Because laws here prevent us from collecting for some wall damage/scuffs after a certain length. 

Starting to hit this wall where I am building out my systems in 2026.

The only downside: conversions take time, energy, and there's always something unexpected behind a wall.

If you and your wife are committed to investing in all cash, I recommend Wall Street.

They have a ton of Wall St cash that's being gambled as in 401Ks

Especially since you will not be present to make decisions quickly, sign off on change orders, assess the situation when the walls are opened up and the scope of work increases, etc. and that makes you more difficult to work with than someone who is local. 

Interior of the property has new carpets, painted walls new windows, etc.

One suggestion, when I do large electrical upgrades I will have an electrician to the actual electrical work, but I won't have him repair all the walls and ceilings he has to cut holes in.

I’ve seen fully inspected brand new basement poured walls cracked in under 2 years in new construction.

Since I plan to hold this property long-term, I don’t care about increasing official square footage, I just want a functional space.Question: Has anyone here done a “garage upgrade” or ADU extension like this, pulling permits for essentials (bathroom, electrical, replacing garage doors with walls/windows) but keeping it simple otherwise?