Your Stress-FreeADU JourneyStarts Here
From permits to keys, we handle every detail. Transform your backyard into a beautiful, income-generating space.
Honoring Those Who Serve
To the men and women of our armed forces — thank you. Casita is proud to offer 15% off all ADU design costs for service members, veterans, and their families. From the first sketch to city-approved plans, it's our way of giving back to those who've given the most.
Who Qualifies
- Active Duty
- Veterans & Retirees
- Reserve & National Guard
- Military Spouses & Families
Just mention your service when booking — a military ID, DD-214, or VA card at your consultation is all we need.
15%
Off Design Costs
U.S. Military & Veterans
The Casita Way
Every family deserves a home that grows with them — without the stress, surprises, or second-guessing. Our in-house team manages every detail, every phase, and every builder so you can focus on what matters most. That's The Casita Way.
What Will Your ADU Cost?
Configure your project and see live construction costs plus estimated permit fees for every jurisdiction in San Diego County — no email required.
Planning estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your site, plans, and finish selections — we’ll confirm real numbers after a site walk.
Construction Breakdown
Permits & Fees
City of San Diego
Pre-approved plan programs can cut plan-check fees roughly in half.
Planning-level estimates from published 2025–2026 fee schedules and regional surveys. Impact fees are waived statewide under 750 sq ft; school fees don't apply at 500 sq ft or under. Always verify with your jurisdiction — a free Casita site walk turns these into real numbers for your parcel.
Get your full estimate report
We'll email this breakdown with permit details for your jurisdiction — and a Casita specialist will follow up about a free site walk.
No spam — just your estimate and a real human follow-up.
Everything Under One Roof
No need to juggle multiple contractors. We manage the entire process so you can enjoy the journey.
Design & Structural Plans
Our team creates functional, beautiful designs tailored to your property and lifestyle. We maximize space, enhance aesthetics, and meet budget goals.
Learn MoreFull Permitting Packages
We handle every step of the permitting process, ensuring your project complies with local building codes and zoning regulations. From initial submittals to final approvals.
Learn MoreConstruction Management
We oversee your build from start to finish, coordinating contractors, schedules, and quality control. On time, on budget, built to the highest standard.
Learn MoreWe also take on commercial projects and lot splits & SB9.
Same construction management team, same process.
How It Works
Five simple steps from dream to done.
Free Consultation
Schedule a free site walk. We assess your property and discuss your vision and goals.
Design & Planning
Our team creates custom designs tailored to your property, lifestyle, and budget.
Permitting
We handle all permitting paperwork, city submissions, and approvals on your behalf.
Construction
Our construction team builds your ADU with quality materials and constant oversight.
Final Walkthrough
We ensure everything meets your expectations before handing you the keys.
Featured Projects
What Our Clients Say
5.0 stars on Google · 18 reviews
“Casita was amazing, thank you Winston! Constant communication and coordination with the General Contractor, the engineer, county planners and so much more. Winston stepped in to push my plans through. Thank you Winston, Sondra (you rock!) and your Team. I highly recommend Casita, super satisfied, happy client.”
“Thank you so much to Casita! They rescued our ADU project. They were prompt, professional and have great follow through. Would highly recommend them.”
“Sondra is very personable, knowledgeable, and helpful. She has a good rapport with not only her clients, but other agents and sellers. Thank you for finding the right place at the right price.”
“I started working on a plan to build four 2-bed, 2-bath units in San Diego. The project was passed to Winston Bodkin, who was helpful, responsive, and thorough throughout the entire process. Highly recommend their team.”
Building an ADU in San Diego
Straight answers to the questions every San Diego homeowner asks before building an accessory dwelling unit.
Most San Diego County ADUs cost between $150,000 and $350,000 all-in. Garage conversions are the least expensive (often $150,000–$215,000), while a new detached 750 sq ft ADU with mid-range finishes typically runs $190,000–$250,000, plus roughly $10,000–$35,000 in permit, impact, school, and utility fees depending on your city and unit size. Casita's free online cost estimator gives you a live breakdown for your ADU type, size, finish level, and jurisdiction.
Plan on 9–13 months from first design meeting to move-in for a detached or attached ADU, and 6–10 months for a garage conversion. Design takes 4–8 weeks, city permitting 2–4 months (California requires cities to act on complete ADU applications within 60 days), and construction 4–6 months. Pre-approved plans can cut design and permitting time significantly.
Casita ADU is a construction management company for accessory dwelling units in San Diego County. We handle the whole project on your behalf — site feasibility, design, city permits, contractor bidding, and construction oversight through final inspection — so you have one point of contact from the first sketch to the keys. We serve Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos, Encinitas, the City of San Diego, Chula Vista, and every other jurisdiction in the county.
Almost certainly yes. California law (Gov. Code § 66314 and related statutes) requires every city to allow at least one ADU and one JADU on any residential lot with an existing or proposed single-family home, and cities cannot impose minimum lot sizes for ADUs. What varies by property is how big it can be, where it can sit, and whether utilities and access make it practical — which is exactly what a free Casita site walk answers.
No. Since January 1, 2025, California permanently prohibits cities from requiring owner-occupancy for ADUs (AB 976), so you can rent out both your home and the ADU. The one exception is a Junior ADU (JADU): the owner must live in either the main house or the JADU.
Yes — ADUs can be rented as long-term housing anywhere in California, and rental income is the most common reason San Diego homeowners build one. Short-term rentals under 30 days are regulated city by city (the City of San Diego, for example, requires a short-term residential occupancy license), so check local rules before planning an Airbnb.
ADU Design, Permits & Construction Across San Diego County
Casita ADU designs, permits, and manages construction of accessory dwelling units, garage conversions, and JADUs for homeowners throughout San Diego County — from North County coastal and inland communities to the City of San Diego, East County, and South Bay. Every city has its own ADU rules and fee schedule; we know them all.
- San Diego, CA
- Carlsbad, CA
- Oceanside, CA
- Vista, CA
- Escondido, CA
- San Marcos, CA
- Encinitas, CA
- Chula Vista, CA
- El Cajon, CA
- La Mesa, CA
- Poway, CA
- Santee, CA
- National City, CA
- Coronado, CA
- Del Mar, CA
- Solana Beach, CA
- Imperial Beach, CA
- Lemon Grove, CA
- Unincorporated San Diego County
Not sure what your city allows? Run the free cost estimator — it prices permits for every jurisdiction above — or book a free site walk.
Ready to Build Your Dream ADU?
Schedule a free site walk and let our team show you what's possible for your property.
Let's Talk About Your Project
Ready to get started? Fill out the form and our team will reach out shortly.