What is the 2026 cost range for a junior adu (jadu) scope adu in San Diego?

$85,050-$179,550, with the median landing near $132,300. The range reflects finish tier and layout complexity within the junior adu (jadu) scope; the San Diego labor multiplier of 1.35× vs national median is baked in.

How long does a junior adu (jadu) scope adu take in San Diego?

10-18 weeks of on-site construction for the junior adu (jadu) scope, plus 6-14 weeks of permit review in San Diego if the scope requires a permit. Cosmetic-only refreshes often skip permits; anything touching plumbing, electrical, or structural does not.

What is the single biggest budget-overrun risk for this scope?

Owner-occupancy covenants in some jurisdictions limit resale financing options — buyer must also commit to occupancy, reducing resale pool.

ADU — Junior ADU (JADU) Cost in San Diego, 2026

Low

$85K

$85,050

Median

$132K

$132,300

High

$180K

$179,550

Scope timeline: 10-18 weeksSan Diego permit window: 6-14 weeksUpdated 2026-04-24

Why junior adu (jadu) × San Diego produces this band

A junior adu (jadu) scope for a adu in San Diego combines two price levers: scope and metro labor rates. JADUs carve a ≤500 SF unit out of the existing primary structure with an efficiency kitchen (no range, induction cooktop allowed) and a shared or private bath. Cheapest ADU class when the jurisdiction recognizes it. Against the national median remodel labor rate, San Diego runs 35% above the national median — so the junior adu (jadu) band comes in 65% below the mid-range, then scales 35% above the national median on top of that. Permit timelines for residential work in San Diego typically run 6-14 weeks, which is the window you plan your design and decision sequence against. This page gives you the actual 2026 San Diego bands for this exact combination, plus the three cost drivers Baily asks about first when scoping the project live.

What drives cost for a junior adu (jadu) scope

·Efficiency kitchen with limited plumbing (no garbage disposal in many jurisdictions)
·Independent entrance cut into an exterior wall
·Owner-occupancy covenant recording
·Shared utility metering (no new service drop)

What makes San Diego different

Labor — CSLB-licensed GC market with strong ADU-construction demand following SB 9 and SB 10.
Labor — Coastal Commission jurisdiction adds project-management time for parcels west of the 1st public road.
Labor — Military-base proximity generates steady remodel demand (off-base housing), keeping trades busy year-round.
Material — Title 24 energy requirements same as LA — higher envelope + glazing spec.
Material — Coastal corrosion protection required on hardware and fasteners within 1,500 ft of the ocean.

San Diego rules that affect this scope

San Diego Development Services Department (DSD) handles plan check — timeline varies by review type and discretionary vs ministerial.
Coastal Development Permit required within the Coastal Zone — adds 4-12 weeks.
San Diego ADU Bonus Program allows additional ADUs above state minimums with deed-restricted affordability.
Fire-prone hillside parcels subject to ember-resistant construction under Chapter 7A of California Building Code.

Scope your adu with Baily.

Baily asks the eight questions that determine where your project lands inside the $85K-$180K band for San Diego and hands the scoped brief to one licensed builder.

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Questions LA homeowners actually ask

$85,050-$179,550, with the median landing near $132,300. The range reflects finish tier and layout complexity within the junior adu (jadu) scope; the San Diego labor multiplier of 1.35× vs national median is baked in.