College Area and Rolando have pulled 77 ADU permits since 2023 — second only to Encanto citywide, and the single busiest neighborhood in all of 2025. Tri Express Plumbing has completed 73 ADU plumbing projects across San Diego County since 2024. Family-owned since 2008. CA Lic #926629.
College Area and Rolando pulled 77 ADU permits since 2023 — second only to Encanto citywide — and led the entire city in 2025 alone with 21 permits in a single year. The driver is straightforward: proximity to San Diego State University means consistent, year-round rental demand from students, faculty, and staff. With owner-occupancy requirements eliminated for most ADUs under recent California law, homeowners here can rent both the main house and the ADU. Tri Express Plumbing has been part of that build-out — 73 ADU plumbing projects completed across San Diego County since 2024.
Consistent, year-round student and staff rental demand keeps ADU occupancy strong near campus — a different economics story than seasonal coastal rentals.
21 ADU permits issued in College Area/Rolando in 2025 alone — more than any other San Diego neighborhood that year.
College Area and Rolando's mid-century homes offer workable lot depth for detached units and garage conversions alike.
Working directly with a homeowner? We pull all required plumbing permits through the City of San Diego and handle every inspection.
Underground rough-in, top-out, gas lines, water heater, fixture trim, final walkthrough — one contractor, zero handoffs.
Same license, same crew, same accountability on every ADU plumbing College Area project. CA Lic #926629.
"Near SDSU, we see more multi-bedroom ADUs than anywhere else in the county — homeowners building for 2-3 student tenants instead of a single unit. That changes the fixture count and drain sizing from day one, so we scope it that way from the first walkthrough."
College Area and Rolando properties often call for a different plumbing scope than a standard studio ADU — more bathrooms, higher-capacity drain lines, and fixture counts built around shared student housing rather than a single tenant. We plan for that from the on-site estimate, not after the walls are already framed.
Detached units, garage conversions, and multi-bedroom rental ADUs — here's what our team handles on College Area and Rolando projects, start to final inspection.
Full system from ground up — underground sewer lateral, water supply, gas line, interior rough-in, water heater, and fixture trim. All permits and inspections handled in-house.
Bathroom rough-in, kitchenette connections, tie-in to existing sewer and water lines. We assess existing stub-outs before any work begins.
2+ bathroom detached units built for shared student or roommate rental — higher-capacity drain lines and fixture counts scoped from day one.
Separate water meter for rental-ready ADUs. We coordinate directly with the City of San Diego and utility providers for full splits.
All prices include labor, materials, and permit fees. Final price confirmed in writing before any work begins.
| ADU Type | Scope | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| JADU (within existing home) | Bath rough-in + kitchenette | From $3,500 |
| Garage Conversion — 1 Bath | Rough-in + tie-in + fixtures | From $8,500 |
| Detached ADU — Studio / 1 Bath | Full rough-in + underground + fixtures | From $10,000 |
| Multi-Bedroom Rental ADU — 2 Bath | Full rough-in + underground + fixtures | From $14,000 |
| Utility Separation — Water | Separate meter + new service | From $3,000 |
* Prices include labor, materials, and permit fees. Final price confirmed after on-site assessment.
Tell us your ADU type and rental plans — we give you a realistic ballpark, no charge, no obligation.
We locate existing sewer and water utilities, walk the ADU footprint, and provide a detailed written scope with fixed pricing.
Homeowner projects: We pull all required plumbing permits through City of San Diego Development Services and handle all paperwork.
GC projects: You pull the project permit — we coordinate under it.
Sewer lateral connection, water supply trench, and gas line rough-in — coordinated with your build schedule so inspections clear on time.
Water heater, fixture trim, supply connections, final testing, and full permit sign-off — done right and fully documented.
We pull permits and complete ADU plumbing throughout College Area, Rolando, and every surrounding Mid-City community, plus all other San Diego County jurisdictions.
"The installation was completed quickly and the service was great. The plumber was very courteous and professional. The installation charge was about 50% of the other quotes."
"Kevin is amazing and trustworthy. He is our go to for any plumbing situation. We are beyond grateful to have found Tri Express Plumbing. They offer quality work and they get the job done fast."
"I've relied on Kevin for over a decade. In that time, he's saved me twice during emergency main bursts, replaced my PRV..."
