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Did you catch the season 1 finale of Backed By The Bros? Between a couple investing their entire savings into a dream ADU rental, the ups and downs of renovations and permits, and the rush to get the unit finished on time, this week was a hands-on job that came with a ton of pivoting. And as long as these investors are realistic with their expectations and eager to learn, they stand to cash in big on their investment property.

“The people who are willing to listen—those are the people we want to help,” says Jonathan.

This is the biggest investment of this couple’s life, and there is so much on the line for them. A renovation this large takes a leap of faith, and they’re hoping all the stress will be worth it in the end. They want more than just a rental unit with modern finishes and a smart layout—they want a steady investment for years to come. But let’s back up to where it all started.

In the end, Drew and Jonathan end up backing Kristie and Tom. They’ve made some mistakes already when it comes to their plans, and they’re in need of some help if they want this investment to be a success. Because Denise is just starting on her plans for her ADU renovation, there’s plenty of time before she’ll actually need Drew and Jonathan’s help with the construction and renovation process. In the meantime, the Bros will offer their guidance and advice to Denise.

While they get ready to start helping Kristie and Tom through their ADU rental, the Bros encourage them to stay optimistic. As first-time investors, it’s easy to get worried about whether or not you’re making the right decision, but you have to stay confident. Their backing will include 12 weeks’ work from a general contractor, design mentorship, and project mentorship, alongside some trades and materials to help move their renovation along.

“The biggest mistake most people make is—out of fear—they don’t pull the trigger on a good investment. I think this is a good investment, and there’s a lot of potential there,” says Jonathan.

Before and Afters

The Upstairs Landing

Originally, Kristie and Tom wanted to close off the exterior stairs, but they decided to take the Brothers’ advice and leave them as a second entrance into the rental. They also added a spiral staircase inside for added design value. This created a gorgeous landing that frames the door to the patio nicely.

The Kitchen

As they shifted their plans inside to accommodate certain spaces moving around, they decided to turn the kitchen into a sleek open layout. It’s complete with a cozy breakfast bar and design-forward style choices that prioritized organization and modern finishes.

The Living Area

The spiral staircase was a big topic of conversation during renovations, and very polarizing among the investors and Drew and Jonathan! In the end, the staircase was a stylish choice that adds value in its design and function. The space feels cozy and open, especially with the construction choices they made along the way to open up the interior.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

Backed By The Bros: Money Pit Turned Stunning Short-Term Rental

A once discouraging investment has now become a beautiful new opportunity.

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Last week on Backed By The Bros, Drew and Jonathan met with John, a 21-year-old entrepreneur who just bought his first property and needs help navigating his million-dollar fixer-upper in Venice Beach, California. The young investor purchased a $1.35M beach house and has already sunk $150K into renovations to bring the building up to code before the Brothers even got there. But the project is still a long way from finished. On episode 9 of Backed By The Bros this week, we get to see this renovation come to life, with all of the ups and downs along the way.

John has lofty goals for the property, and the Brothers are trying to talk him down off the ledge so he doesn’t end up overspending to the point that he has no return on this investment. But from waterfall features with a bridge that mimics the Venice canals to going tens of thousands of dollars over-budget to finish the project, John was defiant against many of the Brothers’ recommendations and advice. Would it all be worth it once the renovations stop and the short-term rental listing goes up?

When they began the project, Drew and Jonathan came into the house to discuss potential changes with John. John wanted to turn the one-story property into a two-story, but the Brothers advised against it since it would most likely eat up the budget without having much of an impact on his return. John wants the property to be a luxurious, premium short-term rental, and he and the Bros made plans to make the home upscale without going overboard on budget and timeline. However, John ended up getting a little carried away once the Brothers left.

John put in almost 15 work order changes that amounted to nearly $90K in overages and an extra month’s worth of renovations. That brings his total renovation cost to almost $570K and 21 weeks of labor. “He’s so focused on making this the best property that anyone has ever seen, he’s not even paying attention to the stress that he’s causing us and our trades and everybody who’s trying to make this happen,” Drew says.

“He’s definitely got his blinders on and he’s focused on something that he gets in his head,” Jonathan says. “Not every good idea is a good idea.”

But, the Brothers say, John isn’t lazy—he just has so many ideas and wants to incorporate all of them all at once. The finished property does look fantastic, Drew and Jonathan say, but the costly expenses he’s made might mean it’ll take some time for John to reap a reward. He’ll find out in the end whether it was worth it to go over-budget and over-schedule in order to include everything he wants into the space.

Before and Afters

The Main Living and Kitchen Area

The open-air kitchen and living room are complete with light finishes and pops of color. The white couch features a stain-resistant fabric and the red steel Z frame below the countertop signifies the name of the property: “The Zen-ice Beach House.”

The Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom feels luxurious (sans the micro-closet on the opposite wall). Bright light fills the room, and changing the fireplace’s facade into a more sleek design makes the room feel both modern and cozy.

The Guest House Living Room

The guest house is just as extravagant as the main house, with automatic blinds, a modern Murphy bed, bar area, and bespoke lighting. It’s a great spot to unwind and relax at night, or for extra guests to sleep.

The Outdoor Space

Almost every door and window in the space either opens up to the backyard or features large glass windows, which exudes that luxury feel. Both the guest house and the main house have large sliding glass doors that blend the interior space with the exterior space seamlessly.

The Backyard Sauna

John included a cold plunge, hot tub, sauna, and fire pit into the backyard, so whatever his renters are feeling like that day, they can take to the backyard and find it there. This backyard retreat was costly, but it makes for a very upscale experience.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

Tune in next week to watch the final episode of the season, at 9:00pm ET on Wednesday, August 7 on MAX and HGTV.

Backed By The Bros: Tackling the Detached ADU

Lots of choices, little time.

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Last week, we saw Christina and Arek finish their reno project on their attached garage ADU, and it turned out beautifully. Of course, there were bumps along the road, but all in all, the project was a success. But on episode 8 of Backed By The Bros, Drew and Jonathan begin helping Christina and Arek renovate their detached garage ADU—but of course, it’s not without its hiccups, too. Between more design mistakes, advice not taken, emotional and rash decisions, cutting corners, and missing inspections, it’s been a battle getting Christina and Arek’s detached ADU ready for tenants. Will the Brothers regret backing this investment, or will the hard work pay off?

Drew and Jonathan also meet with two new potential investors this episode. The two backings are totally different from one another. One is a rookie investor who’s already drowned his life savings into the property that hasn’t even begun renovations, and the other is a small family looking to start work on a huge two-story renovation on their backyard ADU. There’s a lot at stake for both of these investors—but the Bros can only choose one. And ultimately, their choice will come down to who needs their help more urgently and who has more to lose.

Even after design disagreements and a stressful start to the project, Christina and Arek’s detached ADU ended up a success. The structure isn’t just beautiful, but it’s also functional, cozy, and sound. While walking through the interior, it’s almost hard to believe it was once a garage! Ample storage space, two bedrooms, two bathrooms,

Christina & Arek’s Before and Afters

A Welcome Exterior

Now this is a glow-up! The exterior was finished with new stucco and trim, complete with an overhang and even an open-air garage to the side of the rental. It’s a complete 180 from the typical-looking garage before. Touches like plants and a bench upped the homey curb appeal, too. 

Open Dining and Living

The open flow from the kitchen to the living room makes the main living area a better environment for hosting or movie nights, especially in a space that’s a bit more compact. Using the same wall color throughout both spaces connects the two rooms while also brightening them.

Simply and Cozy Living Room

Cozy seating and multiple places to lounge made Christina and Arek’s living space more inviting. Drew and Jonathan helped further the process by staging the house for them, boosting the potential to get this place rented quickly.

Brightening the Kitchen

Drew and Jonathan helped cover some kitchen reno costs by providing them with free countertops. Christina went with one that complemented the wood tones of the cabinetry and still had that natural coloring to it to tie in the green tile a bit better than butcher block would have. A big farmhouse sink, pot filler, and gold hardware are all small details that, together, create a huge statement.

 

Comfy First Bedroom

The first bedroom is understated and comfortable. Neutral colors and plush fabrics help up the cozy factor, and an added footboard bench provides a relaxing second structure.

Boho Second Bedroom

The second bedroom off the backyard is filled with natural light. Boho-chic decor and comfy bedding provide that inviting feel that everyone needs in a bedroom space.

Because of his dire need for help on a timely project, as well as how green he is to property investment, the Bros decide to back John. He reminds them a lot of themselves when they first got into real estate, and they want to help bring him across the finish line to success without making unnecessary mistakes.

Mike and Beckie don’t plan on starting their project for a while, and when that time comes, Drew and Jonathan will be there to help. For now, however, John has a more pressing need for their expertise.

Tune in next week at 9:00pm ET on MAX to see how John’s renovation progresses, and make sure to let us know what you think on social media.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

Catch Up On Breaking New Ground—Trailer, Episode Recaps, Where to Watch, and More

It’s a whirlwind of emotion, resilience, and thoughtful design from beginning to end.

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Episode 7 of Backed By The Bros just aired, and the project they helped take on this time definitely gave them a run for their money. The investors had been battling a string of bad luck with their property, and lost confidence that they could get the project finished. Between mold, water damage, contractor errors, and more, they were at a standstill with their reno as they tried to come up with a plan to get themselves out of a rut. They looked to Drew and Jonathan to help them save their investment and salvage their ROI before it’s too late.

“There are a million ways to buy, reno, and flip a home—and there are even more ways to lose money doing it,” Jonathan said. With Drew and Jonathan’s experience, advice, and resources, this couple was hoping this nightmare investment property could be turned into a dream home. “It feels good for us to help get these investors to the finish line,” Jonathan said. Tune into Backed By The Bros every Wednesday at 9:00 pm on MAX to stay up-to-date on this backing and more.

The Bros decide to back Christina and Arek on this project. Because Analia and Arash already have a contractor, Drew and Jonathan are confident they’d be able to succeed without their added help. However, they are going to help review Analia and Arash’s quotes and budgets for the flip, which is where they need the most backup.

Drew and Jonathan only have enough resources to get Christina and Arek through one of the ADUs. So they agree to provide advice and mentorship on Christina and Arek’s JADU, but will focus the bulk of their time and resources into the couple’s attached ADU.

Before and Afters

Making the Space Functional

This double-door entry into the bedroom area isn’t just beautiful, but it’s also incredibly useful. It separates the living and sleeping areas seamlessly. Added artwork and warm-toned flooring create a cozy living area.

A Versatile Bedroom

This ADU bedroom feels anything but small. It comes complete with a desk nestled into the window nook, a lounge chair, and a closet with plenty of storage.

Separate-But-Together Spaces

The two spaces are both separate and combined with the use of the sliding doors. Renters can close their bedroom doors for privacy or leave them open to make for a more spacious feel. This versatility is definitely an asset.

A Warm and Inviting Living Room

Windows in the living room allow a great amount of light into the space, too. They also included multiple hangout zones so renters’ guests have plenty of space to sit and mingle. The use of natural fibers, textures, and colors makes the room feel cohesive.

A Spacious Backyard Hangout

What was once an empty yard is now a fabulous backyard chill zone for friends and family to gather. Chairs and outdoor furniture make for plenty of seating while an outdoor area rug adds that much-needed warmth.

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Backed By The Bros: Keeping the Family Business Alive

Sheryl and Jasper are racing to the finish line.

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On episode 6 of Backed By The Bros, we picked up where we left off last week with Drew and Jonathan helping mother-daughter duo Sheryl and Jasper complete their triplex build. They’d been put through the wringer trying to get permits straightened out so they could finally get residential tenants in. And so far, it’s as if they’re taking one step forward and two steps back. Between a flurry of unexpected cost overages, inspections, and delays in construction, Sheryl and Jasper are also trying to get their designs in place so that they’re saving as much money as possible without compromising on style.

Sheryl does have a tendency to go for that luxe look, but at a luxe price tag, so Jonathan showed her new ways to get the glamorous vibes she’s going for without overspending. “You don’t have to spend a million bucks to make a place look like a million bucks,” he says.

After discussions on smart ways to save, Sheryl cut down on some unnecessary costs and became a bit more savvy with her spending while the triplex was being designed and decorated. They also made as much use of their time as possible by staying extra-organized with all the different contractors on site and working from the garage so they were available at a moment’s notice.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

Living Room Before and Afters

A bold, bright, and beautiful living room is the backdrop to the entire residence. Sheryl and Jasper created an experience that’s warm, inviting, and immediately makes potential residents feel welcome.

The right atmosphere will instantly transform a lackluster space. We know that Sheryl and Jasper have a fantastic designer’s eye, but we really saw that come to life in their common areas. The combination of quartz countertops (another savvy use of their budget!), cozy textiles, and light and bright windows make the space even more appealing.

Smart additions like built-ins and interesting interior features like this fluted wall are small components that have a huge impact on the overall look of the room. The entire vignette suddenly becomes that much more interesting. It makes for a dynamic and architectural-looking space that has that luxe feel without the cost.

Bedroom Before and Afters

Neutral tones, textures, and artwork made each space feel like a stylish escape without looking too custom. And when it comes to finding renters and buyers, this matters! Cozy finishes and natural elements go a long way in styling a home for potential residents.

Sticking to simple wall paint and flooring made each space more budget-friendly and appealed to renters, but still kept it clean and contemporary. Incorporating natural textures like pampas grass, natural wood, and linens helps it feel grounded.

After all was said and done, each bedroom became an oasis. Even after all of the ups and downs of construction, Sheryl and Jasper found new ways of making each space feel comfortable and unique.

More Before and Afters

Sheryl loves using custom tile to adorn the bathroom, but in this triplex, it would have totally blown their budget. Instead, she got savvy with her methods and used big box tile and vanities to save on money, and utilized creative ways of installing them in order to create a statement.

A bland and barren rooftop patio turned into a sleek and sophisticated hangout zone with simple additions like comfortable patio seating, plants, and area rugs to keep the space feeling cozy. But absolutely nothing beats that view!

Backed By The Bros: Two Sides of the Same Coin

No risk, no reward.

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This week on Backed By The Bros, Drew and Jonathan had their hands tied trying to determine which of the potential investors to back. The two potential backings were so similar, and yet so different from one another. Both were veteran property investors, and both had a lot to lose. One property was a single-family home in a quiet residential neighborhood, while the other was a triplex property in a bustling metro. While the Brothers decide who to back on episode 5 of Backed By The Bros, there was so much on the line to consider.

Both of the potential backings had a similar issue—both went into their individual properties less than prepared for worst-case scenarios. “You have to understand the market and you always have to play worst-case scenario,” says Jonathan. “Anyone who plans on best-case scenario is going to fail.” And as we see, the clock is ticking on both of these properties in the race against time, budget, and income. The Bros have to choose wisely. Their career and their reputation is on the line, and so is the wellbeing of these investors.

After discussing the options, Drew and Jonathan decided to back Sheryl and Jasper. The Bros believed that the mother and daughter need their help the most, and there’s a greater potential for Jasper and Sheryl to fail without their guidance.

The Bros still offered Natalie and Sean their best advice and tips throughout their project. And they’re confident that Natalie and Sean have the tools necessary to succeed on their own and make the house ready for purchase.

Drew and Jonathan called on the expert help of their designer, Kelly, and project manager, Donnie, to help get this building renovated and ready for renters on time and on budget. Donnie called on his crew to help facilitate construction work still needed before they can make any cosmetic decisions. Kelly helped Sheryl and Jasper make smarter money moves on certain renovation projects.

Smart Shopping

A Trip to the Back Warehouse

Kelly showed Sheryl and Jasper exactly how to stretch their budget smart so they still make the space beautiful, but do so frugally. One of those ways? Saving on tile.

Quality Without the Dollar Signs

Kelly showed the duo that they can still incorporate the gorgeous stone they want. But by going to the back warehouse to check out discounted slabs of porcelain, rather than natural stone, they’re saving huge in the end.

After finding out that one of the first investors that Drew and Jonathan backed—James and Isabel—were on their way to buying and renovating a new multi-family property, the Bros thought it might be a good idea to pay them a visit and see if they need any help getting started. Jonathan decided to help point them in the right direction when it comes to choosing a property, so they don’t find themselves in that same money pit situation they were stuck in before.

However, in their first backing, James and Isabel pushed back on the Brothers’ suggestions on a slew of things. So whether or not the couple listens to their advice this time around is all up in the air. Either way, Jonathan was happy that he was able to be a mentor to them through this new process. Hopefully they heeded his guidance to make the right decision.

We’ll watch and see what happens as Sheryl, Jasper, and the team get finished on renovations. There will surely be bumps along the road, and they’re hitting a wall with their timeline. Will it all work out in the end? And if it doesn’t, what will be their next move to turn this money-draining property into a success? Tune in next Wednesday at 9:00 pm on MAX to find out.

Backed By The Bros: Money Pit Turned Stunning Short-Term Rental

A once discouraging investment has now become a beautiful new opportunity.

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After finally clearing out her late husband’s building, Heidi successfully sold the property for $1M. Now, she’s hoping to re-invest in a residential property and make it her main source of income. In episode 4 of Backed By The Bros this week, Drew and Jonathan helped guide Heidi through renovations, and offered guidance on how best she could utilize her budget to make this new property work well for her and her future renters. Heidi put everything she has out on the line—the money she made from the sale of the building, plus her entire life savings, amounting to $1.3M in total.

In California, if you owe capital gains on an investment that you sell, you can defer that tax if you find and buy a replacement property within 45 days. The Bros highly recommended that Heidi take advantage of this, as it would save her about $100K which she could put toward renovating her new space or buy a better investment. Heidi’s wishlist was a single-family home that’d need minimal renovations in Burbank, California, with 3 bedrooms, storage space, and a big backyard. With only 45 days to find her perfect match, Heidi and the Bros got to work.

Drew and Heidi took a look at a couple listings and talked in detail about what kind of work would have to go into each one. They narrowed it down to two.

In the end, Heidi decided to go with the first home, the Minimal Reno With High Potential. Drew and Jonathan agreed to back Heidi by offering their contractors, one of their designers, Lee, and one of their landscape architects, Jake, as well as their mentorship and some materials.

With one larger renovation at play here, Heidi had to be as efficient as possible with her time. The garage that they had planned to turn into a third bedroom ended up being a little more complicated of a task then they initially thought. After digging into the permits and the work necessary to safely turn the garage into a third bedroom, they realized it might be more trouble than it’s worth, and would also take about triple the amount of time to get ready for tenants, which would leave Heidi without income for a few months. So instead, Heidi decided to turn the garage into a livable flex space so she could get renters in there right away.

Before and Afters

Light, Bright, and Modern

Is this even the same place?! The garage space was converted from floor to ceiling and turned into a completely new, modern-looking abode. Comfortable seating and converted doors make the space look nothing like a garage anymore. Instead, it’s a chic, spacious flex space with tons of natural lighting.

Ultra-Cool Seating

The round, oversized swivel chairs make this flex room feel effortlessly cool. Ample seating provides the perfect amount of space for game nights or movie marathons, and allows renters a separate space to hang out when they have friends over.

Pops of Color

Not only did they create a fabulous chill zone for tenants, but they were also able to turn the back wall into a handy workspace, complete with a desk and bookshelf. If a tenant works from home, or simply needs somewhere quiet to get their projects done, this will be the perfect solution for them.

Break Out the Outdoor Dining Set

By creating a beautiful outdoor dining area for tenants, the whole backyard suddenly becomes a useful space. By implementing plants and greenery, and refinishing the deck to look and feel refreshed, this space gets a total makeover. Tenants will love the extra space, as well as the sophisticated feel of an outdoor dining area.

Somewhere to Chill Outside

With the advice of the Bros, Heidi also decided to make a bonus space off the side of the deck, and turned a once run-down side yard into the perfect lounge area. Now, renters and their friends and family have somewhere to relax and talk after their backyard dinner party.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

Backed By The Bros: Moving On and Letting Go After Loss

The Bros are here to help.

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In Backed By The Bros episode 3, Drew and Jonathan helped one investor out of a burdensome building that sat vacant and unused for some time now, just eating away at their pockets and their well-being. But that’s not all—the Bros also went back to a previous client to help him finish his reno and tie up loose ends so he could finally move forward.

The potential investors this week couldn’t be more different from one another, but they do have one thing in common: They both have a building that’s bleeding them dry. Jason didn’t crunch the numbers quite right before buying, and Heidi’s had a building on her hands that she just can’t let go of, but isn’t working for her situation anymore. Which one do the Bros back? It all comes down to who they think needs their help urgently, and who they think is capable of finishing their project without the Bros’ help.

Jonathan was adamant about backing both investors, but Drew said that it would be near impossible to get both done. Their teams are only available for a short period of time before they have to get back to their normal projects. They discussed it more, and in order to give the investors their best efforts, decided to back Heidi while offering Jason the advice and guidance he needs to stretch his budget and flip the home wisely. Ultimately, they know that Jason won’t lose his shirt—he just needs to cut back on the redesign, and they’re confident Jason will get the reno done in due time.

Bonus: The Bros also returned to help Frank from last week’s backing, who rebuilt his rental property after a devastating fire. Drew and Jonathan helped him finish his backyard into a beautiful space that tenants can enjoy, complete with new landscaping, greenery, a cozy place for folks to lounge, and even a dining table.

When it comes to Heidi’s building woes, the Bros are actually confident that most of the work (sorting through her husband’s old things, auctioning off pieces that aren’t of use to her, and clearing out the building) can be done by Heidi herself, with a little help from a professional liquidation expert to get her started and offer guidance.

Drew and Jonathan’s main focus for backing Heidi is offering her their time and their mentorship so she is no longer being bled dry from the building. Getting her moving on and moving out of this commercial property is going to finally set her free of these financial ties. That way, Heidi will be able to get that residential property she’s been dreaming about, and start her journey in real estate that works for her.

As Heidi is clearing out the building to be able to sell, the Bros revisit a previous investor—Frank—and help guide him to get started on his backyard renovation. The final puzzle piece is getting that space in order so he can get some tenants into the building and maximize the rent for the triplex.

Frank had less than the money the Bros recommended for the bare minimum budget—$20,000. With just $10,000 available to renovate the backyard, he needed to really stretch his money to be able to get the place looking in tip-top shape.

So they made adjustments, like using turf instead of grass, and cleaning and repairing things (rather than buying new) where they could. They also decided to make the laundry room coin-operated. That way, Frank can get a little money back for the long-term.

Heidi’s Building: Before & After

Frank’s Finishing Touches: Before & After

A Warm, Welcoming Space

A Fresh, Green Yard

A Coin-Op Laundry Room

Don’t forget to catch up on our previous episodes, and tune in every Wednesday at 9:00 pm on MAX or HGTV to keep up with Backed By The Bros.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

Backed By The Bros: Rebuilding After Destruction

Can the Bros help this investor fix his devastating structural damage?

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The second episode of Backed By The Bros had us on the edge of our seats this week! Between devastating structural damage, a stunted income stream, and trying to put it all back together in a time crunch, Drew and Jonathan had their hands full with this project. Unlike last week’s episode, though, Backed By The Bros episode 2 wasn’t about remodeling a new investment property into a gorgeous short-term rental. Rather, it was about completely rebuilding the structure from the ground up to make it habitable for renters.

But backing this investment not only took serious strategy and finesse—it also took a ton of resources and creativity. That meant way more than just slapping some paint on the walls and refinishing the floors. The Bros and the investor sifted through the reno budget, and even when things got tough, they pivoted to try and make it work. But would it all be worth it in the end? You’ll have to watch Backed By The Bros episode 2 to see!

In the end, Drew and Jonathan chose to back Frank. They really wanted to help him get back on his feet after a devastating structural and monetary loss. Frank’s insurance claim gave him a healthy $500,000 to help rebuild the property, but he had to make sure to delegate the money wisely, especially since the permits only allowed for a tri-plex, rather than the previous four-plex build.

However, the Bros still gave Jessika and Gil their best advice. And because they had their ducks in a row, Drew and Jonathan were confident that the couple would be able to finish their project successfully without any outside help from them.

After calling Frank with the news, he and the Bros immediately got to work. Because of the severity of the damage, there was a ton to get done. From gutting to redesigns, calling on contractors, electricians, and consulting with Drew and Jonathan and their experts, this property rebuild was a doozy. Of course, no reno this large is without its hiccups. Just as they began gutting the property, they found major termite damage. It called for a total reconstruction of the outdoor deck and stairs. This definitely put an unexpected dent in the budget, but they did their best to cut costs elsewhere to make it work.

But along with fixing the damage, they also had to rethink the interior layout as well. The bottom floor’s 1-bedroom and studio apartments were going to be combined to adhere to permits. The two upstairs 1-bedroom apartments stayed as-is, but the layouts were rearranged to make better use of the space. It was certainly worth it, since the spaces need to be both beautiful and functional for renters.

To get as much out of the rental units as possible, Frank decided to make use of some furniture that had been taking up space in his warehouse, as well as some of the Bros’ furniture from their warehouse, to furnish the apartments. A furnished apartment will increase the rental value, and it also makes short-term rentals a breeze.

After three months and an unbelievable amount of hard work, Frank’s tri-plex rental property was finally in a place that he felt comfortable with to start looking for tenants. And making the rentals furnished was totally worth it—potentially almost tripling the previous income he was getting from the space. Overall, the Bros’ backing was valued at around $100,000 between trades, appliances, and furniture. In combination with the $500,000 from insurance, Frank came in right at the insured amount, and stayed on-budget for this reno.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

The Exterior

Apartment #1

Apartment #2

Apartment #3

Backed By The Bros: Money Pit Turned Stunning Short-Term Rental

A once discouraging investment has now become a beautiful new opportunity.

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Did you catch the premiere of our new show, Backed By The Bros?! It was chock-full of drama, to say the least. Between impossibly tight budgets, discouraging past renos, and incompliant building plans, Drew and Jonathan had their hands full backing this reno. Right up until the very end, we were on the edges of our seats! The couple followed some of Drew and Jonathan’s suggestions, but other times, they decided to go their own way. Would it all work out in the end? There was no guarantee.

The two potential backings couldn’t be more different from one another—one couple were career home renovators who were dealt an awful hand, and the other couple were first-timers who needed the Bros to help them solve their accessory dwelling unit (ADU) woes. After meeting both and learning more about each couple’s specific situations, Drew and Jonathan had a lot to discuss.

So what’ll it be: A family of seven’s crumbling money pit, or a divorced couples’ potential ADU garage reconstruction? With only one crew available, the Bros can only back one family—and it’s an impossible choice.

In the end, Drew and Jonathan decided to back James and Isabel. This home made a huge dent in their lives, both in their pockets as well as in their family’s well-being. And because the couple already had plans and permits in place, the Bros knew they could get their crew in there to help them seal the deal and finally wash their hands of the property. Drew and Jonathan had the resources, and James and Isabel had the determination to make it happen.

Plus, they still offered Leanne and Ronato all of their most helpful tips, advice, and encouragement while they embarked on their journey and plans for their ADU.

After calling James and Isabel and telling them the good news, Drew and Jonathan contacted their crew and designer Gianna to help back the project. The Bros provided free construction and design materials, as well as design and project mentorship, for six weeks. James and Isabel agreed to put $100,000 into the reno, along with some sweat equity and their own contractor.

The team got right to work designing and planning out exactly how they were going to turn this worn-down, dysfunctional property into a light, bright, and open space that would become the perfect short-term rental property for families. It was a total gut reno—they essentially had to rebuild the property’s interior from the bottom up. This meant everything from new windows, plumbing, and landscaping, to tearing down those illegal additions and re-configuring the home’s layout. We got tired just watching!

It didn’t go off without a hitch, though. In fact, the couple disagreed with a few of the Bros’ suggestions. There were disagreements on layout, design, and more. For example, James and Isabel wanted to convert one of the bedrooms into two, turning the space from a three-bedroom into a five-bedroom home. Drew and Jonathan discouraged the idea since it would mean that there wouldn’t be space for another bathroom. In the end, the couple didn’t follow their advice. However, there were some things that James and Isabel did take their advice on—and it all turned out to be worth it in the end.

From totally reworking the floorplan, to smart budgeting strategies, pivoting on unexpected hiccups, and finally putting it all together, the final result was nothing short of fabulous! And because of all the sweat equity, work and materials, and the Bros’ backing, James and Isabel saved a whopping $78,000 on their renovation. Now, the couple can finally move on and look forward to the future of this beautiful short-term rental.

Click here to see all of the items featured in this episode!

Don’t forget to catch our new series, Backed By The Bros, every Wednesday evening at 9:00 pm ET/8:00 pm CT, streaming on MAX and airing on HGTV.

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The post Backed By The Bros: Money Pit Turned Stunning Short-Term Rental appeared first on Drew & Jonathan.