Granny Flat Builders San Diego

Choosing a design-build firm to construct your new granny flat can seem like a daunting task. House to Home’ makes that decision easy! Our highly trained team of granny flat builders in San Diego can help you complete your granny flat project to the highest standards. With House to Home as your trusted partner, you’ll be surprised at how affordable and doable your granny flat addition really is.

Granny flats, otherwise known as Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs), JADUs, guest houses or casitas, are increasingly growing in popularity. They are a great way to make use of additional space on your property and even bring in an additional stream of income. House to Home specializes in building granny flats in San Diego and is ready to get started on your project right away.

House to Home builds ADU granny flats all over San Diego County and are able to help complete your project from start to finish. Cities across San Diego County have different ADU requirements and thus have varying ADU programs. Something else to consider is that San Diego, and other municipalities such as the city of Encinitas with their permit-ready accessory dwelling unit (PRADU) program, have pre-approved designs with an expedited permit approval process for you to choose from.

What Is A Granny Flat?

A granny flat is attached to the main house and is made specifically for elderly people, so they can enjoy their privacy, while being a part of the main house. You can also use it as a space for your friends and rent it out to tenant to earn some extra money. It is a growing trend in San Diego and you can also increase the value of yur property by planning an ADU granny flat. 

4 Reasons to Add a Granny Flat in San Diego

  • Improve the value of the home.
  • Adding a granny flat provides an additional stream of income if the unit is rented out.
  • If you have a mortgage, you may be able to offset those monthly payments.
  • You can provide an additional space for family members to live near you while still maintaining your own personal space.

How Big Can my Granny Flat Be?

From “what is a granny flat?” to the popularity of ADU granny flats, San Diego houses are really embracing the trend. In fact, the FAQs about granny flats are increasing every day. Let’s come to the size of a granny flat.

 

Because a granny flat is intended to be smaller than the primary residence, there are a few things to factor in when deciding on the size of the new dwelling unit. First, is the ADU attached to the primary residence or detached? A granny flat that is attached to a primary residence may be up to half the size of the primary residence on the property, up to a maximum of 1,200 sq. feet. If the new granny flat is detached from the primary residence, it may be up to 1,200 sq. feet, irrespective of the size of the residence. Second, is it an ADU or a JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit)? A JADU can only be up to 500 sq. feet where as an ADU can be up to 1,200 sq. feet depending on the conditions above.

What is the difference between an ADU and a JADU?

While they share many of the same characteristics, there are a handful of differences between and ADU and a JADU. Here are the main ones to consider:

  • An ADU can be up to 1,200 sq. feet and a JADU can only be up to 500 sq. feet. 
  • An ADU is required to have its own bathroom where a JADU can have a shared bathroom with the primary residence.
  • A property with an ADU does not need to be owner occupied whereas with a JADU the owner needs to live in either the main residence or the JADU.

The Legality of Adding a Granny Flat

New California laws, that went into effect on January 1, 2020, eased legislation around building granny homes. This allowed more homeowners to add these additional units to their current property. Staying on top of these new laws governing the building of ADUs is just one of the reasons why we are among the best granny flat builders in San Diego. 

California has more or less required all cities to allow granny flats as long as there is enough space on the property to add the structures. The new laws not only make it easier to obtain the necessary permits for these ADUs but are favorable to individuals who wish to build them.

The new laws also help address the growing housing shortage in California. This legislation has opened up new investment opportunities for developers, investors, and homeowners. This is all done while simultaneously increasing the potential to generate supplementary, recurring income.

FAQ

To select a reliable granny flat builder in San Diego, start by researching and gathering recommendations from trusted sources. Check their credentials, review their portfolio, and contact previous clients for references. Finally, interview multiple builders, review detailed proposals, and ensure clear communication and transparency throughout the process before signing a written contract.

Before building a granny flat, it’s important to research and comply with local regulations, determine your design preferences and budget, and choose a reputable builder. Consider factors such as utilities, permits, insurance, and long-term plans to ensure a smooth and successful construction process.

Yes, you can build a granny flat in your backyard in San Diego, but you must comply with the city’s zoning and land use regulations for accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These regulations cover factors such as lot size, setbacks, size limits, parking requirements, and permits, so it’s important to consult with the local zoning department or a knowledgeable professional before starting your project.

The cost of building a granny flat in San Diego can vary greatly depending on factors like size, design, materials, and labor. On average, the cost ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 or more, but it’s essential to consult with builders for a precise estimate based on your specific project requirements.

The construction time for a granny flat in San Diego can range from a few months to a year, depending on various factors. It’s important to discuss the specific timeline with your chosen builder, considering factors such as design complexity, size, site conditions, and potential delays.

So, if you are planning a granny flat on your property and searching for the best granny flat contractors in San Diego then you are at right place. The team at House to Home is among the best granny flat builders in San Diego. Our design build firm specializes in building granny flats, and we can’t wait to get building! Contact us or fill out our Design Consultation Form to get started on your project today!