ADU Construction Services in San Diego County
Enjoy Build is a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1141989) based in San Diego County, working as a design-build ADU contractor. The company handles design, permitting, and construction under one team, from initial site assessment through final inspection. This structure is intended to reduce the handoffs that can occur when separate firms manage design and construction.
One documented project involved an 800 sq ft detached ADU built on a tight lot in Del Mar. The build required structural engineering work and retained part of an existing structure according to approved plans. Permits were processed through the City of Del Mar, which has a detailed review process. The project involved collaboration with outside designers and architects, which the company notes adds coordination but supports higher-end finish work.
Types of ADUs Built
- Detached ADU: A freestanding backyard cottage, up to 1,200 sq ft, offering design flexibility and separation from the main house.
- Attached ADU: Connected to the primary residence with a separate entrance, suited to lots with limited backyard space, up to 50% of the home's square footage.
- Garage Conversion: Converting an existing garage into a permitted living unit, generally at a lower cost and without a parking replacement requirement in most San Diego locations.
- Two-Story ADU: Allowed on single-family lots in San Diego, up to 24–30 ft depending on zoning, useful for maximizing space on smaller lots.
- Junior ADU (JADU): Up to 500 sq ft created within the existing footprint of the primary residence, requiring owner occupancy.
- High-End Custom ADU: Full custom design intended to match or complement the main home, including architectural detailing and smart home features.
Design, Permitting, and Build Process
Enjoy Build follows a four-step process for its ADU and accessory dwelling unit projects:
- Site Assessment: Evaluation of lot dimensions, zoning, setbacks, utilities, and overlay zones before any contracts are signed.
- Design: In-house design developed around the lot, budget, and permit requirements.
- Permits: Preparation and submission of permit applications with the City of San Diego or applicable jurisdiction, including managing corrections and resubmittals. In Del Mar, this can include Coastal Development Permit applications, as most parcels in the city fall under coastal review.
- Build: Construction carried out by licensed contractors and vetted subcontractors with daily site supervision, built to approved plans.
Reported budgets for fully permitted, move-in-ready ADUs in the Del Mar area range from $70,000–$180,000 for a JADU conversion, $120,000–$240,000 for a garage conversion, $150,000–$300,000 for an attached ADU, $200,000–$470,000 for new detached construction, and $400,000–$600,000+ for high-end custom detached builds. New detached construction costs are cited at approximately $411–$650 per square foot, with permit fees around $13–$28 per square foot and school impact fees near $4.79 per square foot. Typical project timelines run 8–12 months from design through final inspection, with coastal zone review potentially adding time. Enjoy Build also serves surrounding communities including Carmel Valley, La Jolla, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and Rancho Santa Fe.
