Hiring in San Diego

ADU Builders in San Diego.

An ADU is effectively building a small house on your property — permits, utility hookups, and zoning rules all come into play. A builder’s actual ADU track record matters more here than almost any other project type.

A better way to find one

The usual way to hire for a project like this means inviting several strangers to your home just to get a price, then hoping you picked someone trustworthy. Domestra flips that: share a few photos of your project, and verified local contractors send you a real preliminary range before anyone shows up. You compare, then choose who — if anyone — actually comes to see it in person.

What “verified” actually checks

• An active California contractor’s license (CSLB), checked against the state record before they can respond to you.
• Real, specific ADU experience — not just general construction. Ask how many ADUs they’ve actually completed, and in which cities, since local permitting varies.
• Current general liability insurance and workers’ compensation, especially important given how long an ADU project typically runs.

What it typically costs

ADUs in the San Diego area typically run $100,000 to $450,000 or more — garage conversions at the low end, new detached units in the $250,000-$450,000 range, and larger or custom builds above that.

See the full ADU cost guide for the complete breakdown by tier.

Questions people actually have

• How do I check if a contractor’s license is real? Look them up yourself at cslb.ca.gov (“Check a License”) or call (800) 321-2752 — takes under a minute and shows status, bond, and any complaints.
• Do I have to let someone into my home just to get a price? No — share photos of your yard or garage first and get a preliminary range before anyone visits in person.
• Should I ask about permit timelines before hiring? Yes — ask directly how long their last few ADU permits took in your city. It’s one of the most useful questions you can ask, and a real builder will have a specific answer, not a guess.