The cost to build a 400 sq ft detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) like the Pecan typically ranges from $140,000 to $240,000, depending on your selected design options, finishes, and whether it's a garage apartment plan, new backyard structure, or Studio Shed conversion. Prefab modular units may reduce installation costs, but a custom design provides greater flexibility, especially for a compact floor plan tailored to your property’s layout and zip code. Our Design Center can provide a formal price quote and detailed installation cost estimates, ensuring your ADU studio construction aligns with your budget and vision.

In San Diego County, a 400 sq ft studio ADU is comfortably within permitted ADU sizes (up to 1,200 sq ft). Key regulations include 4-foot rear and side setbacks, up to 24 feet in height for detached ADUs on single-family lots (16 feet on multifamily lots), and at least 6 feet separation from the main house—unless it’s a garage conversion. Recent streamlining of planning approvals and express permit options further speed up the process, particularly with our permit-ready or engineer-stamped plan sets. No additional parking is required if you're within ½ mile of public transit, making the Pecan ADU ideal for properties seeking practical and efficient living solutions.

Yes! The Pecan is a smart choice for homeowners looking to create additional living space or generate passive income. This 400 sq ft ADU studio is perfect for long-term tenants (30+ days), such as professionals or small households. With monthly rents averaging between $1,600 and $2,600 in San Diego, it's a terrific compact living space that quickly delivers property value. Whether converting a garage into a Studio Shed or building a new backyard office studio, this customizable design offers an affordable path to modern living and a comfortable, private space tenants will love.

Yes! The Pecan ADU floor plan is ideal for multi-gen living and multi-generational households looking to create a comfortable living space with privacy and connection. Whether it's for aging parents, adult children, or extended family, this open-concept design makes it easy to support independent living while remaining close. Its smart layout, complete with a Unit Washer / Dryer, full bathroom design, and private entry, is a popular solution among estate properties and city properties alike. Our design team can help you explore additional Customizable Features to make it a perfect studio tailored to your family's needs.

The Pecan is a 400 sq ft studio ADU that features everything you need in a compact living space. It includes an open-concept layout with a full-lite kitchen door, a beautifully designed L-shaped kitchen with kitchen options like a central island, a complete bathroom design, a built-in Unit Washer / Dryer, a closet for foot storage, and direct access to a private deck. Designed with both form and function in mind, the Pecan provides a comfortable living experience that feels far larger than its actual size. Whether you envision an art studio, music studio, alcove studio, or just a cozy place to live, this plan offers maximum flexibility with functional building plans and additional livable space-type features.

Absolutely. We specialize in custom projects designed through our full-service design build process. While we offer permit-ready and engineer-stamped plan sets, many homeowners prefer a customizable design that fits their unique lot, budget, and lifestyle. With our expert design consultations, online design tools, and seamless coordination with building departments, we ensure your initial design reflects your goals and site conditions. Whether you're adding unique kitchen options, reworking the layout to suit a ft studio office, or exploring layout flexibility to turn it into a terrific structure, our customer service and design team are here to guide you from design through installation. Get started with an instant price quote or book a session at our Design Center to explore what's possible.

For a 400 sq ft ADU like the Pecan, the full development project timeline—including initial design, permitting, and construction—typically spans 6 to 9 months. Working with permit-ready or engineer-stamped plan sets can shorten approval times, especially if your lot meets party certification requirements. Choosing custom ADU designs allows you to personalize every element, although customizations may add slightly to your design fee and timeline. Whether you're creating a compact Abodu Studio-inspired space or a unique footprint single, our team manages your special project with efficiency and design with respect to your goals.

Definitely. Adding a thoughtfully designed ADU like the Pecan not only provides extra living space but also significantly boosts your home's resale appeal—especially in competitive markets like San Diego. Buyers increasingly seek properties offering beautiful design, flexible layouts, and income potential. Whether you're building a studio ADU, one-bedroom, or eventually a 1,000-square foot ADU, these ADUs projects enhance long-term property value. Thanks to the increasing demand for modern studios and multi-generational living solutions, your ADU becomes a key asset that stands out among popular home sizes.

Absolutely! With a smart, innovative design in mind, the Pecan creates a comfortable living space that feels larger than its 400 sq ft actual size. An open-concept layout, built-in storage, and access to outdoor areas make it perfect for solo residents, couples, or those embracing minimalist lifestyles. Our design team focuses on optimizing every inch, much like the best elements of studio sheds and modern studios. Whether you're envisioning an Abodu Studio-style DIY project or a custom ADU design tailored to your lifestyle, the Pecan delivers a luxurious living space in a surprisingly compact footprint.

Absolutely! Many homeowners enhance their custom ADU designs with energy-efficient appliances, solar panels, eco-friendly materials, and smart technology. With the Pecan's small footprint and thoughtful layout, creating a highly efficient, comfortable living space is easier and more affordable than ever. Our design team works with your design preferences and budget plan to recommend sustainable upgrades that maximize your investment. Whether you’re working with our permit-ready options or a fully custom project, we can align energy efficiency with your lifestyle and long-term savings goals.

An ADU studio refers to a compact Accessory Dwelling Unit that typically has no separate bedroom — instead, it uses an open-concept floor plan to combine the living, sleeping, and dining areas into one cohesive space. Ideal for minimalist living, exciting projects like the Pecan offer smart layouts similar to a studio apartment or a one-bedroom unit without full partitions. Studio ADUs are popular among homeowners looking for flexible, affordable house plans that add extra living space without the costs associated with larger structures or full bedroom plans.

While building an ADU offers many advantages, there are a few potential challenges to consider. Additional costs like utility upgrades, permitting fees, and construction complexities can affect your base model cost. Depending on your local building department and customer location, getting permit-ready or engineer-stamped plan sets approved may add time to the project. Also, smaller ADUs like studios offer less separation between living zones compared to traditional one- and two-bedroom units. However, with good planning, these obstacles are manageable — and the benefits, like increased property value and rental income, often far outweigh the downsides.

The most affordable way to build an ADU is typically through a garage conversion or using permit-ready, budget plan options with fewer customizations. Opting for a simple studio layout like the Pecan can dramatically reduce your base price compared to building larger structures or complex development projects. Other cost-saving strategies include using prefabricated ADUs, choosing eco-friendly, low-cost materials, and sticking close to the base model cost without extensive upgrades. For a tailored approach, our team can create affordable, functional house plans to fit your site and financial goals.

In many cases, building an ADU is more cost-effective than adding a full addition to your main home. ADUs are often smaller, involve fewer structural changes, and don't always require expensive modifications to the existing house, especially when working with permit-ready or engineer-stamped plan sets. A studio ADU like the Pecan offers a smart way to add additional livable space with a lower base model cost and faster timeline compared to major renovations. Plus, having a separate unit can boost flexibility for rental income, multi-generational living, or resale appeal—making it a great long-term investment across many customer locations.

Yes, building an ADU is often a smart investment and an exciting project for many homeowners. An Accessory Dwelling Unit adds extra living space to your property, creating opportunities for multi-generational living, passive rental income, or flexible private space for family or guests. With today's range of permit-ready ADU options, custom ADU designs, and budget plans, you can tailor your project to your specific design preferences and property needs. Whether you choose a studio layout, a one- or two-bedroom unit, or even explore larger structures later, adding an ADU can significantly increase your long-term property value. Plus, working with our expert team on engineer-stamped plan sets ensures your ADU fits your customer location requirements while staying within your base price and base model cost. From small house plans like the Pecan to exciting projects on estate properties or Canadian locations, an ADU is a flexible, future-ready addition that boosts both lifestyle and investment potential.