The cost to build a 600 sq ft, 1 bedroom ADU like the Chestnut typically ranges from $180,000 to $260,000 in San Diego. Pricing depends on several factors, including your specific house project goals, property constraints like lot size and utility access, and the level of customization you choose. We offer both standard and semi-custom options to fit different budgets and design preferences. Working with a floor plan expert ensures that your ADU is designed efficiently to maximize space and minimize construction costs, ultimately delivering excellent cost efficiency and a strong return on investment.

In most San Diego neighborhoods, detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are permitted, and the Chestnut’s 600 sq ft size fits easily within local floor area ratio (FAR) and setback requirements. Every ADU project must comply with current building codes, zoning laws, and energy efficiency standards. A floor plan expert can help you navigate property constraints like lot size, existing structures, and site topography, ensuring your house designs align with all regulations. While the compact footprint of the Chestnut often means faster construction times and easier permitting, it’s important to account for additional considerations such as parking requirements, utility connections, and coastal zone regulations. Our team simplifies the construction processes by managing permits and compliance from start to finish, so you can build confidently and efficiently.

Absolutely. With a smart layout like the Chestnut’s, 600 sq ft can deliver everything you need for daily comfort—a private bedroom, a full bath designed with efficient bathroom ADU design principles, an open kitchen/living area, and even in-unit laundry. This size is perfectly fit for properties of all kinds, from urban lots to larger suburban yards, and helps keep building costs manageable. Thanks to thoughtful house floor plans and input from a floor plan expert, the space feels much larger and more functional than the square footage suggests. Plus, with build-ready and semi-custom options available, you can personalize the design to suit your lifestyle without sacrificing efficiency or comfort.

Yes! The Chestnut’s layout is ideal for long-term rentals, offering a compact space that still feels open and livable. With a smart bedroom plan, full kitchen, and private entrance, it provides the perfect blend of comfort and functionality that renters are looking for. According to San Diego regulations, ADUs must be rented for 30 days or more, meaning short-term vacation rentals are not permitted. Whether you're a seasoned investor or a first-time homeowner looking to generate passive income, the Chestnut is an excellent choice. It’s one of the most flexible designs in our collection of floor plans, offering strong rental potential while maximizing your property’s value.

The Chestnut 600 sq ft ADU offers outstanding return on investment. In addition to generating steady monthly rental income, homeowners often see a property value boost of up to 35% after adding a detached unit. With smart use of construction materials and an efficient construction plan, you can maximize your returns while keeping costs controlled. Plus, we offer a range of customization options and flexible financing options to make your project even more accessible. The Chestnut is especially ideal for properties with limited backyard space or restricted availability of space, delivering a full living experience without overwhelming your lot. Our curated floor plans & designs ensure you make the most of every square foot, helping your investment pay off both now and in the future.

Yes! The Chestnut comes with excellent customization options to fit your lifestyle and needs. Whether you want to add an extra bedroom, create a bedroom with a deck for outdoor access, or fine-tune the interior flow, our team can help you personalize the layout. You can also enhance the concept kitchen with expanded counter space, floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, and a variety of color options to match your style. The bathroom can be upgraded too, featuring a full bathroom with shower and the option to include a linen closet for added storage. Every modification is thoughtfully designed to maintain the Chestnut’s blend of space efficiency and livability, ensuring your new ADU is perfectly tailored to your vision.

Definitely! Many homeowners looking to create their house dream choose to integrate smart home technology into their ADU. From smart thermostats and lighting to advanced security systems and energy-efficient kitchen appliances, it’s easy to make the Chestnut both high-tech and highly functional. Our construction experts can help you design an editable custom kitchen that’s ready for the latest innovations, along with smart features you can control from your location at any time. Plus, we offer options to enhance the exterior for homeowners who want a seamless blend of style, convenience, and modern living in their new ADU.

For most city properties, building a 600 sq ft ADU like the Chestnut typically takes 6–9 months from initial design through final construction. Location details such as lot accessibility, site preparation needs, and permitting processes can impact your exact average construction time. Factors like labor costs and the level of customization you choose also play a role. Thanks to our streamlined, turnkey approach, we help keep your project moving efficiently, offering a compliant option that meets all local building standards. The Chestnut is one of our floor plans suitable for a wide range of properties, making it a great choice for homeowners looking to add space without unnecessary delays.

Not always. In San Diego, if your property is located near public transit or meets certain criteria, you may not be required to provide additional parking for your ADU—an advantage for lots with limited space. Even if parking is needed, we specialize in creative yard space solutions to maximize your available area without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics. Our team will review your site specifics and zoning rules to confirm the requirements and, if needed, design options that create extra space efficiently for both parking and outdoor living.

The Chestnut 1 bedroom ADU offers incredible versatility, making it perfect for a wide range of needs. Many homeowners use this functional space for long-term rentals, private guest houses, dedicated home offices, or comfortable living quarters for aging parents or adult children. The spacious bedroom and open-concept living design make it ideal for both independent living and hosting visitors. Plus, with our creative yard space solutions, even properties with smaller lots can accommodate this ADU without sacrificing outdoor living areas, creating a seamless extension of your home’s comfort and value.

The amount of material needed for a 600 sq ft house depends on the design, building type, and construction methods, but generally includes framing lumber, roofing materials, siding or stucco, insulation, drywall, flooring, windows, doors, and all plumbing, electrical, and HVAC components. For a standard wood-frame ADU like the Chestnut, you can expect to use approximately 5,000–7,000 board feet of lumber, 18–20 squares of roofing material, and roughly 60–70 sheets of drywall, plus finishes. Efficient design and material planning are key to keeping costs and waste down on a smaller footprint.

Yes, 600 square feet is absolutely livable—especially with a well-thought-out layout. A 600 sq ft home or ADU can comfortably accommodate essential rooms like a bedroom, full bathroom, kitchen, and living area without feeling cramped. Smart design features, such as open-concept layouts, built-in storage, and thoughtful furniture choices, help make the space functional and inviting. Many people find that 600 sq ft offers the perfect balance of simplicity, efficiency, and comfort, especially for individuals, couples, or small households.

Definitely. Two people can live comfortably in a 600 sq ft space with the right layout and organization. A 1-bedroom, 1-bath ADU like the Chestnut provides enough separation between the private and communal areas to support a shared living experience. Open floor plans, well-defined storage, and efficient furniture choices—like multifunctional pieces—make it easy for two people to coexist without feeling crowded. Many couples and even small families successfully live in homes of this size, appreciating the lower maintenance and more intimate living style.

The cost to build a 600 sq ft cottage or ADU varies depending on factors like site conditions, customization, material selections, and local labor rates. In San Diego, for example, you can expect a 600 sq ft ADU to cost between $180,000 and $260,000. This estimate typically covers everything from foundation and framing to full interiors like kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC, and finishes. Costs can rise if you add premium features, require major utility upgrades, or build on challenging lots, but many homeowners find the return on investment highly attractive for a property of this size.

Practically speaking, a 600 sq ft home or ADU is best suited for one to two people living full-time. It can comfortably host small gatherings—for example, 4–6 people for a dinner party or social visit—thanks to open living areas. However, for permanent living, two people would find it most comfortable, especially with a private bedroom and separate bathroom. The compact yet functional design supports an efficient lifestyle without feeling overcrowded, making it ideal for couples, singles, or occasional hosting.