Building a 500 sq ft ADU in San Diego typically costs between $175,000 and $300,000, depending on design complexity, materials, and site conditions. Compared to larger units, a 500 sq ft ADU remains an attractive option due to its strong functionality and lower overall investment. The median construction cost for a well-finished, custom 500 sq ft ADU is around $240,000, though pricing varies based on finishes, utility connections, and site preparation needs.

Building a 500 sq ft ADU in San Diego County benefits from streamlined regulations for smaller units. Detached and attached ADUs must meet 4-foot side/rear setbacks and have a maximum size of 1,200 sq ft, making a 500 sq ft design ideal for properties with constraints. Units under 750 sq ft qualify for impact fee waivers, reducing overall permitting costs. Height limits are typically 24 feet on single-family lots (16 feet on multifamily lots). No owner-occupancy is required through December 31, 2024 (except JADUs). Approval time for permits is about 60 days, with an average construction timeline of 9–12 months, depending on your design choices and project complexity.

Yes! The Palm 500 sq ft ADU is a fantastic choice for rental properties, providing plenty of opportunities for long-term housing (30+ days). With its open-concept living area and smart design featuring dedicated spaces for sleeping, cooking, and relaxing, this compact ADU feels spacious and functional. Its layout also supports multi-functional spaces, making it ideal for tenants seeking comfort and privacy. This size maximizes rental income potential while keeping build costs manageable, delivering a strong ROI for San Diego homeowners.

Absolutely. With a well-planned square foot count, the Palm 500 sq ft ADU offers everything needed for a comfortable lifestyle, including a private bedroom, full bathroom, modern kitchen, and an open-concept living area. Thoughtful design details like smart storage solutions and custom features help maximize functionality while maintaining a strong sense of spaciousness. The level of privacy created by separating the bedroom from the living spaces makes it perfect for singles, couples, or multigenerational family members. This size has become a popular choice for ADU projects because it delivers livability, style, and flexibility without unnecessary square footage.

For detached ADUs like the Palm, California regulations do not require owner occupancy, giving homeowners plenty of opportunities to create private space for renters, family members, or guests. Whether you’re designing for long-term housing or short-term stays, working with a floor plan expert ensures you optimize your floor space and create comfortable, separated bedrooms that enhance livability. However, it’s important to note that Junior ADUs (JADUs)—which must be built within the primary home—do require the homeowner to reside either in the main house or the JADU itself.

A 500 sq ft, 1 bedroom ADU like the Palm offers incredible versatility for residential properties. Homeowners often create a private space for aging parents, adult children, or guests, or design a dedicated office space perfect for remote work. These ADUs are also popular for generating extra income through long-term rentals or short-term stays. With the right floor plan expert, you can even enhance your project with outdoor living features like patios or decks, making the compact footprint feel even more expansive. Whether you're seeking rental income, workspace, or multi-generational housing, the Palm offers flexible solutions for a variety of needs.

The average construction time for a 500 sq ft ADU like the Palm typically ranges from 9 to 12 months, covering everything from initial feasibility studies to final inspections. Selecting a minimalist design and working with pre-made plans or semi-custom layouts can help streamline the timeline and lead to additional cost savings. Custom designs may take slightly longer but maximize functionality tailored to your property. Efficient planning, prompt permitting approvals, and streamlined construction ensure a realistic timeline and quality results.

Yes, adding a modern one-bedroom ADU plan like the Palm can significantly boost your home's current equity—sometimes by as much as 30%, depending on your location, finishes, and the overall market. Working with a floor plan expert ensures you get a design that maximizes appeal with smart layouts that make the most of the 500 sq ft footprint. A well-executed ADU not only adds functional living space but also makes your property more attractive to future buyers or renters, delivering lasting value for years to come.

Absolutely. While there are pre-approved options, we specialize in creating custom ADU designs like the Palm that fit your lifestyle, property constraints, and personal style. Whether you want to incorporate energy-efficient appliances, add vaulted ceilings for a more spacious feel, install French doors leading to outdoor living, or include plenty of windows for natural light, the possibilities are endless. You can also personalize your layout to feature a cozy master suite, space-saving furniture like nesting tables, or even a dedicated office space—all within the smart framework of a modern one-bedroom ADU plan.

Yes! The Palm floor plan thoughtfully includes a stacked washer/dryer tucked between the bathroom and kitchen, blending efficient storage solutions with the needs of modern living. Despite the compact size, the open-concept layout allows for a functional laundry area without sacrificing additional living space. Plus, with the option to select energy-efficient appliances, you can enjoy everyday convenience while keeping your ADU sustainable and cost-effective.

The cost to build a 500 square foot casita—also known as an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)—typically ranges from $150,000 to $250,000 in California, depending on several factors. These include site conditions, design complexity, material selections, utility connections, and whether you're using a custom or pre-approved floor plan. Smaller units like this are often more cost-effective to build because they require fewer materials and may qualify for exemptions on certain fees. High-end finishes, difficult lot access, or major utility upgrades can push costs higher, while more straightforward builds stay toward the lower end of the range.

Yes, a granny flat is essentially another name for an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Both terms refer to a smaller, independent residential unit located on the same property as a single-family home. While "granny flat" often evokes the idea of housing an elderly relative, ADUs today serve a wide variety of purposes, including rental income units, guest houses, or home offices. The term "ADU" is the official name used in California building regulations, while "granny flat" is a more traditional or colloquial term.

In most cases, building an ADU in California is highly worth it. Given the state's housing shortage, high rental demand, and strong property appreciation rates, ADUs offer homeowners a way to significantly increase property value, create rental income, and add flexible living space. A well-designed ADU can increase property value by up to 30% and can generate $1,500–$3,500 per month in rental income, depending on location. Additionally, recent state laws have streamlined the permitting process, making ADU construction easier and more financially attractive than ever before.

Permit costs for an ADU in California vary depending on the city and county, but generally range from $4,000 to $12,000. Some key factors affecting permit costs include the size of the ADU, whether it's attached or detached, and the complexity of the design. Importantly, California state law waives impact fees for ADUs under 750 square feet, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars. Other fees like plan check, building, electrical, and plumbing permits still apply but are often lower for smaller ADUs like a 500 sq ft casita.

A good size for a casita depends on its intended use, but 500 to 800 square feet is considered ideal for most homeowners. A 500 sq ft casita offers enough space for essential living areas—such as a private bedroom, a full bathroom, an open kitchen and living space—without overwhelming the primary residence or exceeding zoning limitations. It strikes a balance between affordability, livability, and flexibility, making it perfect for guest accommodations, rental units, or multigenerational living. If more space is needed for multi-bedroom configurations, 600–800 square feet might be better suited.