
12 Steps to Building an ADU: Your Comprehensive Guide
Building an ADU is easier when you know what to expect. Our guide covers every step, from permits to final finishes, keeping your project on track.
Room Additions
We design and build personalized room additions that boost your home's value and functionality, providing transparent estimates, seamless communication, and expert permit management for a stress-free experience.
BUILD ROOM ADDITIONS
OUR PROMISE TO YOU
Our strong reputation is backed by over 300 online reviews from previous clients. As San Diego’s go-to remodeler, we’re known for exceptional customer service and consistent communication throughout the entire process.
With 20 years of experience with projects of all sizes, we understand building permits, local building codes, and how to avoid potential delays. Whether it’s an extra bedroom or a full expansion, we handle your improvement project with confidence and care.
Our in-house team delivers custom home additions with precision and style—without compromising value. We offer detailed estimates upfront to help you stay on budget and avoid unexpected costs.
From start to finish, we manage every detail of your addition. With clear timelines, effective communication, and guidance through the entire process, we make it easy to expand your home with minimal hassle.
Feasibility
Design & Plan
Permit
Build
San Diego homeowners trust us as the room addition experts
151 Reviews on Yelp
Avg 4.9
45 Reviews on Google
Avg 4.9
48 Reviews on Houzz
Avg 4.9
49 Reviews on HomeAdvisor
Avg 5
Floor Plans
As a CA-based home renovation company with decades of experience, we create custom room additions that enhance the functionality of spaces and deliver lasting value.
Every detail, expertly managed
From feasibility to final finishes, we manage construction projects with commitment to quality craftsmanship and clear communication channels, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
We start with a detailed feasibility study tailored to your space. You’ll get a clear bottom-line estimate, accurate time frame, and expectations—helping you avoid building delays or scope changes.
Our in-house architects create workable designs aligned with building regulations. Whether it’s a family room or suite, every layout is code-compliant and crafted with attention to details.
Our design team helps you choose finishes that enhance flow and comfort. We balance aesthetic attention with function, ensuring a cohesive look before work begins.
Skip the red tape—our team manages everything with the building department, including code checks and inspections. We stay ahead of building codes peculiar to your area.
Led by an awesome project manager, your build is executed with precision and transparency. We maintain regular updates, cost control, and professionalism throughout.
We offer flexible financing with no surprises. From ballpark estimates to full cost breakdowns, our approach builds lifelong relationships rooted in trust and clarity.
Whether you need ample storage space or multi-use areas, we help maximize every inch of your home to support your lifestyle and boost resale value.
Our team ensures cohesive design that fits your home’s character and community aesthetic - delivering beauty without compromise.
Better Place Design & Build is your client-focused remodeler and trusted, family-owned room addition expert serving San Diego. As the area’s go-to remodeler, we handle extensive projects with assurance of quality, clear communication style, and expert coordination—from design to permitting and construction. Proudly serving communities like Bonita, Carlsbad, Carmel Valley, Chula Vista, Coronado, El Cajon, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, Mission Valley, National City, Oceanside, Poway, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Spring Valley, Vista, and surrounding areas. Wherever you live in San Diego County, we’re ready to expand your home beautifully.
ENHANCING HOMES
Why expand your home?
Greater quality of life
As your room addition contractor, our trusted services expand your home’s usable square footage to elevate each day.Increased property value
For homeowners, room additions offer a better living experience today while increasing tomorrow’s property value.Priceless consistency
Our room addition general contractors empower families to stay in their homes instead of upsizing for more space.OUR ADVANTAGE
Your room addition, simplified
As you search for room addition contractors near me, we offer a simple, end-to-end process that aligns precisely with your vision.
CLEAR ESTIMATES
Clarity is a cornerstone of our process. By committing to a fixed project cost, we leave you with a space that aligns with your lifestyle and your budget.
Building an ADU is easier when you know what to expect. Our guide covers every step, from permits to final finishes, keeping your project on track.
ADU costs can add up fast, but our calculator breaks down every detail so you can plan ahead and budget smarter.
Renting your ADU the right way means more income with fewer headaches. Learn how to prepare, attract tenants, and stay compliant with local rules.
Our calculator offers a clear look at what your return on investment will be for your room addition.
1,739%
Real Estate
Avg. 6-8%
Stocks
Avg. 5-7%
Savings Account
Avg. 2-4%
“Better Place Design & Build was the best choice for our ADU project. As top ADU builders, they understand the big picture and support us at every step.”
Randy & Lorreta
Better Place Design & Build HomeownerWith 100% financing options available, we make large-scale projects in San Diego affordable and accessible. As the area’s go-to remodeler, we ensure your room addition stays within reach—without compromising quality or value.
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Complete our quick, hassle-free application - trusted by homeowners across online directories and contractor reviews platforms.
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Enjoy timely responses and a smooth pre-approval process that saves buffer time and keeps your project with professionalism moving.
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While we handle the details, your dedicated project manager ensures a seamless experience from review to approval.
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Once approved, we begin your build with expert care - delivering craftsmanship backed by a clear process and common warranty protections.
Answers to your most common questions about building room additions.
At Better Place Design & Build, we handle numerous projects—from garage conversions and ADUs to full extensive home remodels. As the area’s go-to remodeler, we work across types of contractors and ensure every addition aligns with your vision and space.
Garage-to-ADU conversions offer more living space, rental income potential, and increased home value. Our team delivers high-quality results using alternative products and efficient planning—avoiding delays and maintaining comfort and function. We’re trusted by clients and featured in Contractor Connection and online customer reviews.
Yes—when done right. Additions improve layout, add resale value, and can be more cost-effective than moving. With our experience across modular homes, space planner services, and commercial building services, we help you weigh the average price versus long-term gains. Consulting with professionals—and reviewing warranty periods—helps avoid costly mistakes or law suites down the line.
Room addition costs depend on size, complexity, and features. As the area’s go-to remodeler, we offer transparency and guidance from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of average all-in costs:
Prices range from $370 to $575 per square foot, influenced by whether the addition is detached or integrated, as well as by structural changes and utility connections. We work closely with city inspectors and maintain strong business relationships to ensure compliance and smooth execution.
Start by defining your goals and budget. Create detailed blueprints and secure permits through your local office or City Living Development. The construction process includes site prep, laying the foundation, framing, roofing, and installing doors and windows. After rough-ins for electrical and plumbing, finish with insulation, drywall, and interior design. Reputable builders like Better Place Design & Build help avoid costly mistakes. help avoid costly mistakes. Stay involved, plan for potential disruptions, and ensure inspections pass to stay code-compliant.
You can fund your project through home equity loans, HELOCs, or cash-out refinancing. Construction loans are ideal for porch builders or full expansions. Personal loans and 0% APR credit cards suit smaller jobs. FHA 203(k) loans combine purchase and renovation, though requirements are strict. Using savings avoids debt but may cause delays. Compare interest rates, terms, and risks to choose the right option. Reputable firms like Charleston CountyTideline Homes and Shakespeare Home Improvement often offer financing guidance or connect you with trusted lenders.
Begin with accurate plans and material lists. Submit drawings to your city inspectors for code review. Cut and assemble wall frames, include fire blocks, and secure them to existing structures—ensuring floors and walls align. Always schedule inspections before moving to finishes like drywall. Framing done right ensures a durable structure and a smooth path to completion.
Adding an additional bedroom can significantly increase a home's value, with estimates ranging from $30,000 to $50,000 depending on various factors such as location, the current number of bedrooms, and market demand. The return on investment (ROI) typically ranges from 50% to 75%, meaning if you spend $25,000, you might recoup $13,250 to $18,750 upon sale. The added value is highly location-specific; urban areas often increase more significantly than rural ones. Considering how the new bedroom aligns with neighborhood norms and the overall home layout is crucial. Over-improving can lead to diminishing returns, so balance is key. Consulting with a local real estate agent or appraiser can provide tailored insights.
Home additions aren’t immediately tax deductible but count as capital improvements, increasing your home’s tax basis and reducing capital gains. Additions used for rental or business may qualify for depreciation. Some upgrades can earn energy or medical tax credits. Always retain receipts and consult a tax advisor. Programs like a card customer referral program may also offer financial incentives post-project.
An architect is recommended for complex or structural changes, especially when navigating local codes. They offer design clarity and help avoid costly missteps. However, for simple layouts, a skilled additional contractor or Bathroom Remodelers may be enough—especially if budget is a concern and you're aiming for the lowest price. For major work, consult all professionals, area's go-to remodeler and local authorities to make the right call.
A typical home addition takes 8–12 months. The design phase (1–2 months) focuses on layout and features, while the permitting phase (3–4 months) involves approvals from local authorities. Construction (4–6 months) follows. Timelines vary by complexity and site conditions. Working with the area’s go-to remodeler ensures a smoother, more successful project.
A 10x10 bedroom addition costs between $12,500 and $25,000, depending on materials, labor, and design. Basic builds may start near $10,000, while upscale options with high-end finishes can exceed $25,000. Second-story additions cost more—up to $50,000—due to structural support needs. Homeowners in high-demand areas like Richmond VA should expect upper-range estimates.
The most affordable additions are small bedrooms or home offices, starting at $8,000–$13,000 for 100 sq ft. These low-cost options avoid expensive plumbing or HVAC work. A basic bedroom runs $13,000–$26,000, while a modest home office may cost just $2,000–$22,000. Simple bump-outs range from $5,000–$35,000 depending on size and design.
Additions are typically more cost-effective than new builds. Projects start as low as $8,000 and average between $21,000 and $73,000, depending on scale. Unlike new homes, additions reuse the existing foundation and utilities, reducing costs and complexity. It’s a smarter choice for maintaining your neighborhood ties and achieving a successful project without the full expense of a new build.