ideal for couples or small families, offering enough room for bedrooms, a kitchen, living area, and bath. While fire codes may allow up to 16 people short-term based on occupancy load standards, that’s not practical for daily living. For ADUs and small homes, 2 people is the most common and functional fit.
Building an 800 sqft house typically takes 7 to 12 months, depending on design complexity, site conditions, permits, weather, and material availability. Simpler, single-story designs tend to finish faster, while custom or intricate builds may take longer. The timeline includes foundational work, framing, utilities, interior finishes, and inspections. Delays can occur due to permit issues or owner changes. Overall, it's faster than building a larger home but still requires careful planning.
An 800 square foot space typically feels like a compact, thoughtfully designed home with 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area. Common dimensions like 20 ft x 40 ft offer enough room for essential living zones while maintaining a cozy footprint. Features often include built-in storage, modern appliances, and minimal hallways to enhance flow and functionality. It’s larger than a studio or tiny home but smaller than a full-size house—ideal for two people. With smart design, it feels open, efficient, and comfortably livable.