Your Home As A Business: Rentals vs ADUs
Money Tree Investing
Money Tree Investing Podcast
4.6 • 733 Ratings
🗓️ 15 May 2026
⏱️ 37 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
Jon Grishpul joins us to discuss rentals vs ADUs (accessory dwelling units), and the growing trend of converting garages and unused spaces into flexible living areas. Relaxed zoning laws in states like California are helping address housing shortages while creating new opportunities for homeowners. We explored the challenges faced when managing construction projects, from finding trustworthy contractors and comparing bids to understanding contracts, permits, insurance, payment schedules, and cost overruns. Jon shares his practical advice for vetting contractors, avoiding common renovation pitfalls, handling unexpected issues during projects, and building long-term relationships with reliable professionals to protect both your investment and your peace of mind.
We discuss...
- Jon explains how ADUs provide flexible living spaces that can be used for family, rental income, home offices, gyms, or studios.
- Jon outlined the key differences between detached, attached, and garage conversion ADUs.
- The conversation covered how homeowners should carefully define the scope of a renovation project before contacting contractors.
- Homeowners should compare contractor bids and ensure each estimate reflects the same project scope.
- Jon explained why contractor estimates can vary dramatically depending on materials, labor, experience, and profit margins.
- The discussion highlighted the importance of verifying contractor licenses, insurance, bonds, and references before hiring.
- We talked about common renovation surprises such as mold, dry rot, and structural issues hidden behind walls.
- There are strategies for preventing contractors from disappearing mid-project through milestone-based payment schedules.
- Jon explained how poor communication early in the bidding process can signal problems during construction.
- We discussed the pros and cons of homeowners sourcing their own construction materials versus letting contractors manage procurement.
- We explored how contractors and homeowners can negotiate fairly when mistakes or unexpected issues arise during construction.
- We discussed how inspections, third-party evaluations, and punch lists help ensure quality control on renovation projects.
- Jon encouraged homeowners to take their time vetting contractors and focus on building long-term relationships with reliable professionals.
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For more information, visit the full show notes at https://moneytreepodcast.com/rentals-vs-adus-jon-grishpul-816
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | Welcome to the Money Tree Investing podcast. |
| 0:04.8 | Stock market, wealth, personal finance, value stocks, invest in your life. |
| 0:11.1 | Hello, Smart Money Tree podcast listeners. |
| 0:12.8 | Welcome to this week show. |
| 0:13.7 | My name's Kirk Chisholm and I'll be your host. |
| 0:16.3 | So today I'm joined with John Grispole. |
| 0:18.5 | I donate, John. |
| 0:19.4 | Good. |
| 0:19.8 | How are you, Kirk? |
| 0:20.5 | Doing great. So John, to the listeners that don't knowpole. I do, John. Good. How are you, Kirk? Doing great. |
| 0:21.7 | So, John, to the listeners that don't know you, tell us a bit about your background. |
| 0:24.9 | Sure. |
| 0:25.4 | My background is in construction, technology, marketing, sales. |
| 0:30.1 | I've been in a number of different industries throughout my life. |
| 0:33.6 | But what I've spent the past six or seven years in my life doing is helping homeowners find good contractors |
| 0:38.6 | and helping people understand accessory dwelling units, why they're great, what they can do about them, |
| 0:44.8 | why they're a beneficial asset for their home. |
| 0:47.7 | What's in us in ADU, an accessory dwelling unit? |
| 0:50.7 | So in short, by definition, there are different things in different places, but at its core, an accessory dwelling unit is an independent living space on the same lot as a primary dwelling. |
| 1:02.6 | So it has a kitchen, has a bathroom, it has somewhere to sleep. |
| 1:06.1 | It can be either detached, attached, or part of the existing home. |
| 1:10.7 | But the main reason people love them |
... |
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