You may have been thinking that you’d like to remodel your Vacation Rental Property, but don’t know quite where to start. Sometimes it feels there is so much to do, it overwhelms. But as in any remodeling or reorganization project, planning and preparation is everything. Timelines and budgets can quickly go awry with too little planning. And with Vacation Rentals, time is definitely money.

What to do first?

The first thing you may need to determine is whether you have a minor or major remodel on your hands. Sometimes it can be minor and more decorative with some well-thought-out reorganization ideas first. Start by making a list of each room and what you would like to see changed in each area. Try to determine an overall budget and how much you would like to allot to each room. Make a separate list for repairs, for they should usually come first unless you are tearing that area down.

If you are unsure of where to begin, start your list in your entryway. Go down the hallway, bedrooms, and bathrooms making notes. Even look at your closet space. The long closets with the sliding doors can be inexpensively revamped with a quickly constructed middle wall, sheetrock, tape, and paint. Need more room? Turn the 2 x 4’s, and make the walls 2-1/2” thick instead of 4-1/2″ (once your sheetrock is on). Then double your rods instead of one long hanging rod, and possibly install a shelf on the bottom for double shoe racks or other storage.

Think methodically about each space in terms of floor, walls, ceiling, lighting, and furnishings. Prepare a shopping list of items to be purchased and building or decorative work to be done. Aim to create a priced inventory and eventually relevant dimensions of all the material needed for a successful project.²

Professional help

It never hurts to later get the ideas of a design professional if you feel stuck. You may find one via word-of-mouth, or you can search for the top design professionals in your area with a company like Houzz.⁵ Or ask your Property Management Team at The Property Manager.

Repairs

Your first list should include repairs. As mentioned briefly, some will not need to be made due to demolition, yet others will may be incorporated into the remodel (such as flooring, tiles, plumbing, etc.). But you don’t want to remodel on top of termite infested walls, or leaky plumbing. Some repairs need to come first, even if a temporary fix until you remodel.

Inspiration for your remodel

Look for free online design galleries which generally have inspirational pictures of designs for Kitchen, Bath, Bedroom, Living areas, Dining Room, Home Offices and way more. They have photos of Storage ideas for each room, Home Bars, Home Gyms and even Hallways. Many provide links to the products used in their designs. After making your detailed list you will have a better idea of what you think you can remodel yourself, or conversely what might require a contractor.¹

Consider Where You Need Light

Look into Larger Windows, French Doors, or Sliders to bring in more light which can open up the tiniest space. Bringing up the light levels is always a good choice in any home remodel. In a Southern or Western exposure in warmer environments, you might consider Light tubes in those rooms, which are always a powerful source of light without the heat.²

Minor Remodels

Determine what you can do yourself. Some Property Owners have become quite proficient at several projects. Simple projects like painting, or even tiling showers, baths, or kitchens can be done by Property owners. Laying flooring can save you considerably on your budget if you are able to do those yourselves. Even if knowledgeable, a good YouTube how-to video is a free refresher course that may give you some new ideas or strengthen your confidence when you tackle a project. And the consideration of the loss of time of vacation rental is a good reason to plan heavily and maybe remodel during your off-season.

Outdoor Design

Besides indoor design, many manufacturers of different outdoor products provide free online tools. Some (such as this composite decking company carried by the major Home Improvement stores), have a deck designer tool. This allows you to:

• Save your design for later.
• Download material lists for your projects.
• Share deck designs with your contractor or family for input.

Pavers, Outdoor firepits, BBQ Islands, Gazebos, landscaping, plants, and gardens (whether in a spacious yard, containers, or vertical wall planting). These things warm up your atmosphere and some can be done by the homeowner. Again, take it in small bites.

Whatever you are going to do, get some counsel from others you trust on what may be your first steps. They may have design ideas you have not considered. Start a list on a place like Pinterest or YouTube, save to certain files so you can go back and look later. Contact The Property Manager at  (970) 259-0222 or you can also send an email to rentalinfo@rentdurango.com

We’d love to help you professionally manage and advise you on your rentals. We’ve been established here in Durango, Colorado⁶ for almost 35 years. Looking forward to hearing from you.

FOOTNOTES:

1 – https://www.prolinerangehoods.com/blog/whole-home-remodel-where-to-start/

2 – https://www.houzz.com/magazine/where-do-i-start-when-renovating-my-house-stsetivw-vs~80418984

3 – https://www.houzz.com/photos/home-design-ideas-phbr0-bp~

4 – https://www.timbertech.com/design/deck-designer/

5 – https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architect/c/Durango–CO

6 – http://rentdurango.com