An accessory dwelling unit adds a full, code-compliant living space to your property, whether that’s for a family member, a home office, or a rental unit. 3 Day Kitchen & Bath works as your ADU contractor across San Diego County, managing design, permitting, and construction as one coordinated project instead of separate handoffs between a designer, a permit expediter, and a builder.
What Is an ADU, and What Does the Process Involve?
An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family lot, attached to the main house, built as a separate structure, or converted from an existing garage. Building one with 3 Day Kitchen & Bath runs through consultation, design, permitting, construction, and a final county inspection, with one contractor managing every stage. The right ADU type for your property depends on your lot size and San Diego County’s zoning rules, covered next.
What an ADU Can Do for Your Property
An ADU adds real, code-compliant living space to your property, but the right reason to build one varies by household. An ADU is worth considering if you’re trying to solve one of these:
- Housing for a family member without a full household move
- A separate rental unit to bring in additional income
- A dedicated home office or studio separate from the main house
- Adding livable square footage without a full addition to the main structure
The right ADU type (detached, attached, or a garage conversion) depends on your lot size, existing structures, and what San Diego County’s zoning allows for your property.
Why San Diego Homeowners Choose 3 Day Kitchen & Bath as Their ADU Contractor
ADUs involve more moving parts than a typical remodel, mainly permitting and zoning. Here’s what working with us actually looks like:
Permitting handled in-house
San Diego County's ADU permitting process is specific and detail-heavy. We manage it as part of the project instead of leaving you to coordinate with the county directly.
One contractor, full scope
Design, permitting, and construction stay with the same team, so nothing gets lost between separate vendors.
Built for speed
Our process is structured to move efficiently once permits are approved, with a schedule you see before construction starts.
Local zoning knowledge
We work within San Diego County's setback, size, and occupancy rules for ADUs so the design is buildable from the start, not redrawn after a permit rejection.
Complete ADU Construction Services
Every ADU project touches design, permitting, and construction, and most projects stall when you skip coordination between those three steps. Here’s what’s included when you work with us:
ADU Design and Planning
Layout and design work scoped to your lot, your project budget, and what your property's zoning allows.
Permitting Assistance
We prepare and manage the permitting process with San Diego County, including zoning, setback, and occupancy requirements specific to ADUs.
Full-Scale Construction
From foundation or garage conversion through framing, systems, and finish work, managed by our team from start to finish.
Customization Options
Detached, attached, and garage-conversion ADUs, sized and finished to match how the unit will actually be used.
Project Management
A single point of contact tracks design, permitting, and construction milestones so you're not chasing updates across separate vendors.
Our ADU Construction Process
Initial Consultation
We assess your lot, existing structures, and goals for the unit.
Design
Our team develops a layout that fits your property and San Diego County's zoning requirements.
Permitting
We prepare and submit permits and manage the county's review process.
Construction
Building begins once permits are approved, sequenced from foundation/conversion through finish work.
Final inspection and approval
We coordinate the final county inspection and walk the finished unit with you.
Benefits of Building an ADU
An ADU changes what your property can actually do, not just how big it is. Depending on how you use it, that shows up in a few different ways:
- Added property value. An ADU adds usable, code-compliant square footage that can raise your property’s value.
- Rental income potential. A completed ADU can be rented out, subject to your local zoning and any HOA restrictions.
- Flexible use. The same unit can serve as family housing, a home office, or a rental over time as your needs change.
Real San Diego ADU Projects
Photos tell you more about our work than any description can. Here’s a look at recent ADU projects we’ve completed around San Diego County:
Start Your ADU Project with 3 Day Kitchen & Bath
An ADU means juggling design, permits, and construction on one property at the same time. We keep all three moving together instead of passing you between contractors. Set up a time today to see what’s possible on your property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot. It can be attached to the main house, built as a separate detached structure, or converted from an existing garage.
How long does the ADU process take?
Timelines vary based on design complexity and, especially, the county’s permitting and design-review timeline. We give you a project-specific timeline estimate after the initial consultation rather than a fixed number that doesn’t account for permitting.
What does an ADU cost?
Cost depends on the ADU’s size, type (detached, attached, or garage conversion), and the finishes you choose. We provide a detailed estimate after assessing your property and goals for the unit.
What are the legal requirements for ADUs in San Diego?
ADU construction in San Diego County has to meet local zoning rules, building codes, and requirements around size, setbacks, and occupancy. We manage the permitting process and design to those requirements as part of the project.
How do I prepare my property for ADU construction?
Before construction starts, we’ll walk through what needs to be cleared from the build area and any access considerations for equipment and materials, specific to your lot and the ADU type you’re building.
Our Service Areas
We Serve The Following Areas
- San Diego
- Oceanside
- Vista
- Carlsbad
- Escondido
- San Marcos
- Chula Vista
- El Cajon
- Coronado
- La Mesa
- National City
- Imperial Beach
- Santee
- Encinitas
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- Fallbrook
- Ramona
- Valley Center
- Bonita
- Lemon Grove
- Spring Valley
- Mira Mesa
- Scripps Ranch
- Sabre Springs
- Rancho Peñasquitos
- Torrey Highlands
- Del Mar Mesa
- Sorrento Valley
- Miramar
- Pacific Highlands Ranch
- Scripps Highlands
- Scripps Pomerado
- Miramar Ranch North
- Fairbrook Estates
- Montecito
- Torrey Santa Fe
- Torrey Brook
- Fenton Carroll Canyon
- La Jolla
- Del Mar
- Solana Beach