Our ADU now covers our entire mortgage. This changed our family's life forever.
Junior ADU
A junior ADU within your home — 500 sqft or less, permitted and finished.
Junior ADU (JADU) construction for San Diego and Washington homeowners — converting an existing bedroom, den, or attached space into a permitted, self-contained living unit with private entrance and kitchenette.
- Permitted JADU conversion
- In-house permitting
- Dedicated project manager
What we handle in a junior ADU project.
From an existing spare bedroom to a fully permitted, self-contained junior unit:
- JADU feasibility review — California AB 3182 and local ordinance requirements; Washington JADU equivalents by city. Maximum 500 sqft; interior access to main home permitted.
- Floor plan and entrance design — private exterior entrance added or modified; interior shared-access door may remain in California JADUs.
- Kitchenette installation — sink, small refrigerator, and countertop cooking appliance rough-in and finish to meet JADU requirements.
- Bathroom addition or connection — shared or private bath depending on floor plan and client preference.
- Electrical and plumbing — rough-in for new kitchenette and bath fixtures, permitted and inspected.
- Insulation and soundproofing — walls and ceiling between JADU and main home treated for acoustic separation.
- Interior finish — flooring, doors, trim, paint, and fixtures scoped to your design direction.
Junior ADU projects begin with a free feasibility consultation. You leave with a written proposal covering permit requirements and total cost.
How it works
Our 3-step process.
STEP 01
Feasibility & design
On-site walkthrough of the proposed JADU space. We review JADU eligibility, design options within the 500 sqft limit, entrance options, and kitchenette placement. You leave with a written proposal — scope, permit timeline, and total cost.
STEP 02
Permitting & prep
City permits pulled in-house — structural (if needed), plumbing, and electrical. Materials ordered and trades scheduled. You have a firm start date and know exactly what happens next.
STEP 03
Build & final inspection
Entrance modifications, plumbing and electrical rough-in, inspections, insulation, drywall, kitchenette and bath finish, and final inspection. Your dedicated project manager is on-site through every phase.
What sets us apart for junior ADU construction.
JADU code expertise
California's JADU rules differ from standard ADU rules — owner-occupancy requirements, interior access provisions, and kitchenette standards are all specific. We know the code in both California and Washington so your unit is legal from day one.
Permitted conversion
An unpermitted JADU creates title and insurance problems. We pull every required permit as part of the project — the unit is legal, rentable, and shows correctly at resale.
One scope, one proposal
Entrance, kitchenette, plumbing, electrical, and finish — in one written proposal. No separate trades to coordinate, no scope gaps between contractors.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What is a junior ADU (JADU)?
A junior ADU is a self-contained living unit of 500 sqft or less created within the walls of an existing single-family home — typically from a bedroom or den. California law (AB 3182) allows JADUs on most single-family lots with streamlined permitting. The unit requires a private entrance, an efficiency kitchen, and may share a bathroom with the main home.
Can I rent a junior ADU?
In California, JADUs can be rented but the owner is required to live on the property (in the main home or the JADU itself) — unlike standard ADUs which have no owner-occupancy requirement. Washington JADU rules vary by city; we assess your specific situation at the consultation.
How much does a junior ADU cost?
Junior ADU projects typically run $40,000–$90,000 depending on the existing space conditions, scope of plumbing and electrical work, and finish level — significantly less than a new detached ADU. Your written proposal gives a line-item breakdown.
Do you handle all the permitting?
Yes — plumbing, electrical, and any structural permits are pulled in-house. The permit timeline is built into your written proposal.
Are you licensed for JADU construction in California and Washington?
Yes — licensed in California and Washington, bonded and insured. Documentation available on request.
Reviews
What our customers say.
on Google · 298 reviews
Service area
Where we work.
HQ in San Diego, CA
Thinking about a junior ADU?
Start with a free feasibility consultation. We'll walk through the existing space, review JADU requirements, and follow up with a written proposal.