Terms of Use
Effective November 7, 2026
These terms are provided for transparency. They are not legal advice and should be reviewed by a qualified attorney.
Using this site
By using the ADU information, the cost calculator or the estimate form on this website, you agree to these terms. If you don't agree, please don't use the site.
Information, not professional advice
Pages on this site summarize City of Carlsbad publications, California Coastal Commission guidance, California law and published cost data, and link to the original sources. Rules, fees and costs change. Content is general information for planning purposes and is not legal, tax, financial, engineering or architectural advice. The City of San Diego's plan reviewers and inspectors decide what your project requires; always confirm with them and with licensed professionals before relying on anything here.
The cost calculator
The calculator produces planning estimates from typical Carlsbad and North County costs, City of Carlsbad fee guidance and published rent data. It is not a bid, quote, offer or guarantee of price. Actual costs depend on site conditions, design choices, City requirements and market conditions, and are set only in a written contract after a site visit.
Estimate requests
Submitting the form is a request to be contacted; it doesn't create a contract or obligate you or anyone else. Requests are handled by a licensed San Diego County general contractor. Any work is governed solely by a separate written agreement between you and that contractor, which should state the contractor's license number. Verify it with the Contractors State License Board before signing.
You agree that the information you submit is accurate and that you are authorized to request work on the property, and you consent to being contacted by phone, text or email about your request. You can ask us to stop contacting you at any time.
Acceptable use
Don't submit false requests, spam, or anything unlawful; don't attempt to interfere with the site's operation or security; and don't scrape or copy site content for republication.
Content and links
Text, calculators and illustrations on this site are owned by ADU Builder Carlsbad unless otherwise noted. Links to government and third-party sites are provided for reference; we're not responsible for their content or availability.
Disclaimers and limitation of liability
The site is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ADU Builder Carlsbad is not liable for any indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising from use of the site or reliance on its content.
Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of California. We may update them; the effective date above shows the latest version.
Next step
Get your free Carlsbad ADU Fit Check
Three short steps, about a minute. A licensed San Diego County general contractor reviews what you send, checks your lot against Carlsbad's ADU, coastal and fire-zone rules, and replies with a realistic range and the questions that would change it.
- Which ADU types your lot allows, and the size and height limits that apply
- Whether coastal review, a fire zone or your HOA changes the plan
- A line-by-line range, including fees and utility runs, before you pay for drawings
- No obligation and no pressure follow-up