San Diego ADU & Remodel Pricing Guide (2025) What to Expect and How to Avoid Surprise Costs

Thinking about building an ADU, remodeling a bathroom, or upgrading a shortterm rental? You’re not alone. In San Diego, the demand for thoughtful, well executed renovations has never been higher. But with so much variation in pricing, it can be hard to know what to expect.

This guide breaks it down clearly, with local benchmarks, trusted sources, and real ballpark numberss o you can plan with confidence.

ADU Pricing in San Diego (2025)

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) come in many forms: garage conversions, backyard units, detached guest houses. Here’s what to expect based on size and type, with average costs across San Diego County.

Countywide Averages: Garage Conversion ADUs: $120,000–$160,000 Detached ADUs (400–650 sq ft): $190,000–$240,000 Detached ADUs (800–1,200 sq ft): $270,000–$350,000+

According to the San Diego County ADU Guide, most detached ADUs fall between $250–$400 per square foot.

Note: Costs can vary based on neighborhood. Coastal and hillside zones like La Jolla, Encinitas, or Point Loma often involve higher permitting fees, site work, or utility upgrades. Inland and flatter lots tend to cost less.

Upwell Builders focuses on durability, layout logic, and longterm value. We don’t just aim for code compliance. Our goal is fewer surprises, faster builds, and homes that hold up well over time.

Remodel Pricing in San Diego

Whether you're upgrading a longterm home or refreshing a rental property, remodel costs vary by neighborhood, age of home, and scope.

Bathroom Remodels: $25,000–$30,000 in newer areas like Otay Ranch or Carmel Valley (no layout changes) $30,000–$40,000 in older homes (North Park, Kensington, Golden Hill) $40,000–$50,000+ for highend neighborhoods (La Jolla, Del Mar, Coronado)

Kitchen Remodels: $50,000–$65,000 for compact layouts in East County or Clairemont $65,000–$85,000+ in coastal or historic homes with structural rework

Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report* lists the average midrange bathroom at $27,000–$33,000 and kitchens at $81,000–89,000 in San Diego.*

Upwell is structured to minimize disruptions, avoid scope creep, and finish cleanly. We don’t race to the lowest pricewe aim to deliver the highest value per dollar.

The Guest Ready Refresh (STR Focused Upgrades)

For short term rental operators or anyone who needs fast, targeted upgrades:

Pre-set, design-led packages:

1 Day Bath Refresh: $4,500–$7,500 (most of San Diego, including beach zones)

Kitchenette Lite: $6,500–$9,500 (North Park, OB/IB, Encinitas)

Entry GlowUp: $2,000–$4,000 (designed for rentals, duplexes, ADUs)

All options are installed in 1–3 days and curated to improve guest reviews, booking photos, and on site experience without a full remodel.

What Drives Cost Up (or Down)?

Permit complexity: Slope, easements, or historical overlays can add time and cost

Late design changes: Midstream layout shifts mean rework

Material availability: Special order or imported items take longer

Job site overlap: Multiple trades stacked on top of each other reduces efficiency

Region specific costs: Fees, access, and HOA rules vary dramatically by neighborhood

Upwell eliminates most of these issues with a phase-based system that plans every step in advance. That’s how we protect your timeline and your budget.

Hidden Costs Homeowners Often Forget

Permits: Expect to pay $4,000–$12,000+ for ADU or major remodel permits in San Diego. High-fee zones include Encinitas, La Mesa, and Del Mar. Includes plan check fees, school fees, impact fees (when applicable), and utility reviews.

Utility Upgrades: Electrical panel upgrades can range from $2,000–$5,000 Sewer tie-ins and water service connections may add $3,000–$10,000, especially in older neighborhoods

Soil testing or structural reports: Often required for additions or ADUs Can range from $1,000–$3,500

Lead or asbestos remediation: For homes built before 1980 (Golden Hill, Kensington, Linda Vista), expect testing and possible abatement costs

Landscaping and final cleanup: Trash haul-off, driveway repair, fencing, and landscape restoration after construction

Upwell factors many of these items into our project planning upfront so you’re not hit with surprise costs halfway through the build.

Transparent, Not Cheapest

We don’t aim to be the lowest bid. We aim to be the lowest total cost of ownership.

That means: Fewer delays Fewer change orders Higher quality finishes that last longer. Systems that reduce maintenance and failure risk

In a city like San Diego where space is tight and timelines matter, cutting corners is expensive. Upwell builds smarter so you don’t have to build again.

Sources

SnapADU San Diego ADU Pricing & Education A leading local builder offering in-depth ADU pricing breakdowns, feasibility tools, and planning insights San Diego County ADU Guide (PDF) Remodeling Magazine 2024 Cost vs. Value Report HomeAdvisor California ADU Costs The ADU Center Pricing & Policy Internal data from Upwell Builders (2023–2025)

Want a clearer sense of your project scope? Schedule a call for a free consultation or site walkthrough.