Accessory dwelling unit development and garage conversions for additional living space.
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a secondary, self-contained living space built on the same lot as a primary residence. An ADU typically includes its own kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, giving property owners a separate place to live, host family, or rent. ADUs can be detached, attached to the main home, or created by converting an existing garage.
Bernal Builders, Inc. is a San Diego general contractor that builds ADUs and converts garages for property owners across San Diego County. Because ADU projects can combine foundations, framing, concrete, utilities, design, and engineering, we coordinate the construction disciplines a project requires rather than sending you to several separate trades.
Every ADU is different. A detached ADU on an open lot has different requirements than a garage conversion inside an existing structure. We start by understanding your goals for the space, then review the site, existing structures, and scope before construction begins.
Our General Building and General Engineering license classifications allow us to handle structural construction, foundations, concrete, framing, roofing, drywall, and finishes as part of a coordinated ADU project. Where excavation, grading, or trenching is required for foundations or utilities, that work is part of the same build.
ADU projects generally fall into a few categories. The right option depends on your lot, your existing structures, and what you want the space to be used for.
An ADU can touch many of the services Bernal Builders already performs. Depending on the project, that may include:
Not every ADU requires every service. We scope the work your project actually needs and coordinate it as one build.
ADU projects can involve site conditions, zoning, design, structural requirements, utilities, permitting, and construction considerations. Before construction, it helps to understand the lot, any existing structures, access, and how the new space will connect to utilities. We review these factors during a site visit.
Regulatory requirements for ADUs — including setback, height, and size rules — can change and vary by jurisdiction. We do not provide legal advice. We recommend confirming current requirements with the local building department for your property, and we can discuss what your project may involve during an estimate.
Bernal Builders, Inc. was established in 2017 and is a family-owned San Diego construction company. We hold California CSLB License #1047688 with General Building and General Engineering classifications, and our capabilities extend across residential and commercial construction, structural work, concrete and foundations, excavation, design and engineering, and specialized inspections. We primarily serve San Diego County and accept projects throughout Southern California.
That breadth matters for an ADU. When one project can require foundations, framing, concrete, utilities, and finishes, working with a contractor who can coordinate those disciplines can simplify the build.
Property owners can contact Bernal Builders to discuss their ADU or garage conversion project and request a free estimate. Call (619) 540-9618 or use the estimate form below to get started.
An ADU can combine several construction disciplines. Bernal Builders coordinates the work your project actually requires.
Project coordination from start to finish.
Design and engineering services where the project requires them.
Foundations and structural construction for the new unit.
Concrete work for slabs, flatwork, and structural elements.
Rough carpentry and framing for the structure.
Roofing installation for the new or converted space.
Drywall, finishing, and interior/exterior paint.
Excavation, grading, and trenching where required for utilities or foundations.
Examples of ADU and garage conversion projects from our project records.
San Diego County, CA
Project photography will be featured as it becomes available.
Project photography will be featured as it becomes available.
A straightforward, conservative process — no guaranteed timelines or permit promises.
We discuss your goals for the ADU or garage conversion and answer initial questions.
We review the lot, existing structures, access, and project scope on site.
Where needed, design and engineering services develop the scope of work.
We coordinate the plan and preparation before construction begins.
Foundations, framing, utilities, and finishes are built to the agreed scope.
We complete the build and walk through the finished ADU with you.
Bernal Builders primarily serves San Diego / San Diego County, California. Projects accepted throughout Southern California. Our base is in San Diego, CA, and we accept ADU and garage conversion projects across the county.
Confirmed service areas include San Diego, Chula Vista, La Mesa, El Cajon, National City, Lemon Grove, Coronado, Poway, Carlsbad, and Encinitas.
Projects accepted throughout Southern California. San Diego is our primary service area.
Contact Bernal Builders to discuss your project and request a free estimate, or call (619) 540-9618.
(619) 540-9618Tell us about your ADU or garage conversion. Bernal Builders offers free estimates and serves San Diego / San Diego County, California. Call (619) 540-9618 or request an estimate online.
