IL Total Design & Build – ADU Specialists in San Diego
IL Total Design & Build operates as a San Diego-based firm specializing in the design, permitting, and construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs). Over the past several years, as ADU regulations in California have continued to evolve, the company has grown alongside those changes, staying current with the requirements set by each city and county in the region.
Whether the project involves a granny flat, a garage conversion, an in-law suite, a backyard cottage, a detached ADU, or a Casita, IL Total Design & Build handles the full scope — from initial concept through to permitted, ready-to-build plans. Their focus on ADU work specifically means they are familiar with the nuances that differ from one municipality to the next. For instance, building an ADU in North Park San Diego involves different regulations than building one in Escondido, and the team accounts for those distinctions throughout the design and permitting process.
One practical advantage of working with a specialty firm is the efficiency it can bring to the permitting process. Their designer stays up to date with city requirements, which helps keep plan approvals on track and reduces the likelihood of corrections being requested by the city. This can save homeowners both time and money during what is often one of the more time-consuming phases of an ADU project.
ADU Design, Permitting, and Construction Services
The process at IL Total Design & Build typically begins with a site evaluation. An architect visits the property to assess feasibility, review placement options, required setbacks, and size limitations. From there, the design is developed collaboratively with the homeowner, refined through drafts, and ultimately visualized through a 3D rendering before any permits are submitted.
Once the design is approved, the team works alongside a structural engineer to obtain the necessary permits. Their track record with plan approvals is noted as a strong point — plans frequently come back approved without corrections, keeping projects on schedule.
For homeowners who prefer to manage their own construction, IL Total Design & Build also offers design and permitting services only, allowing clients to work with a contractor of their choosing once plans are approved.
For those who proceed with full construction, the build process is structured across several defined stages:
- Permit Approval – Securing all required permits from local authorities
- Project Initiation – Site setup, safety protocols, and logistics
- Material Selection and Sourcing – Guidance on materials within budget and sustainability considerations
- Project Management – Oversight of timelines, budgets, and team coordination
- Construction – Foundation, structural work, utilities, and finishing
- Quality Control – Regular inspections and issue resolution
- Communication and Updates – Ongoing progress reporting throughout the build
- Completion and Handover – Final inspection and delivery of all documentation, including certificates of occupancy
Building a detached ADU is comparable in complexity to constructing a new home, which is why experienced contractors are considered essential to the process. IL Total Design & Build positions itself as an ADU contractor capable of managing that full scope of work.
Additional Services: Home Additions and Remodeling
Beyond ADU work, IL Total Design & Build also offers home addition services for homeowners looking to expand their existing living space. This includes extra bedrooms, expanded living areas, home offices, or second-story additions. As with their ADU projects, they handle design, permitting, and construction, drawing on their familiarity with San Diego's building regulations.
The company also provides home remodeling services, covering kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations, and full home remodels. A dedicated project manager guides clients through material and finish selections, and 3D design renderings are provided to help homeowners visualize the result before construction begins.
Across all their services, IL Total Design & Build aims to provide a structured, end-to-end process — from feasibility and design through permitting and construction — for homeowners in the San Diego area.
