Design Tips, Investment Properties
Shauna Lynn Simon
Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

If you own a vacation rental property (or are looking to invest in one), you know that designing a short-term rental cottage that stands out from the competition is key to attracting renters and earning repeat business. With the growing popularity of short-term rentals and Airbnb properties, it's important to create a space that not only looks beautiful but is also functional and comfortable for guests.

In this article, we'll provide you with expert tips and insights on how to design a short-term rental cottage that will have guests raving and coming back year after year. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to update an existing space, this guide will provide you with the inspiration you need to create a truly exceptional vacation home.


Start with the Basics

Before you start decorating, make sure you have all the basics in place. This includes…

Expert Advice for Your Vacation Rental Property

Marilyn Denis Is BACK!!

The popular former Cityline host Marilyn Denis is back on National Television with The Marilyn Denis Show on CTV (@MarilynDenisCTV). Her return a couple of weeks ago has been incredibly received and I look forward to sitting down with my PVR each night to catch her show. She features a variety of topics, from celebrity guests, to fashion trends, to how to be fit and healthy. And yes, she even showcases a little home decor (and yes, I would LOVE to be a guest on her show to give her some of my amazing Around The House ideas). But until then, be sure to check her out 10am EST on CTV. Welcome back Marilyn!

Shauna Lynn, Beyond The Stage Homes
www.beyondthestagehome.com

Rules for Working With Designers

Hiring - How do you choose?
The best way to find a reliable professional in any field is by references. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. If this proves to be a dead end, then search yellow pages and online search engines, but references should still be available. Don't be afraid to ask for testimonials, references, and to look at their portfolio. This will give you a good idea of how they do business, and whether or not they're a good fit for you and your project. Whether they are referred by friends or family or not, be sure to ask them questions, such as how long they've been in business for, as well as their knowledge on the specific project that you're looking at taking on.

Quoting
Most designers and stagers will charge for a quote. This is because in order to quote, they need to conceptually develop a plan for your home, and this means revealing their great ideas. Remember that you're paying for their expertise, and not their time, though often the charges are quantified in terms of time or on a per project basis, for easy billing. If the designer or stager offers to provide you with a quote at no charge, be careful as you may get what you paid for, or didn't pay for.

Clarify What You Want
Be sure to e clear with your expectations for timeline, budget, and what you like and don't like. Don't allow any professional to get started without clarifying to you what you are getting, and what you will be paying.

Billing/Payment
Do not pay for work that has not been performed. For larger projects, a deposit may be required, but be sure not to pay in full until the project has been completed to your satisfaction.

Making Decisions
Don't be afraid to speak your mind. Obviously, if you've chosen to hire a professional, then you have done so for their expertise and their opinion, but that does not mean that your opinion doesn't count. The end result still needs to reflect your style and taste. Designers will push you beyond your comfort zone. As a general rule, find your comfort zone, then step at least 1 step past this. If you trust your designer, they may be able to get you further past your comfort zone with a design that you will love.

Have Fun
Renovations are exciting. Whether your staging to sell, or renovating, leave the stress to your designer, and enjoy your home.

Organizing Tip - Electrical Cords

Do you have a chaotic mess of cords behind your tv, stereo, and computer? Here are some easy tips for minimizing the confusion:

1. Use twist ties to keep all hidden cords together. These can also be used to control extra long cords - gather up the loose cord and secure with a twist tie when the correct length is achieved.

2. Label your cords! This one is a bit of a "why didn't I think of that?" idea - stick a label at the base of the cord identifying what the cord belongs to. This will eliminate the "what does this plug go with?" confusion.

3. For exposed cords, invest in a cord wrap. It's basically a plastic tube that wraps around your cords, and is available in various sizes, and can usually be found in black or white. This will help to blend the cords in with your baseboards so it's not such a tangled, exposed mess.

Thanks "Rent My Dad"!!

Have some small repairs in your home that need to be done but you just never seem to get to them? You probably figure you've lived with them this long, what's a little longer? I always advise my clients before listing their homes that if it seems like a small repair, then it should be taken care of before listing the house. While it may no longer bother you, it will be noticed by potential buyers.

I consider myself quite handy, and manage to do most of my own repairs around my house, but some I don't feel comfortable attacking, and others I simply don't have the right tools. I've cashed in favours with friends, but favours mean their schedule, not yours, and there's no guarantee of their work. Well, now I feel like I have my own personal handyman! "Rent My Dad"specializes in small jobs, is professional, reasonably priced, and does fantastic work. I recently hired Todd from Rent My Dad for some minor repairs in my own home, and will now recommend him to ALL my clients! Thanks Todd!!

If you need some help around the house, call Todd today!

Todd Hallissey
Tel: (519) 669-9967
Email: rentmydad@hotmail.ca