1. Share your property and wish list
Tell me the address and what you hope to do: a second story, an ADU, opening up the plan, a whole-home transformation. That is all I need to prepare.
For San Diego homeowners planning an ADU or granny flat
Before you spend $250,000 on a backyard home, spend 30 minutes with an architect.
The ADU Strategy Session is a free 30-minute call with Micah Winkelstein, AIA, a licensed architect with over 20 years of San Diego residential experience. Whether you are planning rental income, a home for aging parents, or an SB9 project, you leave with a clear picture of what your lot allows, what it will realistically cost, and the smartest way to get there. No sales pitch.
Designed while Director of Design at Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel
One conversation. Three ways to build. Build it yourself as owner-builder · Hire your own contractor with me as your architect · Have one team handle design through construction
How it works
A clear path in three steps
2. We talk through what is possible
In 30 minutes we cover what your lot and zoning actually allow, a realistic construction budget range, and how permitting will go in your jurisdiction.
3. You leave with a path
Build it yourself, hire your own contractor with me as your architect, or have one team handle everything from design through construction. You choose what fits.
Frequently asked questions
What does an ADU cost in San Diego?
Most new detached ADUs in San Diego land between $200,000 and $450,000 built, depending on size, site conditions, and finishes. Garage conversions can come in well under that. On the call I will give you a realistic range for your specific lot and explain what drives the number up or down.
Will my lot allow an ADU? What about setbacks?
Most residential lots in California can add at least one ADU. State law allows 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new detached units, and size and height limits depend on your zone. I personally review your parcel and zoning before we talk, so you get an answer specific to your property.
How long does ADU permitting take?
Plan on a few months of design and drawings, then plan review with your city or the County. State law requires jurisdictions to act on complete ADU applications within 60 days, and San Diego has pre-approved paths that can move faster. I will walk you through the realistic timeline for your jurisdiction on the call.
Do I need an architect, or can a contractor handle the design?
For substantial projects, design decisions made early determine most of the cost and nearly all of the result. A licensed architect works for you, not the build schedule. I also work smoothly with contractors: yours, mine, or a fully integrated team.
What does the strategy session cost?
Nothing. It is 30 minutes, free, with no obligation. If the project is not feasible or not ready, I will tell you that too.
What happens after the call?
You get clear next steps for whichever path fits: guidance to proceed on your own, a design proposal with me as your architect, or an introduction to a fully managed design-build process. No pressure in any direction.
Request your ADU Strategy Session
Designed while Director of Design at Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel