Every ADU is a puzzle built from real constraints. A proper site evaluation looks at:

• Setbacks and buildable area

• Existing structures (home, garage, sheds)

• Utility locations (water, sewer, electrical, gas)

• Drainage patterns and grading

• Access for construction (can equipment reach the backyard?)

• Privacy lines: neighbors, windows, sightlines

• Parking and driveway use

• Trees and landscaping you want to keep

San Diego tip: Coastal lots often prioritize privacy and views, while inland lots may offer more space but require heat-conscious design. Either way, the goal is to design a unit that feels intentional, not squeezed in.