Up until now we have been pretty general in our description of what you will need
but you will find that this chapter gets into a lot more detail. You willnot
need to take notes because we have provided you with a check list in the 'Now What'
chapter at the end of this ebook.
Your first expense will be in buying the property unless you are fortunate enough
to be living in a great location and very large home. Purchasing property includes
an Appraisal, survey of property lines, loan fees, title insurance, recording fee
and stamps, and real estate commissions. The down payment varies greatly, and of
course the actual price of the property will be the biggest factor governing your
initial expenses.
Once the paper work of buying is complete, you will probably need to do extensive
remodeling. These items include, copper plumbing, complete replacement of electrical
circuits, outlets, switches, light fixtures, phone, cable, and computer lines, insulation,
heating and cooling units, carpet or flooring, paint and wall paper. Don't forget
the bathroom fixtures, hot water heater, roofing, windows, doors, kitchen cabinets
and sink. You may also want to add a porch or two, a patio area, fencing, Jacuzzi,
benches, gardening and landscaping plants and fixtures. A guest storage shed is
a good idea if you do not want them putting their bikes, skis, muddy boots, fishing
equipment, and beach toys in their rooms. Often a freezer for fish that they might
catch is kept in the shed as well.
Remember you are not just restoring an old place you are also modernizing it because
todays travelers expect modern convince married with old world charm or country
charm. They are not camping and probably not just spending the night, to you guests
this is a mini resort.
Now we need to furnish you Inn. Starting with the kitchen you will need a good dish
washer, garbage disposal, gas or electric range and cover, coffee maker, food processor,
can opener, a large refrigerator, and a full sized separate freezer. Enough dishes,
silverware, glasses, cups, and accessories for when all your rooms are full.
Americans are not comfortable sitting shoulder to shoulder so you will need enough
chairs and table space to seat all your guests comfortably. Often in larger Inns,
guests sign up for which hour they will be eating so that meals can be arranged
into several seatings. It really adds a lot if real or silk flowers are used and
pictures showing folks eating or food being displayed are hung on the wall.
Common areas may include a parlor, living room, or drawing room and should not look
like a lobby. You should also have at least one restroom with a lock. A small desk
with pens and note paper, some comfortable chairs, a love seat, and couch with end
tables, or a coffee tables will make it look more like home. A display case with
nick knacks, and a bulletin board, some old pictures, a book case stocked with old
novels, and games is always appreciated. Those games are never played at home but
a lot of fun on a lazy vacation. If you buy these at a used store or yard sale make
sure all the pieces are there. The foyer could have a coat rack with umbrella stand
and a mirror for minor makeup checks. Often a back porch will have an ice making
machine and an entrance to a laundry room.
Each room will need at least Queen sized beds. Role away or hide-a-beds can accommodate
room mates that are not comfortable sharing the same bed. A ceiling fan/light, night
tables and lamps on each side of the bed with a radio/alarm clock, a small desk
and chair that can be also be used to eat on, a dresser, closet with several hangers,
ironing board, iron, and extra blankets. It will need a phone, TV, and Internet
connection.
You might be asking why the TV and Internet connection. Many Americans can't go
to sleep at night unless they are lulled to sleep by a late night TV show, be sure
the TV has sleep option. Also they demand to have access to the Internet so that
they can check their email, plan their next stop, and find local shopping and attractions.
Americans can no more get along without their Internet than electricity or water,
so just accept it or be prepared for a lot of complaints.
Do not skimp on the mattress. This is the most important element of a good night's
sleep and a happy visitor. The bathroom is the second most important. You will need
an outlet by the sink for a hair drying and shaver. Tile is almost mandatory and
matching sink and shower/tub fixtures add a lot of class. You will need plenty of
strong towel racks and don't forget the beautify products, shampoo, conditioner,
soap, body cream.
For linens you will need four sets of sheets and pillow cases for every bed, you
will need four pillows two for each guest and enough covers for the season so that
your guest will not be cold. The bath room will need a floor mat, four wash cloths,
two hand towels, and two bath towels. If you have a Jacuzzi or beach available then
ask your guest to get and return those towels at a station near the water.
Many guests expect fruit or snacks and are always appreciative of a piece of chocolate
on their night stands. You should have plenty of pictures, a small refrigerator,
and a coffee maker with coffee, sugar, and creamer. The desk should have a lamp,
a list of rules, accommodations, paper, pen, and maybe even a magazine or two. Be
sure the windows can be opened for fresh air.
An last but not least you will need an office and living quarters for you or a live
in manager. Remember this will be home to someone and must be big enough and comfortable
enough to live in all year round.