Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Paul Dashefsky.
Serial entrepreneur and founder of Maxwell, a platform focused on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), also known as tiny homes:
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
To educate listeners on the growing trend of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), their practical uses, legal considerations, and how platforms like Maxwell help homeowners navigate the process of building or buying tiny homes—especially in light of new options like Amazon’s prefab homes.
🗝️ Key Takeaways
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What Are ADUs?
- Formerly known as tiny homes or granny flats, ADUs are small, secondary housing units built on residential properties.
- They range from 150 to 1200 square feet and serve various purposes: rentals, studios, housing for aging parents, or personal retreats.
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Growing Popularity
- Driven by housing shortages and affordability issues, especially in states like California.
- Governments are easing restrictions to allow more ADUs to be built, including San Diego’s initiative to allow unlimited ADUs if they’re affordable.
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Use Cases
- Rental income
- Housing for retirees or aging parents
- Studios (music, yoga), guest houses, or nanny quarters
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Amazon’s Entry
- Amazon now sells prefab two-story tiny homes under \$50,000.
- While appealing, buyers must understand the additional costs and logistics: foundation, utilities, permits, and construction.
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Legal & Practical Considerations
- ADUs must be permitted and built to code to be safe and legally rentable.
- Homeowners should consult their city’s building department before starting.
- A certificate of occupancy is required for someone to legally live in the unit.
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Maxwell Platform
- Offers resources, videos, and guidance for anyone interested in building or buying ADUs.
- Helps users find reliable contractors and understand the full scope of building an ADU.
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Impact on Property Value
- ADUs generally increase property value by adding rentable living space.
- They are a viable wealth-building strategy through real estate investment.
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Social Impact
- ADUs could be a solution to homelessness by providing affordable housing options.
- Cities like San Diego are already exploring this potential.
💬 Notable Quotes
- “You’re not building a Lego kit here.” — Paul Dashefsky on the complexity of constructing ADUs
- “There’s no success without sacrifice.” — Rushion McDonald, echoing the theme of entrepreneurship
- “Go down to your building department at your city and ask them what guidelines they have.” — Paul’s advice on starting an ADU project
- “If you invest in real estate… that’s a great way to build wealth.” — Paul on the financial benefits of ADUs
- “I wish America would look at the possibilities of seeing what ADUs can do for the homeless community.” — Rushion McDonald on the social potential of tiny homes
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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