The cost to build the Mesquite ADU (880 sq ft, 2-bed, 2-bath) typically ranges from $308,000 to $528,000, depending on factors like site conditions, materials, and customization. This range covers design, permitting, construction, and finishes. Better Place Design & Build offers a comprehensive, property-specific estimate, helping you explore financing and potential rental income—making your ADU a rewarding, strategic investment.

In San Diego County, detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are permitted up to 1,200 sq ft in residential zones. The Mesquite’s 880 sq ft layout comfortably fits these rules, requiring minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks. On single-family lots, detached ADUs may reach up to 24 ft (two storeys); multifamily lots have a 16 ft height limit. Owner occupancy isn't required through Dec 31, 2024 for detached or attached ADUs (JADUs always require it). Additionally, parking may not be required if your property is near public transit. Our plans ensure compliance, simplifying permitting and project approval.

The full construction process for the Mesquite ADU—from initial design to final inspection—typically takes between 9 to 12 months. This timeline includes everything from design customization and permitting to the actual construction of ADUs on your property. At Better Place Design & Build, we streamline every step, eliminating the delays that come with the default construction approach of juggling multiple vendors or navigating city paperwork alone. Drawing from our experience with real projects across San Diego, we ensure a smooth, well-managed process from day one, so your 880-square-foot ADU comes together on time and with minimal stress.

Yes, the Mesquite ADU can be legally rented on residential properties throughout San Diego County. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are fully permitted, making this 2-bedroom, 2-bath ADU ideal for generating steady passive income. Short-term rentals (less than 30 days) are not allowed under current state and county regulations. The Mesquite’s ample living space and flexible floor plan styles attract tenants, offering homeowners reliable rental income alongside full use of their primary residence.

Absolutely. The Mesquite ADU is an excellent choice for multigenerational living, thanks to its thoughtful layout that combines modest design with lots of space where it matters most. With two private bedrooms and two full bathrooms, it offers the perfect blend of connection and privacy—ideal for aging parents, adult children, or long-term guests. This floor plan incorporates creative design elements that maximize comfort and functionality, such as a split-bedroom layout and open-concept common areas, making it easy for multiple generations to live together while still maintaining their own independence.

The Mesquite ADU offers a wide range of customization options, allowing you to personalize both function and style to fit your lifestyle. Want more entertaining space or a dedicated dining space? We can open up the living area or add features like deck access or a chill deck through double doors or glass doors that lead to a rear porch. Inside, choose from modern designs and creative design elements like a kitchen with custom tile, island kitchens perfect for hosting, or a roomy walk-in closet in the primary suite. You can also customize exterior materials to match your main home or make a bold statement. Whether you’re imagining a cozy retreat or a sleek rental unit, the Mesquite can be tailored to match your vision—inside and out.

Yes, the Mesquite ADU adds substantial value to residential properties, both in terms of market appeal and financial return. With its 880-square-foot footprint, 2-bedroom layout, and modern amenities, it significantly boosts resale and appraisal value—especially in competitive markets like San Diego where pre-designed layouts with rental potential are in high demand. Homeowners often see a strong return through long-term equity gains or by creating a stream of income through rental opportunities. While it may slightly increase property taxes, the potential for passive income and added versatility more than offsets the cost. Based on our experience with hundreds of real projects, we know that semi-custom ADUs like the Mesquite are among the smartest ways to build value on your lot.

The Mesquite’s 2BR floor plan offers a significant upgrade in functionality and flexibility compared to a one-bedroom ADU. With two full bedrooms and bathrooms, it creates a much more comfortable living space for a variety of uses—whether it's roommates needing separate sleeping areas, families hosting guests, or professionals looking to convert one room into a home office. This added space not only enhances day-to-day livability but also makes the unit more marketable for rental purposes, giving you greater versatility and long-term value.

Yes, the Mesquite ADU is designed with energy efficiency at its core. As part of our streamlined construction process, we build to meet or exceed California’s Title 24 energy compliance standards—ensuring optimal insulation, efficient appliances, and LED lighting throughout. The practical layout of this 2-bedroom ADU also supports smart energy use by minimizing wasted space and maximizing natural light and ventilation. Whether you choose from our build-ready designs or go with one of our semi-custom options, energy efficiency is always a priority—helping you reduce utility costs and your environmental footprint over time.

Not necessarily. The Mesquite ADU is designed with an efficient 26′ × 34′ footprint, making it ideal for standard-sized residential lots. Whether you're working with a narrow yard or an irregularly shaped property, this compact layout offers impressive flexibility. During our feasibility study, we evaluate your lot’s dimensions, existing utilities, setbacks, and possible foundation options to ensure a proper fit. With both pre-designed layouts and semi-custom options available, we can tailor the ADU to your property’s specific conditions—no oversized lot required.

The cost to build an 800 sq ft ADU typically ranges between $225,000 and $325,000, depending on factors like site conditions, material selections, design complexity, and whether you're building detached or attached. This range includes everything from design and permitting to construction and finishes. High-end finishes, site access issues, or utility upgrades can increase costs. Financing options and rental income potential often help offset the investment.

Not exactly. While "tiny homes" are generally defined as homes under 400 square feet, an 800 sq ft ADU is considered compact but full-sized. It provides enough space for full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, and bathrooms, making it suitable for small families, couples, or roommates. It offers the efficiency of a small home without the extreme minimalism of a true tiny house.

Material requirements for an 800 sq ft ADU can vary based on the design and construction method, but here’s a general overview of what you can expect. Typically, you'll need around 20 to 25 cubic yards of concrete for the footings and slab, and approximately 10,000 to 12,000 board feet of lumber for framing. Most builds of this size include 10 to 15 windows and 2 to 4 exterior doors, along with 15 to 20 squares of roofing material (with one square equaling 100 square feet). Interior finishes generally require 800 to 1,000 square feet of drywall and insulation. Additional materials—such as flooring, cabinetry, fixtures, and siding—will scale proportionally to the ADU's footprint. A comprehensive and tailored materials list is developed during the design and planning phase as part of our all-inclusive service.

A complete ADU floor plan set includes all the essential documents needed to secure permits and begin construction. It typically features detailed architectural drawings—such as the floor plan, elevations, and building sections—along with a site plan that shows the layout of the property and the ADU’s placement. Structural plans cover framing, foundation, and roofing details, while separate layouts are provided for electrical and plumbing systems. For projects in California, Title 24 Energy Compliance documentation is also included to meet state efficiency standards. Additionally, the set comes with material and finish schedules, and permit-ready documentation tailored to your city’s specific requirements. Altogether, this comprehensive set ensures your ADU is fully designed, code-compliant, and ready to build.

An 800 sq ft ADU can comfortably fit 1 to 2 bedrooms, depending on the layout. A typical 2-bedroom layout will include smaller, efficient bedrooms (often 10' x 10' to 12' x 12'), while a 1-bedroom plan may allow more generous space for living and storage. The key is smart design—open-concept living areas, built-in storage, and multi-functional furniture can make even a 2-bedroom layout feel spacious.