Meet Whitney Hill | Co-Founder, SnapADU

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At SnapADU, our mission is to make it approachable to thoughtfully add housing so our community can build flexibility and potential.

As a leading accessory dwelling unit (ADU) builder, SnapADU’s work has a profound social impact by addressing the housing needs of Greater San Diego. ADUs – sometimes known as granny flats, guest homes, and casitas – are small homes built on properties with an existing residence. ADUs offer flexible living solutions that unlock the full potential of properties, enabling families to stay close while maintaining independence. This is particularly valuable for intergenerational living and providing more affordable housing options.

We lead with purpose, working at the intersection of state and local ADU regulations to ensure homeowners can confidently pursue their projects. Our expertise in navigating these regulatory environments allows us to deliver real-world solutions that are both innovative and compliant.

At SnapADU, we believe in creating a workplace that blends professionalism with enjoyment. Our team takes pride in our work, knowing that our best efforts make a tangible difference in people’s lives. We foster a sense of community within our team, balancing the benefits of both small and large business environments, and cultivating a culture of respect and fun.

Our work enables adaptable living for clients and ADU occupants, maximizing the potential of every project we undertake. Through these efforts, SnapADU not only contributes to solving housing challenges but also creates lasting, positive impacts on the community, the industry, and the lives of the people we serve.

What should our readers know about your business?
SnapADU is dedicated exclusively to designing, permitting, and building accessory dwelling units throughout Greater San Diego. Founded in 2020, we strive to be the best ADU builders in the region, delivering flexible and innovative housing solutions that meet the evolving needs of our community.

Our commitment to excellence is rooted in our holistic understanding of construction, design, regulations, and business management. This expertise allows us to navigate the complex landscape of ADU development seamlessly. As co-founders, Mike Moore and I bring diverse yet complementary perspectives to the company. Mike has lifelong experience in construction and custom home building. My background is in management consulting and operations. And our team is a mix of seasoned construction professionals, talented designers, and experienced project managers.

At SnapADU, we pride ourselves in being specialized and thorough. Our dedicated design and permitting teams work meticulously to ensure every project moves smoothly from concept to completion. We use detailed project checklists and leverage our deep knowledge of ADU regulations to deliver consistent, high-quality results. This approach has enabled us to complete over 100 ADU projects, each marked by solid craftsmanship and client satisfaction.

Transparency and clarity are cornerstones of our business. The ADU construction industry has historically been opaque, leaving homeowners cautious and uncertain. To remedy this, we prioritize open communication, ensuring our clients are informed and comfortable at every stage of the process. Our pricing is readily available alongside our standard ADU plans, which can be customized to fit specific property constraints. We also maintain an informative ADU blog that answers common questions about building ADUs, helping property owners make informed decisions.

Creating and growing SnapADU has not been without its challenges. Building ADUs is inherently complex, with state and local laws constantly evolving and each property presenting unique challenges. It’s difficult to get a clear answer at the start of the project, yet we must provide predictability for our clients. Despite these hurdles, we are committed to delivering consistently positive experiences, making complex projects feel approachable and predictable for homeowners.

Over time, we have become much better at anticipating all the relevant costs of the ADU. Many requirements are not apparent until the project is well underway, unless you have deep experience in ADUs. Each obstacle has been an opportunity for us to learn and improve, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.

We are excited about the impact our work has on the community. By making ADU projects approachable and ensuring they are thoughtfully executed, we provide homeowners with flexible living solutions that enhance property value and support intergenerational living. Our work is not just about building structures; it’s about creating homes that adapt to the needs of families and foster community growth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting San Diego for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the best this amazing area has to offer. Here’s a fun-filled itinerary that combines natural beauty, great food and drinks, and exciting activities:

Day 1: Discovering Point Loma
Morning: Start with a visit to Cabrillo National Monument for some history and panoramic vistas of San Diego. Then, explore the fascinating Point Loma Tide Pools and enjoy the stunning coastal views.
Afternoon: Stroll through Point Loma’s Liberty Station to enjoy its art, culture, and history.
Evening: Continue your exploration of Liberty Station with dinner and craft beers at Stone Brewing.

Day 2: Historic and Cultural Exploration
Morning: Head to Balboa Park. Explore the museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo.
Afternoon: Lunch at The Prado in Balboa Park, a beautiful spot with great food and ambiance.
Evening: Take a walk around the Gaslamp Quarter to see the vibrant nightlife and enjoy some street tacos.

Day 3: Wine Tasting and Relaxation
Morning: Take a scenic drive to Temecula.
Afternoon: Spend the day visiting wineries, enjoying tastings, and a leisurely lunch amidst the vineyards.
Evening: Have dinner in Temecula at Ponte Winery for a lovely end to a day of wine tasting.

Day 4: Beach Day and Mexican Cuisine
Morning: Spend the day at the beach with a picnic. Choose a spot at Torrey Pines for some easy yet breathtaking hikes overlooking the ocean.
Evening: Head to Old Town for some more sightseeing and Mexican food. Enjoy delicious cuisine and explore the historic sites.

Day 5: Military History and Harbor Views
Morning: Visit the USS Midway Museum. Explore the historic aircraft carrier and learn about naval history.
Afternoon: Lunch at Seaport Village, followed by a stroll along the harbor.
Evening: Walk around the historic Hotel del Coronado and take in the beautiful beachfront views. Enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants.

Day 6: Adventure and Scenic Views
Morning: Drive to Stonewall Peak for a hike. Enjoy the rocky ascent and the rewarding views from the top.
Afternoon: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the summit or on the way back down.
Evening: Dinner at Monarch in Del Mar for a fantastic meal and stunning ocean views. If it’s Thursday, head to Jimmy O’s for some fun karaoke.

Day 7: La Jolla Exploration and Farewell Dinner
Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some free time to explore La Jolla. Visit the La Jolla Cove, take a walk along the coastline, and maybe spot some sea lions.
Afternoon: Have lunch at a local favorite like George’s at the Cove or The Cottage La Jolla.
Evening: Wrap up the trip with a farewell dinner at Bali Hai, followed by a concert at Humphreys by the Bay, savoring the last bit of San Diego’s coastal charm.

This itinerary offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and culinary delights, showcasing some of the most fun, interesting, and exciting places that San Diego has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate a special shoutout to our incredible team at SnapADU. Our journey from a small startup to a thriving business poised for significant growth would not have been possible without the dedication and unique talents of each team member.

One of the most rewarding aspects of leading SnapADU is the strong sense of camaraderie among our team. We genuinely enjoy working together, supporting each other through challenges, and celebrating our successes. This positive work environment is not only reflected in our internal dynamics but also in our relationships with vendors and clients. Whether we’re navigating complex projects or innovating new solutions, our collaborative spirit shines through.

Ultimately, what drives us is the knowledge that our work has a meaningful impact on people’s lives. We build ADUs that allow families to stay close, provide housing solutions that support intergenerational living, and create opportunities for people to thrive.

To our remarkable team at SnapADU: thank you for your unwavering commitment, your willingness to innovate, and your commitment to excellence. It’s an honor to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals as we continue to grow and make a difference in our community.

Website: https://snapadu.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/snap.adu/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/snap-adu/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snapadu

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/snapadu-san-diego

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@snapadu/featured

Image Credits
Tailor & Reach
Classic Commercial