ADU CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING THE SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY
Custom ADU design, permitting, and construction in San Diego County, managed by one coordinated team.
BUILDING HOUSES. DELIVERING HOMES.
Trusted ADU design + build team serving San Diego County
SAN DIEGO ADU BUILDERS
THE TRUSTED CHOICE FOR ADU CONSTRUCTION
Milan Design + Build provides complete accessory dwelling unit (ADU) design and construction throughout San Diego County. Whether you are planning a detached backyard ADU, converting an existing garage, creating an attached accessory dwelling unit, or building living space above a garage, our team manages the project from initial planning through construction.
Our design-build approach brings architectural planning, engineering, permitting, interior selections, and construction together under one coordinated team.
DESIGNED TO FIT YOUR VISION
YOUR ADU. DESIGNED AROUND YOUR GOALS.
Every ADU serves a different purpose. Some homeowners are creating an independent residence for family, while others want flexible guest accommodations, additional living space, rental income potential, or a long-term investment in their property.
Garage conversions are also a popular way to add livable square footage while making use of existing space. Whether you are planning a detached ADU or converting a garage into a studio or guest suite, our design process considers layout, privacy, natural light, storage, kitchen and bathroom functionality, exterior architecture, and how the new dwelling relates to the existing property.
AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO ADU CONSTRUCTION
DESIGNED FOR EFFICIENCY AND BUILT TO LAST
Building an accessory dwelling unit requires coordination across architecture, structural engineering, utilities, permitting, interior design, and construction.
Milan Design + Build manages these phases through one coordinated process so decisions made during design carry through engineering, permits, material selections, and construction.
OUR PROCESS
Consultation & Feasibility
We begin with an in-home or virtual consultation to understand your goals, space needs, and property conditions. Our team evaluates your property layout, zoning requirements, access, utilities, and structural feasibility to determine the best approach for your ADU.
Design & Space Planning
Our designers develop a custom ADU layout based on your property and intended use. We focus on flow, functionality, privacy, natural light, storage, kitchen and bathroom planning, and efficient use of every square foot.
3D Renderings & Scope Development
Using detailed measurements and digital planning, we develop realistic 3D renderings so you can visualize the ADU before construction begins. We then finalize the project scope, materials, and layout based on your feedback.
Engineering & Permits
Our team coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, and local approvals. We manage the permit process and help ensure your ADU meets applicable San Diego building requirements.
Material Selection & Pre-Construction
We guide you through selecting cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, fixtures, lighting, and other finishes that match your vision and budget. At the same time, we finalize scheduling, order materials, and prepare the project for construction.
Construction & Project Management
Our licensed construction team brings your ADU to life with precision and attention to detail. A dedicated project manager oversees scheduling, communication, inspections, quality control, and completion.
KNOWLEDGE BASE
ADU RESOURCES
ADU Permitting in San Diego County
Learn how ADU permitting works in San Diego County, including plans, engineering, setbacks, permit review, garage conversions, fees, and common approval requirements.
Read Article →
Garage Conversion to ADU: Ideas, Inspiration & What to Consider
Explore garage conversion ADU ideas, layouts, design inspiration, construction considerations, and what homeowners should evaluate before converting an existing garage.
Read Article →
Accessory Structure Checklist
Review important considerations for accessory structures, including property lines, zoning, permits, design, project cost, utilities, and contractor selection.
Read Article →FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO BUILD AN ADU IN SAN DIEGO?
ADU construction costs in San Diego depend on the size and type of unit, site conditions, utility connections, structural requirements, kitchen and bathroom specifications, and finish selections. Detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and garage conversions may have different budgets. For an initial project budget, use our online ADU cost estimator. Milan Design + Build provides project-specific pricing after reviewing the property and proposed scope.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO BUILD AN ADU IN SAN DIEGO?
An ADU project includes feasibility review, design, engineering, permitting, pre-construction, and building. The total timeline depends on the ADU type, complexity, site conditions, and the local approval process. Milan Design + Build coordinates each phase and develops a project schedule based on the approved scope.
DO I NEED PERMITS TO BUILD AN ADU IN SAN DIEGO?
Yes. ADU projects generally require building permits and construction plans. Depending on the property, structural, utility, and other approvals may also be necessary. Milan Design + Build coordinates architectural planning, engineering, and the permit process as part of its design-build services.
CAN YOU CONVERT AN EXISTING GARAGE INTO AN ADU?
Yes. Milan Design + Build works on garage conversion ADUs in San Diego County. Our team evaluates the existing structure, access, utility connections, layout, and applicable requirements before developing a design. We can also plan the kitchen, bathroom, and interior finishes.
WHAT TYPES OF ADUS DOES MILAN DESIGN + BUILD CONSTRUCT?
We work on detached backyard ADUs, attached ADUs, garage conversion ADUs, and above-garage living spaces when the property and project conditions support the proposed design. Our team helps homeowners select an approach based on space, intended use, and site feasibility.
DOES MILAN HANDLE ADU DESIGN, ENGINEERING, PERMITS, AND CONSTRUCTION?
Yes. Milan Design + Build coordinates architectural planning, engineering, permit preparation, interior selections, construction, and project management through one integrated design-build process, so homeowners have a coordinated team from planning through completion.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING AN ADU BUILDER IN SAN DIEGO?
Look for an ADU contractor who can evaluate local permitting requirements, explain site and utility considerations, provide a clear project scope, and coordinate design with construction. Ask how communication, material selections, inspections, and project management will be handled before work begins.
CAN YOU DESIGN THE ADU KITCHEN AND BATHROOM TOO?
Yes. ADU kitchen and bathroom planning can be included in the overall design. Our team coordinates layout, cabinetry, countertops, flooring, tile, plumbing fixtures, lighting, and other finish selections to create a functional living space.
Planning an ADU in San Diego? Start with an online project estimate.
Get an Instant ADU EstimateService Areas in San Diego County
Milan Design + Build provides professional ADU construction services throughout San Diego County, serving homeowners across coastal, central, and inland communities.