
Design · Permit · Build
San Diego ADU & Custom Home Builder
Build more home on the lot you already own. Nucave designs, permits, and builds ADUs and custom homes across San Diego County, with one accountable team from your first site visit to keys in hand.
100+
Projects completed
10+
Years building
20
Cities served
2016
Founded in Vista
What we build
ADU specialists. Custom home craftsmen.
Most of what we build is ADUs: design, permitting, and construction under one roof. But at heart we are residential value creation specialists: we listen to what you need, then build the version of the project that makes your property worth more.
Recent work
Built by Nucave
Real projects with real specs. Browse by city, type, and size.
The Nucave ADU Project Planner
What does an ADU cost in San Diego?
More than a calculator. Get an instant estimate range, check your property's feasibility, and see your ADU readiness score, all before your first call.
The complete homeowner journey:
- ✓ Tell us what you want to build
- ✓ Get an instant estimate range with a breakdown
- ✓ Answer quick questions about your property
- ✓ Get your readiness score and a free builder review
How it works
One team, four steps, zero hand-offs
01
Feasibility
We check your lot, zoning, and utilities before you spend a dollar on design.
02
Design
Plans shaped around your property and how you'll actually use the space.
03
Permits
We handle city submittals, corrections, and approvals end to end.
04
Build
One accountable design-build team. Hands-free until the keys are in your hand.
Where we build
An ADU builder serving Greater San Diego
Nucave builds ADUs and custom homes across North County and Greater San Diego, with projects in San Diego, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, and Escondido, plus surrounding communities. The rules change at every city line; our regulation guides give you the answers before your first call.
Client stories
Homeowners who'd hire us again
“Nucave was a lifesaver after another contractor was fired. The workmanship was exceptional, the price was competitive, and the materials were top of the line. They had my back in every way.”
“Major props to the guys at Nucave for transforming our unfinished garage into a complete masterpiece of an ADU that our mom can now live in. They kept us in the loop about every update and had the place move-in ready the same week she made her drive.”
“Nucave brought my ADU vision to life. I had a dilapidated detached garage with many issues, and they guided me in the right direction and helped me overcome obstacle after obstacle with the city of San Diego. They did everything they said they would do and more.”
“Love my new ADU, every detail's exquisite, and I was shocked at how quickly it was done. Vaulted ceilings with skylights make mornings magical. Ryan and his team are absolutely amazing: efficient, attentive, meticulous. If you want a luxury ADU, not a prefab paper-thin build, it's quality.”
“Nucave construction did a great job remodeling and completing a relatively complicated medical facility for me.”
“Project was promptly scheduled. Work began and the project was appropriately staffed. Workers were professional and competent.”
“Ryan is really good to work with, great communication and punctual, I had no complaints.”
“The Nucave crew and even the subcontractors were similarly friendly; they showed up on time every day, worked hard, and cleaned up when they left.”
“Ryan managed our project perfectly and the results are stunning! He works with true professionals, is resourceful, knowledgeable, and diligent, and has an excellent taste.”
“After meeting with several contractors, I met Ryan and instinctively knew he was the right choice. In fact it was the best decision.”
“Ryan, the owner is very knowledgeable and has quite the eye for design.”
“Not only were the renovations fantastic, the company’s presence was professional and positive throughout.”
“I have had him on multiple projects and everything always goes smoothly and he catered to all my needs.”
“Ryan and his team did a very clean job and were responsible and communicated with me the whole way through the project.”
“The entire team could not have been more thorough, professional, and competent in how they approached our re-model and several projects at our new home.”
Follow the builds
Every project, documented
Job-site walkthroughs, befores and afters, and finished reveals, straight from our Instagram. Two dozen videos and counting, from breaking ground to handing over keys.
Guides & insights
From the Nucave blog

adu
How Much Does an ADU Cost in San Diego? (2026 Numbers)
Real 2026 ADU costs from a San Diego builder: $385 to $475 per sq ft for detached units, $150k to $230k garage conversions, plus the property-specific costs that move your price.

case studies
Strategic ADU Conversion and Recovery in Encinitas
Struggling with a stalled ADU project or complex permits in Encinitas? View our latest case studies to see how Nucave solves construction challenges and turns property potential into finished, rentable spaces.

custom homes remodeling
How A Fire Proof Coating Can Save You Thousands
Free consultation
Let's talk about your property
Tell us what you're imagining. We'll tell you what your lot allows, what it costs, and how long it takes.










