Shampoo & Booze 14: Total Airbnb Gut Renovation

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In the spirit of being total gluttons for punishment, we ripped out all of our water pipes in preparation for the electricity to be shut off so the roofer can do his thing. So this really is a total gut! We even discussed ripping all the tile floors up and replacing them since they're in really bad shape. But we know from past experience that if you want something done right, you have to do it, even if it takes longer and costs more. Not everyone does business this way, as we find out talking to other rental owners. As we have acknowledged, this is not a quick flip and we are not normal business people.

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Shampoo & Booze 13: This Is Not A Quick Airbnb Flip, Snowstorm Edition

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As we've said before, we're not normal business people. We're trying to build rental businesses in a sustainable and creative way. If it's not fun and challenging, we're not doing it. Sure, it generally costs more and takes way longer than we think, but in the long run, we've built something we're proud to show off to every single person who visits. Expanding on that theme, Jay took a 10 hour round trip drive to North Carolina to pick up some heartwood pine flooring for the new house. Now that's dedication! P.S. Remodelista is the book we mention about using quality materials.

If you haven't already, check out Airbnb for the next time you travel. Or even consider renting a spare room or any property you have.

Shampoo & Booze 12: We Are Not Normal Airbnb Business People

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We've come to this realization: We aren't normal business people. We kind of knew that, but the last year has really showed us that we are very much into "Slow Business". We're not saying we want business and sales and rentals to be slow and not make money. We're saying that it pays off in the long run to build your business slowly, sustainably and creatively. Of course not having a bundle of cash up front to do a quick renovation really helps this philosophy as well!

Here are some of the ductless HVAC systems you can buy on Amazon for a lot less than $10,000. You'll have to pay for installation, but hopefully it will equal about half the quote we got.

Check out some photoshopping Ryanne did to test some color schemes for the new rental--

The color the house is now, brown, brown brown.

My first instinct was to go lighter. but this beige is just too Blah!

Next I thought I'd add some color. But the green kind of clashes with the forest around it, and makes it feel to woodsy to me.

I think the blue is a great Mid Century color choice. I don't want it too be too bright, but more like a slate blue with some grey in it. Also the current orange-red beams will be a richer burgundy.

Thinking of becoming an Airbnb host or guest? Use our referral code and get $20 off your next stay or $80 credit if you become a host!