
600 sqft ADU floor plans
A 600 sq ft ADU blends efficiency and comfort, ideal as a rental, guest retreat, home office, or independent living space. With open layouts, smart storage, and customizable plans, it meets your needs while complying with California ADU regulations, maximizing value in a compact footprint.

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
Smart design, real comfort
600 sq ft ADU floor plans
A 600 sq ft 1-bedroom ADU offers the ideal blend of comfort, flexibility, and value. With enough room for open living, a full kitchen, and private bedroom, it’s a highly functional solution that boosts your property’s value while fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle.
At 600 sq ft, your ADU has space for a generous 1-bedroom layout without exceeding San Diego’s ADU regulations. Whether it's for long-term living, rental income, or a private retreat, this size strikes the perfect balance of space and simplicity.
With thoughtful planning, 600 sq ft can feel surprisingly roomy. Open-concept layouts, sliding doors, and built-in storage create a sense of flow while maximizing usability in every corner.
Tailor your ADU to your priorities—whether it’s a larger bedroom, upgraded kitchen, or in-unit laundry. A 600 sq ft plan gives you room to personalize without overcomplicating the footprint.
Unlike a studio, a 1-bedroom layout provides true privacy. Strategic design choices—like landscaping buffers or smart window placement—ensure both comfort and seclusion.
A 600 sq ft ADU can adapt to most standard lots, working within California’s 4-ft setback rules. Placement matters—orient your ADU to take advantage of natural light, views, and backyard privacy.
A 600 sq ft ADU offers plenty of flexibility for thoughtful upgrades. Invest in what matters most—durable materials, energy-efficient systems, and quality finishes that enhance both comfort and value.

600 sqft ADU designs
Why a 600 sq ft ADU is the smart choice
A 600 sq ft ADU offers just the right amount of space to separate living and sleeping areas while remaining efficient and cost-effective. It’s a step up from a studio, delivering greater privacy, comfort, and rental potential—without overwhelming your lot or budget. This size is ideal for flexible use, whether for family, guests, or income.
Comfortable in-law living
Keep loved ones close while giving them a private, self-contained home.Maximize rental potential
A true bedroom boosts rental rates and appeals to long-term tenants.Starter space for young adults
Give adult children a place to launch while maintaining independence.Peaceful escape
Use your 600 sq ft ADU as a quiet home office, studio, or wellness space.Property value booster
A well-designed ADU adds lasting value and desirability to your home.Versatile, long-term investment
This size ADU adapts to your needs and grows with your lifestyle or portfolio.Our design approach
Tailored vs. Pre-approved plans
Designed for your lifestyle
A custom 600 sq ft ADU lets you optimize every inch, from spacious kitchens and built-in storage to compact home offices. Include features like master suites or detached garages tailored to your needs and lot conditions.Smart for the future
Unlike pre-approved plans, custom ADUs offer better long-term value with improved flow, usability, and flexibility. Adapt your space with lower-level bedrooms, upstairs rooms, or golf cart storage for changing lifestyles.Lot-optimized, code-ready
Our custom designs match your lot’s size, shape, and California’s setback rules for smoother permits and seamless integration. Models like our Torrey Pine easily adapt to unique sites, blending comfort with compliance.What’s the ROI for
600 sq ft ADU?
Curious about the financial upside of adding a 600 sq ft ADU to your property? Use our ROI calculator to see potential rental income, value increase, and long-term returns tailored to your investment. It's a quick way to estimate how your ADU can pay off—both now and over time.
1,739%
Real Estate
Avg. 6-8%
Stocks
Avg. 5-7%
Savings Account
Avg. 2-4%

A tip from our designer...
Sarah
Interior DesignerPopular 600 sqft ADU layouts
A 600 sq ft ADU offers flexibility without compromise—perfect for compact lots, backyard rentals, or personal hideaways. These build-ready floor plans are crafted to balance function and comfort, and designed to suit a wide range of property types and living needs.
This two-bedroom ADU features a smart split-bedroom configuration to maximize privacy. The open-concept kitchen and living area serve as a social hub while the separate bedrooms suit roommates or extended family. The design makes every inch count, and optional upgrades like an Ensuite Bath or Outdoor Kitchen Grill add long-term livability and appeal.
This airy 660 sq ft, 2-bedroom, 1-bath ADU features an open-concept layout, vaulted ceilings, and abundant natural light. The design seamlessly connects living, dining, and kitchen spaces, creating a comfortable, cohesive home. Ideal for small families, rentals, or guest accommodations, optional upgrades like a screened porch or outdoor fireplace further enhance its appeal.
Our Oak ADU floor plan accommodates two bedrooms and a shared bath in a highly efficient layout. The central kitchen great room offers a welcoming space to relax or entertain. Each bedroom is designed with privacy and functionality in mind, making this a great option for roommates, small families, or multigenerational living.
This slightly expanded layout provides added flexibility for everyday living. With just a bit more square footage, it allows room for a larger kitchen, extra storage, or even a compact Formal Dining Room or workspace nook. The open design ensures the home remains bright and connected, ideal for a 1 bedroom semi-custom option tailored to your needs.
Our Chestnut floor plan is a well-balanced 1-bedroom ADU featuring an open-concept kitchen, living area, and full bathroom. It’s ideal as a guest house, rental unit, or personal retreat. The private bedroom and smart storage layout enhance comfort without crowding the space. Thoughtfully designed for flow, the Chestnut fits right into properties across San Diego, including areas like Chula Vista where parking exemptions and public transit access make it a smart investment.
Build your 600 sq ft ADU with confidence
From the first conversation to final construction, we handle every phase of your 600 sq ft ADU project—making the process simple, personalized, and stress-free.
1
Vision & planning
Start with a conversation about your goals, lifestyle needs, and how your 600 sq ft ADU will function—whether it's for family, rental income, or personal use.
2
Personalized design
Our design team works closely with you to craft a custom floor plan that fits your lot, maximizes space, and meets your aesthetic preferences.
3
Transparent proposal
You'll get a detailed proposal outlining cost, timeline, and scope—so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
4
Full-service build
We manage permits, coordinate construction, and oversee every detail to deliver a high-quality 600 sq ft ADU, ready for living or leasing.
Frequently asked questions
Curious about the financial upside of adding a 600 sq ft ADU to your property? Use our ROI calculator to see potential rental income, value increase, and long-term returns tailored to your investment. It's a quick way to estimate how your ADU can pay off—both now and over time.
The cost to build a 600 sq ft ADU house or accessory dwelling unit in 2025 generally ranges from $60,000 to $180,000, depending on factors like location, materials, labor, and initial design choices. Most semi-custom plans fall between $100 and $300 per sq ft, with average costs around $60,000 to $120,000 for basic to mid-range finishes. Higher-end builds or homes in urban areas like Chula Vista—especially those near public transit or with parking exemptions—may fall on the upper end of the range. Additional expenses such as permits, utilities, and land can add 10–20% more. Whether you're building for adult children, extended family, or seeking passive income, this size remains an attractive option for those focused on long-term value. Most construction timelines run 4 to 6 months with house designers helping tailor layouts to your exact requirements.
A 600 sq ft home sits at the upper edge of what many define as a “tiny house.” While the standard cutoff for tiny homes is often 400 sq ft, some experts and municipalities extend that threshold to 600 sq ft—especially when the space is designed with open-concept living and efficiency in mind. With the help of skilled house designers and thoughtful semi-custom options, a home of this size can support features like an Ensuite Bath, L-shaped layout, or even a kitchen great room, depending on your exact requirements. As seen in layouts like the Oak ADU, 600 sq ft can function as a tiny, micro, or small house, offering flexibility for independent living or even a compact two-bedroom ADU, depending on how it's classified by local regulations.
The cost to build a 600 sq ft foundation typically ranges from $3,000 to $11,000, depending on the type and complexity. A concrete slab foundation averages $5–$16 per sq ft ($3,000–$9,600 total), while more complex options like crawl spaces or stem walls can cost up to $18 per sq ft ($10,800 total). Factors like soil, excavation, insulation, and labor also impact pricing.
Building a 600 sq ft home generally takes about 4 to 6 months for the construction phase alone. This timeline can vary depending on factors like project complexity, labor availability, weather, and specific site conditions. Compared to larger custom homes, this is a relatively quick build—ideal for homeowners seeking faster occupancy. Models like the Oak ADU demonstrate how efficient planning and compact design can streamline construction. Still, it’s smart to budget extra time for planning, permitting, and any unforeseen delays to ensure a smooth overall project timeline.
A 600 sq ft home is compact yet highly functional, often accommodating a two-bedroom ADU layout with one or two bathrooms, a combined living and dining space, and a well-organized kitchen. With help from experienced house designers, even build ready floor plans can be tailored to meet your exact requirements, ensuring every inch is used efficiently. Smart design choices—such as open concepts, built-in storage, and multipurpose furniture—enhance flow and usability. Many homes feature sliding glass doors that open to a small patio or deck, helping visually expand the interior. Similar to our Oak ADU, this size is ideal for singles, couples, or small families seeking independent living while embracing a minimalist lifestyle. It fits a wide range of needs without sacrificing comfort.
Yes, 3-bedroom tiny homes do exist. Though less common, they use smart design—like lofts, bunk areas, or multifunctional spaces—to fit three bedrooms into compact footprints, typically 330 to 1,000 sq ft. Examples include models like The Estate (450 sq ft) and The Elmore (500 sq ft), which sleep up to 6–8 people. These homes are ideal for small families or those wanting extra space while still embracing the minimalist tiny living lifestyle.
A 600 sq ft ADU floor plan typically features a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom layout designed for efficient, comfortable living in a compact space. These plans often include an open-concept kitchen and living area, full-sized appliances, in-unit laundry, and built-in storage. Layouts like the our Oak ADU and Chestnut floor plan prioritize smart zoning, privacy, and flow, with design touches that make the space feel larger—such as large windows or optional porches. Ideal for rentals, guest houses, or extended family, a 600 sq ft ADU delivers self-sufficient living in a small but well-optimized footprint.
Popular 600 sq ft ADU styles combine efficient space planning with distinct design aesthetics. Modern minimalist and Scandinavian designs are top favorites, celebrated for clean lines, neutral palettes, and light-filled open spaces. For others, the appeal lies in the rustic charm of cottages, the industrial feel of urban lofts, or the cozy functionality of tiny house-inspired layouts with built-in storage and lofted beds. Options like our Oak ADU reflect these trends while allowing for Semi-Custom options that tailor each layout to your personal style. Whether your preference is coastal, modular, or eco-conscious, each style aims to maximize comfort and function within a compact footprint.
To maximize space in a 600 sq ft floor plan like our Oak ADU, prioritize open-concept layouts that blend living, dining, and kitchen zones for improved flow and natural light. Incorporate multipurpose furniture like Murphy beds or fold-down tables, and add built-in storage to keep clutter at bay. Utilize vertical space with tall shelving or lofted nooks, and enhance the feeling of openness with sliding doors, large windows, and light color palettes. Outdoor extensions like patios or decks can create additional functional areas. If you're building above a Garage Under or near an Oversized Garage, you can also leverage adjacent areas for overflow storage, utility access, or even compact workspace solutions.
A well-designed 600 sq ft ADU should include key components that balance comfort and efficiency. Essential features include a private bedroom, full bathroom, and an open-concept kitchen and living area to maximize flow and light. Add an in-unit laundry, built-in storage, and a dining space—whether a nook, peninsula, or multi-use table. Enhance the layout with natural light, zoned spaces, and a seamless indoor-outdoor connection for a truly functional, self-contained home.
Zoning regulations in San Diego County significantly shape the design of a 600 sq ft ADU by offering flexibility while ensuring compliance. ADUs of this size are well below the 1,200 sq ft limit, making them exempt from lot coverage, floor area ratio (FAR), and open-space restrictions. They can be built with 0-ft setbacks if under 16 ft tall, and up to 25 ft in height with standard 4-ft setbacks. No parking is typically required, and impact fees are waived for units under 750 sq ft, making 600 sq ft ADUs more cost-effective and easier to permit.