Clairemont
ADU and second-story builder in Clairemont
Clairemont's single-story homes and generous lots make it one of the best places in San Diego to add space. Rom Builders designs, permits, and builds ADUs, additions, and second stories here, a short drive from our Tierrasanta office. Looking for an ADU builder in Clairemont who also handles the plans and permits? That is what we do.
Building in Clairemont
Most of Clairemont was built after World War II, largely in the 1950s and 1960s, as one of San Diego's first big suburbs. Many homes are single-story ranch houses on lots with real backyards, which is why so many Clairemont families look at a backyard ADU, a ground-floor addition, or a second story when they need more room.
Older homes also bring older systems. An addition or a second story here often means checking the foundation, framing, electrical service, and plumbing of a house built decades ago, and designing what the new work needs. Our engineers do that before the plans go to the City.
Clairemont sits on mesas cut by canyons, and parts of it look out over Mission Bay. Lots on a canyon edge come with slopes and setbacks to plan around.
Second stories and the height limit
Parts of Clairemont fall inside the Clairemont Height Limit Overlay Zone, a City of San Diego rule that caps building height in those areas. It matters most for second stories, because it sets how tall the new roofline can be.
We check whether your address is in the overlay before any design work starts. If it is, our architects design the upper floor to fit, and if building up doesn't make sense for your lot, we will tell you and compare a ground-floor addition or an ADU instead.
What we build in Clairemont
Backyard ADUs
A separate small home for family or, where local rules allow, a tenant. See our ADU page.
Garage conversions
Reusing the garage for a permitted living unit. See garage conversions.
Home additions
Bedrooms, primary suites, and bigger family rooms that match a ranch-style house. See home additions.
Second stories
More bedrooms while the yard stays the way it is. See second-story additions.
Custom homes
Tear-down and rebuild projects on Clairemont lots. See custom homes.
Permits for Clairemont projects
Clairemont is in the City of San Diego, so permits come from the City's Development Services Department. Our architects and engineers prepare the drawings, and our permit expediters take them through the City and answer plan-check comments until the permit is issued.
Nearby neighborhoods
Next door, we build in Bay Park, Linda Vista, Kearny Mesa, University City, and Tierrasanta, plus Allied Gardens and San Carlos to the east. See the full service area, or contact us for a free visit.
Other areas we serve
Common questions
Can I add a second story to my Clairemont home?
Many Clairemont homes can take a second story, sometimes with foundation or framing upgrades. Part of Clairemont is under a height limit overlay, so we check your address and your structure before design starts.
Is my backyard big enough for an ADU?
Many Clairemont lots have room for one, but it depends on lot size, setbacks, utilities, and any slope. We check your property at the free feasibility visit.
My house is from the 1950s. Does that change anything?
It can. Older foundations, wiring, and plumbing are checked before the plans are drawn, and our engineers design any upgrades the new work needs.
Do you handle permits with the City of San Diego?
Yes. Our own permit expediters prepare the submission and work through the City's comments until the permit is issued.
My Clairemont lot backs onto a canyon. Can I still build?
Often yes, but the slope and the setbacks from the canyon edge shape where new rooms or an ADU can go. We look at your lot at the free first visit, before any design work.
Planning a project in Clairemont?
The first visit and feasibility check are free, and we can help you look into financing.