First Choice Home Builders: ADU Contractor Serving San Diego
First Choice Home Builders is a licensed and insured ADU builder based in San Diego, California. The company focuses on the design, permitting, and construction of accessory dwelling units for residential property owners throughout San Diego County. With over 15 years of experience building ADUs in the region, they have worked with more than 500 local homeowners on a range of ADU projects.
Their services cover the full scope of ADU construction, including detached ADUs, garage conversions, Junior ADUs (JADUs), and attached units. Whether a homeowner is looking to add a backyard cottage, convert an existing garage, or build a granny flat or in-law suite, First Choice Home Builders positions itself as a single point of contact for the entire process.
Services Offered by First Choice Home Builders
The company handles each stage of an ADU project from start to finish. Their core service areas include:
- Custom ADU Design – Tailored designs intended to maximize usable space while meeting San Diego's local building requirements.
- Permit Navigation – The team manages all permitting, zoning compliance, and city approvals on behalf of the homeowner.
- Full Construction – Licensed contractors carry out the build, covering everything from foundation to final finishes.
- Financing Assistance – The company offers financing options, including a zero upfront cost program, allowing homeowners to begin construction without an initial cash outlay.
Their financing model is structured around several options, including revenue sharing arrangements, home equity lines of credit, loan pre-approval assistance, and a buyout option upon project completion. The intent is to make ADU construction accessible to homeowners who may not have significant capital available upfront.
First Choice Home Builders also emphasizes a sustainable construction approach. Their projects incorporate energy-efficient systems, sustainable building materials, and designs that align with modern aesthetic preferences. Past projects in areas such as La Jolla and Mission Hills have featured solar-ready infrastructure, natural lighting, and eco-conscious material selections.
Understanding ADU Regulations in San Diego
San Diego has specific rules governing ADU construction that homeowners need to be aware of. First Choice Home Builders works within these regulations and helps clients navigate the requirements, which include:
- One ADU permitted per single-family property
- Detached ADUs allowed up to 1,200 square feet
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) permitted up to 500 square feet
- Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks
- 16-foot height limit for detached ADUs
- Garage conversions are generally encouraged under current regulations
- Owner occupancy requirements waived through 2025
Permit timelines in San Diego typically run between 3 and 6 months, depending on documentation and project complexity. First Choice Home Builders manages this process directly, reducing the administrative burden on the homeowner.
In terms of financial return, ADU rental income in San Diego averages between $2,000 and $3,500 per month, depending on unit size and location. The addition of an ADU is also commonly associated with a property value increase in the range of 20 to 30 percent, though individual results will vary based on market conditions and property specifics.
First Choice Home Builders serves homeowners across San Diego County looking for a structured, managed approach to ADU development — from initial eligibility assessment through to a completed, rentable unit.
