In San Diego County, building a 900 sq ft, 2-bedroom ADU typically costs $315,000–$540,000, including design, permits, and construction. Site conditions, architectural styles, finishes, and storage choices affect final pricing, but a thoughtfully designed ADU remains a smart, value-adding investment.

To ensure your 900 sq ft ADU is a compliant option, it must meet San Diego’s building codes and zoning requirements. Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft and must maintain 4-foot side and rear setbacks. If your property is near public transit, legal permission is granted without the need for additional parking. Our team handles the full permitting process and helps resolve any occasional discrepancies that may arise during plan review. From zoning checks to final approvals, we ensure your additional living space is fully compliant and ready for construction.

Absolutely. A 900 sq ft, 2-bedroom, 2-bath ADU is perfect for long-term rentals (30+ days). With separated bedrooms, it's ideal for roommates, small families, or professionals. Depending on your location, it can generate up to $4,000/month. Plus, thoughtful yard design enhances privacy and appeal, boosting rental value.

Yes, this ADU is an excellent choice for multigenerational living. With thoughtful bedroom separation and two full bathrooms, it offers the privacy and independence needed for aging parents, adult children, or live-in caregivers. The ample living space and open-concept layout ensure comfort for all, while smart floor plan designs include generous counter space in the kitchen for shared meal prep and everyday convenience. For even more flexibility, homeowners can explore creative 2-story bedrooms or incorporate creative yard space solutions to further enhance privacy and functionality for every generation under one roof.

The average construction time for a 900 sq ft ADU typically ranges from 8 to 12 months, starting from the initial feasibility study through final inspection. Factors like permitting timelines, site conditions, and custom floor plan designs can influence the overall schedule. At Better Place Design & Build, our streamlined, turnkey process is designed to keep your project on track and moving efficiently from start to finish.

Pre-approved plans are faster to permit but limited in design flexibility. A custom plan allows us to tailor the ADU to your lifestyle, lot constraints, and long-term goals—giving you more value and functionality.

Yes, a 900 sq ft ADU is a great fit for a small family. With separated bedrooms and two full bathrooms, it offers both privacy and comfort. Whether it’s used as a secondary living space for extended family or as an independent unit on a single-family home or multi-family property, this layout provides all the essentials for daily living. While it's typically a single-story design, homeowners looking for added separation or vertical living can explore 2-story 2 bedroom ADU options for even more flexibility.

Yes, a 900 sq ft ADU can significantly boost your property value. With smart design choices and efficient layouts featuring 1–2 bedrooms, this type of secondary living space appeals to a wide range of buyers looking for rental income potential, multigenerational housing, or flexible guest accommodations. The added functionality and versatility make your property more attractive on the market, increasing both its resale value and overall appeal.

Absolutely. This accessory dwelling unit house is thoughtfully designed to offer maximum flexibility. Its layout includes cozy bedrooms and a bright, open-concept living area, making it ideal for creating a cozy living space that doubles as a guest house or dedicated office space. With smart design elements that support both comfort and function, you can easily tailor one bedroom into your dream space—whether that’s a quiet workspace, creative studio, or a welcoming retreat for friends and family.

Yes, our ADUs are designed with sustainability at their core, offering a blend of modern performance and environmental responsibility. As part of our complimentary design process, an energy consultant performs detailed energy efficiency calculations to ensure your ADU meets or exceeds Title 24 standards. We offer advanced systems like energy recovery ventilators for healthier indoor air and reduced energy loss. Our builds include options for smart appliances, sustainable materials, and efficient HVAC systems—all chosen to support both performance and comfort. With a strong focus on customization options, we help you achieve the perfect balance of space and aesthetic appeal while lowering long-term utility costs.

The comprehensive cost to build a 900 sq ft cottage-style ADU in San Diego typically ranges from $300,000 to $400,000, depending on several cost factors such as property constraints, design complexity, finish level, and required building permits. Most homeowners spend around $375,000 for a move-in-ready unit that includes construction, utility hookups, and soft costs. Choosing eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances can provide long-term cost savings while supporting sustainable living. The total investment also varies based on the ADU type—whether detached, garage conversion, or JADU—and the level of customization. Partnering with experienced construction experts ensures your project blends function, efficiency, and a comfortable living space tailored to your needs.

Not exactly. While 900 sq ft is compact, it’s not considered a tiny house, which is typically defined as being under 400 sq ft. A 900 sq ft ADU house falls into the category of small home design but offers a fully functional living space. With the right house plan, it can comfortably include 1-2 bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, and open-concept living areas—making it ideal for couples, small families, or even long-term rental use. This square footage strikes a great balance between efficiency and comfort, offering a more livable and versatile alternative to traditional tiny homes.

The number of ADU houses you can build depends on your property type and local zoning regulations. For a single-family home in San Diego County, you’re generally allowed one detached ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU)—which must be created from existing livable space and limited to 500 sq ft. If you own a multi-family property, recent changes under SB 1211 now permit up to eight detached ADUs, as long as the total doesn’t exceed the number of existing or proposed residential units on the lot. These expanded ADU options are opening doors for increased density and rental opportunities. When planning your project, it’s essential to consider property constraints and how your construction plans align with zoning, lot size, and infrastructure access to ensure compliance and maximize potential.

When designing a 900 square foot ADU, it’s important to maximize your living space while maintaining comfort and flow. A smart ADU design should include an open-concept layout to make the most of the available square footage, allowing for a more spacious feel. Look for features like strategically placed windows to enhance natural light, which can make the unit feel larger and more inviting. Consider a L-shaped design to create natural room divisions or outdoor courtyard options. Thoughtful bedroom placement, two full bathrooms, and efficient storage solutions round out a floor plan that supports flexibility—whether you're planning to use the space for family, guests, or rental income.

There are several popular types of ADU house floor plans, each with unique benefits depending on your goals, property layout, and zoning laws. Detached ADUs—often referred to as carriage houses or granny flats—offer maximum privacy and are ideal for a rental property or multigenerational living. Attached ADUs share a wall with the main home, making them convenient for family use, such as in-law suites. Garage conversions are a cost-effective way to repurpose existing space, while internal ADUs transform part of your primary residence into a self-contained unit. Junior ADUs (JADUs) are compact options (under 500 sq ft) created from existing interior space. With more homeowners exploring trending plans that offer versatility, sustainability, and income potential, each of these configurations can be an excellent choice depending on your needs and lot conditions.