Brinker Building & Design

Focused on ADU construction in San Diego.

About Me

I specialize in building backyard homes for San Diego families. That’s it. No bathroom or kitchen remodels, no up sells, no overextended crews. Just me, a tight network of trades I trust, and a focus on doing a few projects well each year.

By keeping it small, I stay close to the details—from day one to move-in day. You’ll never wonder who’s running your job. It’s me. And I’ll probably have a tool belt on.

  • ADU's Only

    Focused construction

  • San Diego Only

    Keep it local

  • Small Team

    Project Manager and Builder

Detached ADU’s

A backyard home built from the ground up. These give you the most flexibility in design, privacy, and layout. Whether you’re housing family or renting it out, a detached ADU lives like a real home—because it is one.

Common Projects

Garage Conversions

If your garage is just storing boxes and old bikes, it might be better off as livable space. I convert existing garages into compact, code-compliant ADUs that still feel like home—not like someone slapped drywall on a storage room.

Above Garage Units

Building up is a smart way to add space without losing your yard. These units sit above your existing garage and are perfect for small lots or homes in tight neighborhoods. Bonus: elevated views, natural light, and less digging.

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What Clients are Saying

"Chris was outstanding throughout the entire process. He listened to our thoughts, and provided suggestions from his expertise. His Subs were all professional and each cleaned up after their work. We would definitely use him again and recommend him to anyone who is interested."

Bob P.

"We had a very positive experience with Chris during a recent project. We were impressed with Chris' professionalism in managing the project and with his attention to detail. He spent time discussing and listening to us before and after each stage. We were also impressed with the quality of the work as well as the careful preparation and tidying up."

Tony M.

Want to build?

Let’s talk what’s possible in your backyard.

FAQ

  • That’s the first thing we figure out. I’ll take a look at your lot size, zoning, and site conditions to give you a clear answer upfront.

  • For budgeting purposes, figure on $375–600+ per square foot for a fully built, turn-key detached ADU, generally in the 500–1,200 sq ft range. That all-in number includes everything it takes to hand over a livable unit.

    About 80–85% of those costs go into vertical construction—the structure, finishes, roof, windows, doors. The other 15–20%? That’s where the real variability comes in.

    Here’s what to factor in:

    • Design + Engineering: Plan on around $25K.

    • City Permitting Fees: These typically run $2–14/sq ft, depending on your location. Recent 950 sq ft two story project was roughly $20k in permit fees.

    • Sitework (grading, trenching, access, etc.): ~$25K is a fair average.

    • Utility Upgrades: Water, sewer, gas, electrical—$30K–50K+, depending on what your property needs and what’s already in place.

    Each site is different of course as is the ADU itself. But that’s the ballpark you can count on when planning.

  • From permit to move-in, plan on 9 to 12 months. Every city submittal and site has its own pace, but I keep things moving, organized, and honest from start to finish.

  • Yes. There are many great architects in this city but I recommend one and would be glad to share at our meeting. In fact, he designed the ADU for my house.

  • Absolutely not. If you have an architect you like or already have plans I’m more than happy to work with them.

  • I provide a clear progress billing schedule upfront, tied to real milestones.

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