The "Missing Middle" Housing Solution
JADUs are unique. Unlike detached ADUs or large room additions, JADUs are created by repurposing an existing master bedroom, basement, or attached garage into a self-contained unit — no new foundation, no new roofline, and minimal disruption to your property.
- check_circle Must be 500 square feet or less — carved from existing interior space.
- check_circle Must have an exterior entrance separate from the main residence.
- check_circle Requires only an efficiency kitchen (sink, counter, small appliances — no gas range required).
- check_circle May share bathroom facilities with the main residence or have its own dedicated bathroom.
- check_circle Can be built alongside a full ADU on the same single-family lot — giving you up to 3 units total.
JADU Conversion Styles
Maximize your existing footprint. We specialize in transforming underutilized square footage into premium rental or family suites — with minimal construction disruption to your daily life.
Master Suite
Conversion
Carve out an existing master bedroom or basement. By adding an exterior door and efficiency kitchen, you instantly create a legal JADU. This is the most popular option for San Diego homeowners wanting multigenerational living or an aging-in-place solution.
Attached
Garage JADU
Transforming your attached garage is the most popular JADU style. It already has walls, a roof, and a separate entrance, keeping the build scope minimal. For a full detached garage conversion (over 500 sq ft), see our garage conversions page.
San Diego JADU Requirements
California law (AB 68, SB 13) makes it easy for homeowners to build Junior ADUs. Here's what you need to know about San Diego's specific requirements.
Maximum Size: 500 sq ft
JADUs must be 500 square feet or less and created within the existing footprint of your single-family home. No new exterior construction required.
Owner Occupancy Required
Unlike standard ADUs, the property owner must live in either the main home or the JADU. This is the key regulatory difference between ADUs and JADUs.
Efficiency Kitchen Only
JADUs require an efficiency kitchen with a sink, counter space, and small cooking appliances. No gas range or full-size oven is required — keeping build scope and costs lower.
Separate Exterior Entrance
Every JADU must have its own exterior entrance — separate from the main home's front door. An interior connecting door to the main house is allowed but not required.
Stack with a Full ADU
California law lets you build both a JADU (inside your home) and a full detached ADU on the same single-family lot. That's up to three housing units on one property.
JADU Build Timeline
JADUs are the fastest ADU type to build because they use your existing structure. Here's a typical timeline.
Layout & Design — 1 week
We evaluate your home's floor plan, identify the best space to convert, and create architectural plans showing the new layout with kitchen, bathroom, and private entrance.
Permitting — 2–4 months
JADU permits are generally faster to obtain than full ADU permits. We handle all plan submissions, corrections, and city approvals.
Construction — 1–3 months
Interior framing, efficiency kitchen install, bathroom (if separate), exterior door, HVAC, electrical, and finishes. Most of the work is interior — minimal disruption to your yard.
Inspection & Move-In — 1 week
Final city inspection, certificate of occupancy, and your JADU is ready for family or tenants.
Junior ADU FAQs
What is the difference between a JADU and a regular ADU? expand_more
A JADU (Junior ADU) is up to 500 sq ft and must be created within the existing walls of your home — no new foundation or exterior construction. A regular ADU can be up to 1,200 sq ft and can be detached, attached, or a garage conversion. JADUs require owner occupancy and only need an efficiency kitchen, while ADUs require a full kitchen. The advantage of a JADU is that you can build one in addition to a regular ADU on the same lot.
Do I need to live on the property to have a JADU? expand_more
Yes. California law requires the property owner to occupy either the main residence or the JADU itself. This is the primary regulatory difference between JADUs and standard ADUs (which no longer require owner occupancy as of 2025). This makes JADUs ideal for multigenerational families — live in one unit and rent the other.
Can I build a JADU and a detached ADU on the same property? expand_more
Absolutely. California law explicitly allows one JADU plus one detached ADU on a single-family lot. This means you could have three housing units on one property: your main home, a JADU inside it, and a detached ADU in the backyard. Contact us to evaluate your property's potential.
What is an "efficiency kitchen" for a JADU? expand_more
An efficiency kitchen includes a sink, a countertop with at least 15 inches of counter space, small cooking appliances (microwave, hot plate, toaster oven), and storage for food. No full-size gas range or oven is required, which simplifies construction and avoids the need for a gas line extension. Many JADU owners use induction cooktops.
How long does it take to build a JADU in San Diego? expand_more
JADUs are the fastest ADU type to complete. A typical project takes 4–8 months total: 2–4 months for permitting and 1–3 months for construction. Because all work is interior and the shell already exists, there's no grading, foundation, or roofing required.
Is a JADU a good option for aging parents? expand_more
Yes — JADUs are one of the best solutions for aging in place. They allow elderly parents to live independently with their own entrance and kitchen, while remaining under the same roof as family. The optional interior connecting door provides easy access for caregiving while maintaining privacy. Many San Diego families use JADUs as an alternative to assisted living facilities.
JADU Guides & Related Services
Detached ADUs: Full Guide
Want more space? Detached ADUs offer up to 1,200 sq ft of fully independent living.
AlternativeGarage Conversions
If your attached garage is over 500 sq ft, a full garage conversion may be a better fit than a JADU.
PermitsADU Permits San Diego: 2026 Guide
Everything you need to know about the permitting process for JADUs and ADUs in San Diego.
We Build JADUs Across San Diego.
CRS Builders builds jadus in every major San Diego neighborhood. Click below to learn about regulations and zoning in your area.
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