Your San Diego County ADU, Built Right.
Choose from streamlined, pre-approved plans or bring your own. As a hands-on, owner-operated builder, we deliver high-quality construction without the heavy markup of a middleman.
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
ABOUT US
A Better Way to Build Your ADU.
We're a hands-on, local builder dedicated to making your ADU project straightforward and successful. We believe in quality craftsmanship, transparent pricing, and treating every client like a neighbor.
$2,500+
Avg. Monthly San Diego ADU Rental Income
$2,500+
Avg. Monthly San Diego ADU Rental Income
$2,500+
Avg. Monthly San Diego ADU Rental Income
100%
Owner-Operated & On-Site ADU Builder
100%
Owner-Operated & On-Site ADU Builder
100%
Owner-Operated & On-Site ADU Builder
10
SD Jurisdictions with Pre-Approved ADU Plans
10
SD Jurisdictions with Pre-Approved ADU Plans
10
SD Jurisdictions with Pre-Approved ADU Plans
~80%
Head Start on Permit Time & Cost
~80%
Head Start on Permit Time & Cost
~80%
Head Start on Permit Time & Cost
OUR FOUNDER'S PLEDGE
OUR FOUNDER'S PLEDGE
OUR FOUNDER'S PLEDGE
"I grew up working with my hands, learning everything from framing to concrete. I built TrueBuild's sister company, Supreme Concrete Group, on a simple idea: do great work at an honest price, and your reputation will grow. We're applying that same exact philosophy to TrueBuild ADU.
We’re not a faceless corporation focused on markups; we're a dedicated team of experts, and I'm personally involved in all projects. We treat our clients like family because that's the only way we know how to do business. We’re here to build something lasting, for you and for our community."
Jose Flores
Owner & Founder
OUR CRAFTMANSHIP
The Difference is in the Details.
We are hands-on builders, not paper contractors. Our skilled team is on-site managing every phase of construction to ensure your new ADU is built with precision, quality materials, and a commitment to durability.
OUR CRAFTMANSHIP
The Difference is in the Details.
We are hands-on builders, not paper contractors. Our skilled team is on-site managing every phase of construction to ensure your new ADU is built with precision, quality materials, and a commitment to durability.
OUR CRAFTMANSHIP
The Difference is in the Details.
We are hands-on builders, not paper contractors. Our skilled team is on-site managing every phase of construction to ensure your new ADU is built with precision, quality materials, and a commitment to durability.
OUR SERVICES
OUR SERVICES
OUR SERVICES
Flexible Services for Every ADU Project.
Whether you have plans in hand or are just getting started, we have the right solution for your needs.
Bring Your Own Plans
Pre-Approved ADU Plans
Concrete ADU Foundations
Bring Your Own Plans
Already have your architectural plans? Our expert team will bring your vision to life. We provide high-quality, hands-on construction to ensure your ADU is built exactly to your specifications, on time and on budget.
Bring Your Own Plans
Pre-Approved ADU Plans
Concrete ADU Foundations
Bring Your Own Plans
Already have your architectural plans? Our expert team will bring your vision to life. We provide high-quality, hands-on construction to ensure your ADU is built exactly to your specifications, on time and on budget.
Bring Your Own Plans
Pre-Approved ADU Plans
Concrete ADU Foundations
Bring Your Own Plans
Already have your architectural plans? Our expert team will bring your vision to life. We provide high-quality, hands-on construction to ensure your ADU is built exactly to your specifications, on time and on budget.
THE TRUEBUILD ADVANTAGE
THE TRUEBUILD ADVANTAGE
THE TRUEBUILD ADVANTAGE
What Sets Us Apart.
We're not just another contractor. We're a hands-on, owner-operated team dedicated to building your ADU better, faster, and more affordably.
Faster Permits
We specialize in pre-approved plans, giving you an ~80% head start that can save you months of waiting for city and county approval.
Faster Permits
We specialize in pre-approved plans, giving you an ~80% head start that can save you months of waiting for city and county approval.
Faster Permits
We specialize in pre-approved plans, giving you an ~80% head start that can save you months of waiting for city and county approval.
No Middleman Markup
As an owner-operated builder with an in-house team, we eliminate the heavy markup that "paper contractors" add to your final price.
No Middleman Markup
As an owner-operated builder with an in-house team, we eliminate the heavy markup that "paper contractors" add to your final price.
No Middleman Markup
As an owner-operated builder with an in-house team, we eliminate the heavy markup that "paper contractors" add to your final price.
Built By Real Builders
Our founder's deep, hands-on experience in framing and concrete means we're true craftsmen, not just project managers.
Built By Real Builders
Our founder's deep, hands-on experience in framing and concrete means we're true craftsmen, not just project managers.
Built By Real Builders
Our founder's deep, hands-on experience in framing and concrete means we're true craftsmen, not just project managers.
San Diego County Experts
We have in-depth knowledge of the unique zoning codes, regulations, and processes in all local jurisdictions, ensuring a smoother project.
San Diego County Experts
We have in-depth knowledge of the unique zoning codes, regulations, and processes in all local jurisdictions, ensuring a smoother project.
San Diego County Experts
We have in-depth knowledge of the unique zoning codes, regulations, and processes in all local jurisdictions, ensuring a smoother project.
Flexible Plan Options
Whether you choose a streamlined pre-approved plan or bring your own, we have the expertise to build your project right.
Flexible Plan Options
Whether you choose a streamlined pre-approved plan or bring your own, we have the expertise to build your project right.
Flexible Plan Options
Whether you choose a streamlined pre-approved plan or bring your own, we have the expertise to build your project right.
Expert Concrete Foundations
With our sister company, Supreme Concrete Group, your ADU's foundation is poured by dedicated concrete specialists for unmatched quality.
Expert Concrete Foundations
With our sister company, Supreme Concrete Group, your ADU's foundation is poured by dedicated concrete specialists for unmatched quality.
Expert Concrete Foundations
With our sister company, Supreme Concrete Group, your ADU's foundation is poured by dedicated concrete specialists for unmatched quality.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Your ADU Questions, Answered.
How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego County?
The total cost varies based on size, site conditions, and finishes, but our process is designed to be highly affordable.
By using pre-approved plans or building from your plans directly, we eliminate costly architectural fees and middleman markups.
We provide a detailed, transparent quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
How long does the ADU permitting process take with pre-approved plans?
While a fully custom ADU can take many months for permit approval, using a pre-approved plan gives you an ~80% head start.
Since the main design is already accepted by the city or county, the review is focused only on your specific property.
This can cut the permitting timeline down significantly, often to just a few months.
Can I build an ADU on my property in San Diego?
Most single-family properties in San Diego County are eligible for at least one ADU. The feasibility depends on your specific zoning and property characteristics like lot size and setbacks.
The first step in our process is a feasibility study, where we assess your property and confirm exactly what you can build.
What is the difference between a "paper contractor" and a hands-on builder?
A "paper contractor" or general contractor often subcontracts out all the major work, adding a significant markup (15-25%+) for their management.
As a hands-on, owner-operated builder, our own team performs the core construction work, like framing and foundation, leaving just the specialty trades of electrical, plumbing, and roofing to those experts.
This keeps costs down, ensures tighter control over quality and schedule, and means you have a true expert on-site.
Do I have to use a pre-approved plan to work with you?
Not at all! While we specialize in the efficiency of pre-approved plans, we are also experts at building from plans you provide.
If you've already worked with an architect or designer, our "Bring Your Own Plans" service is the perfect way to get your ADU built with the quality and affordability of a hands-on builder.
Do you offer custom ADU design-build services? If not, can you recommend architects?
We specialize in the "build" part of the Design-Build process. We made a strategic choice not to offer in-house design for custom ADUs.
This keeps our operation lean and saves you money; by not having an architect on salary, we avoid overhead costs that would inflate our prices across the board.
Instead, we focus 100% on what we're great at - construction - and give you the freedom to choose your own designer. We are happy to recommend some trusted local architects you can work with.
For projects using pre-approved plans, we can manage the creation of the final site-specific drawings with our partner architect as a convenience, only charging for our coordination time. You are also free to handle this step yourself.
What cities in San Diego County have pre-approved ADU plans?
The list is always growing! It's a fantastic way to streamline your project. Here’s a general breakdown:
Jurisdictions with their own pre-approved plan programs include: The County of San Diego (for unincorporated areas), Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, San Diego (City), and San Marcos.
Cities that accept plans from other jurisdictions: Some cities offer additional flexibility. For example, the City of San Diego also accepts plans from SD County, Chula Vista, and Encinitas programs. The best first step is our feasibility check, where we'll confirm the specific options available for your exact address.
Do you build JADUs or attached ADUs?
No, we specialize exclusively in building new, detached ADUs.
A JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) is typically a conversion of existing space inside your main home (like a garage), while an attached ADU is a new addition that shares a wall with your house.
By focusing only on detached structures, we can streamline our process and maintain our expertise as hands-on builders from the ground up.
What are some other names for ADUs?
You'll hear many terms used for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). They all refer to a secondary home on your property.
Common names include: granny flat, in-law unit, backyard cottage, guest house, secondary suite, casita, carriage house, and tiny home.
Some jurisdictions also have their own specific terms, like Encinitas, which calls its program "PRADUs" (Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Units).
How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego County?
The total cost varies based on size, site conditions, and finishes, but our process is designed to be highly affordable.
By using pre-approved plans or building from your plans directly, we eliminate costly architectural fees and middleman markups.
We provide a detailed, transparent quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
How long does the ADU permitting process take with pre-approved plans?
While a fully custom ADU can take many months for permit approval, using a pre-approved plan gives you an ~80% head start.
Since the main design is already accepted by the city or county, the review is focused only on your specific property.
This can cut the permitting timeline down significantly, often to just a few months.
Can I build an ADU on my property in San Diego?
Most single-family properties in San Diego County are eligible for at least one ADU. The feasibility depends on your specific zoning and property characteristics like lot size and setbacks.
The first step in our process is a feasibility study, where we assess your property and confirm exactly what you can build.
What is the difference between a "paper contractor" and a hands-on builder?
A "paper contractor" or general contractor often subcontracts out all the major work, adding a significant markup (15-25%+) for their management.
As a hands-on, owner-operated builder, our own team performs the core construction work, like framing and foundation, leaving just the specialty trades of electrical, plumbing, and roofing to those experts.
This keeps costs down, ensures tighter control over quality and schedule, and means you have a true expert on-site.
Do I have to use a pre-approved plan to work with you?
Not at all! While we specialize in the efficiency of pre-approved plans, we are also experts at building from plans you provide.
If you've already worked with an architect or designer, our "Bring Your Own Plans" service is the perfect way to get your ADU built with the quality and affordability of a hands-on builder.
Do you offer custom ADU design-build services? If not, can you recommend architects?
We specialize in the "build" part of the Design-Build process. We made a strategic choice not to offer in-house design for custom ADUs.
This keeps our operation lean and saves you money; by not having an architect on salary, we avoid overhead costs that would inflate our prices across the board.
Instead, we focus 100% on what we're great at - construction - and give you the freedom to choose your own designer. We are happy to recommend some trusted local architects you can work with.
For projects using pre-approved plans, we can manage the creation of the final site-specific drawings with our partner architect as a convenience, only charging for our coordination time. You are also free to handle this step yourself.
What cities in San Diego County have pre-approved ADU plans?
The list is always growing! It's a fantastic way to streamline your project. Here’s a general breakdown:
Jurisdictions with their own pre-approved plan programs include: The County of San Diego (for unincorporated areas), Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, San Diego (City), and San Marcos.
Cities that accept plans from other jurisdictions: Some cities offer additional flexibility. For example, the City of San Diego also accepts plans from SD County, Chula Vista, and Encinitas programs. The best first step is our feasibility check, where we'll confirm the specific options available for your exact address.
Do you build JADUs or attached ADUs?
No, we specialize exclusively in building new, detached ADUs.
A JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) is typically a conversion of existing space inside your main home (like a garage), while an attached ADU is a new addition that shares a wall with your house.
By focusing only on detached structures, we can streamline our process and maintain our expertise as hands-on builders from the ground up.
What are some other names for ADUs?
You'll hear many terms used for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). They all refer to a secondary home on your property.
Common names include: granny flat, in-law unit, backyard cottage, guest house, secondary suite, casita, carriage house, and tiny home.
Some jurisdictions also have their own specific terms, like Encinitas, which calls its program "PRADUs" (Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Units).
How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Diego County?
The total cost varies based on size, site conditions, and finishes, but our process is designed to be highly affordable.
By using pre-approved plans or building from your plans directly, we eliminate costly architectural fees and middleman markups.
We provide a detailed, transparent quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect.
How long does the ADU permitting process take with pre-approved plans?
While a fully custom ADU can take many months for permit approval, using a pre-approved plan gives you an ~80% head start.
Since the main design is already accepted by the city or county, the review is focused only on your specific property.
This can cut the permitting timeline down significantly, often to just a few months.
Can I build an ADU on my property in San Diego?
Most single-family properties in San Diego County are eligible for at least one ADU. The feasibility depends on your specific zoning and property characteristics like lot size and setbacks.
The first step in our process is a feasibility study, where we assess your property and confirm exactly what you can build.
What is the difference between a "paper contractor" and a hands-on builder?
A "paper contractor" or general contractor often subcontracts out all the major work, adding a significant markup (15-25%+) for their management.
As a hands-on, owner-operated builder, our own team performs the core construction work, like framing and foundation, leaving just the specialty trades of electrical, plumbing, and roofing to those experts.
This keeps costs down, ensures tighter control over quality and schedule, and means you have a true expert on-site.
Do I have to use a pre-approved plan to work with you?
Not at all! While we specialize in the efficiency of pre-approved plans, we are also experts at building from plans you provide.
If you've already worked with an architect or designer, our "Bring Your Own Plans" service is the perfect way to get your ADU built with the quality and affordability of a hands-on builder.
Do you offer custom ADU design-build services? If not, can you recommend architects?
We specialize in the "build" part of the Design-Build process. We made a strategic choice not to offer in-house design for custom ADUs.
This keeps our operation lean and saves you money; by not having an architect on salary, we avoid overhead costs that would inflate our prices across the board.
Instead, we focus 100% on what we're great at - construction - and give you the freedom to choose your own designer. We are happy to recommend some trusted local architects you can work with.
For projects using pre-approved plans, we can manage the creation of the final site-specific drawings with our partner architect as a convenience, only charging for our coordination time. You are also free to handle this step yourself.
What cities in San Diego County have pre-approved ADU plans?
The list is always growing! It's a fantastic way to streamline your project. Here’s a general breakdown:
Jurisdictions with their own pre-approved plan programs include: The County of San Diego (for unincorporated areas), Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, San Diego (City), and San Marcos.
Cities that accept plans from other jurisdictions: Some cities offer additional flexibility. For example, the City of San Diego also accepts plans from SD County, Chula Vista, and Encinitas programs. The best first step is our feasibility check, where we'll confirm the specific options available for your exact address.
Do you build JADUs or attached ADUs?
No, we specialize exclusively in building new, detached ADUs.
A JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) is typically a conversion of existing space inside your main home (like a garage), while an attached ADU is a new addition that shares a wall with your house.
By focusing only on detached structures, we can streamline our process and maintain our expertise as hands-on builders from the ground up.
What are some other names for ADUs?
You'll hear many terms used for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). They all refer to a secondary home on your property.
Common names include: granny flat, in-law unit, backyard cottage, guest house, secondary suite, casita, carriage house, and tiny home.
Some jurisdictions also have their own specific terms, like Encinitas, which calls its program "PRADUs" (Permit-Ready Accessory Dwelling Units).
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
CONTACT US
Let's Start Your ADU Project.
Ready for a free, no-obligation quote? Your project starts with a simple conversation, not a high-pressure sales pitch.
Reach out using your preferred method here and our team will be happy to help.
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