Our ADU Construction Process
From your first call to handing over the keys, BNC Builders manages every step of your San Diego ADU project with transparency and expertise.
Seven Steps to Your New ADU
Building an ADU in San Diego involves navigating design decisions, city permits, and complex construction. BNC Builders has refined this process over hundreds of projects to deliver your ADU on time, on budget, and exactly as promised. Here is how it works.
Free Consultation
Week 1Every ADU project begins with a conversation. We visit your property, discuss your goals, review your lot for ADU potential, and answer your questions. This consultation is completely free with no obligation.
What to Expect:
Feasibility Study
Weeks 1 - 3Before investing in design, we confirm your property can support an ADU. Our team verifies zoning, reviews setback requirements, checks utility capacity, and identifies any site constraints that could affect the project.
What to Expect:
Design & Engineering
Weeks 3 - 10Our design team creates detailed architectural plans tailored to your property and preferences. You will see floor plans, elevations, and 3D renderings before we finalize. Structural engineering and Title 24 energy calculations are completed during this phase.
What to Expect:
Permitting
Weeks 10 - 20BNC Builders handles the entire permitting process. We prepare and submit all required documents to the City of San Diego or your local jurisdiction. Our team responds to plan check corrections and coordinates with city reviewers to keep the process moving.
What to Expect:
Construction
Weeks 20 - 48This is where your ADU becomes reality. Our skilled construction team manages every phase from foundation to finishing. Your dedicated project manager provides regular updates and is your single point of contact throughout the build.
What to Expect:
Inspections
Throughout ConstructionCity inspections occur at key milestones throughout construction. BNC Builders schedules all inspections, prepares the site, and ensures every phase passes before moving forward. We handle any corrections required by inspectors.
What to Expect:
Final Walkthrough & Handover
Week 48 - 50Before we call your project complete, we walk through every detail together. We demonstrate all systems, review maintenance requirements, hand over warranties and documentation, and make sure you are completely satisfied with your new ADU.
What to Expect:
Typical ADU Timeline: 8 - 14 Months
The total duration depends on ADU type, design complexity, permit review times, and weather. Here is how the timeline breaks down for a typical San Diego ADU project.
Faster ADU Options
- Garage conversions: 4 - 8 months total
- JADUs: 3 - 6 months total
- Simpler designs with standard finishes
What Can Extend Timelines
- Permit correction cycles (2 - 4 weeks each)
- Unexpected site conditions (soil, utilities)
- Design changes during construction
Why Our ADU Process Works
After building ADUs throughout San Diego County, we have eliminated the pain points that plague most ADU projects.
Single Point of Contact
Your dedicated project manager handles everything from design through handover. One person who knows your project inside out, available whenever you have questions.
Transparent Fixed Pricing
No surprise costs. Our detailed proposal includes every line item before you sign. If something unexpected arises, we discuss it and get your approval before proceeding.
Permit Expertise
We submit code-compliant plans that pass review faster. Our established relationships with San Diego Development Services keep your project on track.
ADU Construction Process Questions
How long does it take to build an ADU in San Diego?
The typical ADU project takes 8 to 14 months from initial consultation to move-in ready. This includes approximately 1 month for feasibility, 2 months for design, 2-3 months for permitting, and 4-7 months for construction. Garage conversions can be completed faster (4-8 months total) since they skip the foundation and framing phases. BNC Builders provides a detailed timeline during your consultation.
What happens during the ADU design phase?
During design, our team creates architectural plans tailored to your property and goals. You will review floor plan options, select materials and finishes, and see 3D renderings of the ADU on your actual property. Structural engineering, Title 24 energy compliance, and any required reports are also completed. This phase typically takes 4-8 weeks and results in a complete plan set ready for permit submittal.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in San Diego?
The permitting phase typically takes 8 to 12 weeks from plan submittal to permit issuance. California law requires cities to process ADU permits within 60 days of receiving a complete application. However, plan check corrections can extend the timeline. BNC Builders submits thorough, code-compliant plans that minimize correction cycles, often achieving faster approvals.
Do I need to move out during ADU construction?
No, you do not need to move out for ADU construction. Since the ADU is built separately from your main home (or in your garage/yard), your daily routine is minimally disrupted. Noise and activity are limited to the construction area. BNC Builders maintains clean, safe job sites and clearly separates the work zone from your living areas.
What inspections are required during ADU construction?
ADU construction requires multiple city inspections: foundation, framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough mechanical (HVAC), insulation, drywall nailing, and final inspection. Each inspection must pass before the next phase begins. BNC Builders schedules all inspections, prepares the site, and handles any corrections. The final inspection results in your certificate of occupancy.
Can I make changes during construction?
Minor changes (paint colors, hardware, fixture styles) are typically easy to accommodate during construction. However, significant changes to layout, structural elements, or plumbing/electrical locations may require revised plans, additional permits, and added costs. BNC Builders thoroughly reviews all design decisions before construction begins to minimize change orders.
What warranty do I get on my new ADU?
BNC Builders provides a comprehensive warranty on all ADU construction. This includes a 1-year workmanship warranty covering all labor and installation, manufacturer warranties on all materials, appliances, and fixtures (typically 1-10 years depending on the product), and a 10-year structural warranty. We also provide a complete warranty package with documentation at handover.
Ready to Start Your ADU Project?
Take the first step with a free consultation. BNC Builders will assess your property, discuss your goals, and outline a clear path to your new ADU.