‘Vacation Home Rules’ Reveal One Thing Guests Hate To See In A Home

In the first, “Family Funhouse”, McGillivray helps Alicia and Justin remaking their rarely used Canadian cabin by the lake. With a budget of $ 120,000, McGillivray is giving this property some major updates and turning it into a rental that could bring in a lot of money.

Curious about what a vacation home really needs to feel like heaven? Check out these before and after photos, which could inspire changes in your own home, whether you want to rent it out or just want to create a more relaxing atmosphere for yourself to have fun.

A vacation home should have fun colors

Alicia and Justin’s lake house needs a lot of work, so McGillivray hires a designer Debra Salmoni to help make the space more welcoming. Salmoni has lots of family ideas, as well as inspiration for a sweet snack.

“My inspiration for Alicia and Justin’s chalet is the donuts,” says Salmoni. “What kid doesn’t like donuts?” They’re colorful, they’re playful, they’re fun, they’re delicious. This is exactly what I want to inject into this chalet.

She explains that the ambiance of the donuts will be subtle, achieved mostly with fun colors. Using soft greens, pinks and lots of light wood, she gives this cabin a bright and youthful vibe, perfect for a family vacation.

DIY wall adds personality

McGillivray may have a relatively large budget for this renovation, but it’s always on the lookout for inexpensive upgrades that will make a big impression.

One of these improvements is a characteristic wall made of wooden blocks to be placed on the white wall between the rooms.

“It’s something that’s going to grab your attention when you turn the corner, and it’s also kind of family-friendly,” says McGillivray. “Who didn’t play with blocks when they were kids? “

He cuts four-by-four stained posts at an angle and puts them together for a fun 3D look. This characteristic wall costs only a hundred dollars, but it makes a strong impression.

“It’s an interesting feature that pays homage to the woods and the nature of things that happen here,” says McGillivray. “But at the same time, he has different intentional angles and pieces that grab your attention.”

Customers hate a drab bathroom

If there’s one thing guests hate to see, it’s a drab, dated bathroom. Right away, McGillivray knows it will be a big project.

“The bathroom remodel costs around $ 10,000, but it will result in great reviews and regular renters,” McGillivray said.

It gives the bathroom a complete makeover including a beautiful shower tile.

“It looks a bit like a fish scale,” says McGillivray. “Which in a vacation rental property is phenomenal. “

This is a good example of looking at the style of your home. Now, tenants will feel like they’re at the lake, even when they’re inside.

A glass balustrade provides a wonderful view

One of the best parts of a lakefront home is the lake, of course! McGillivray wants to capitalize on the view by replacing the old wooden deck railing with glass.

Salmoni supports the idea: “All I see is picketing right now, so it will be a huge change. “

When the railing is replaced, this bridge looks brand new. Glass highlights the water instead of hiding it. It’s an easy upgrade that makes this back patio a much more inviting place and will be a big plus for tenants.

Go through the fence, plant trees

McGillivray points out that it’s hard to say exactly where Alicia and Justin’s property ends and where neighbors’ homes begin. He explains that although Alicia and Justin will know how to avoid the swaying of the neighbor’s tires, McGillivray points out that the tenants will not. So a clear separation would be nice.

At first McGillivray wants to put up a fence, but finds it difficult to dig because of a lot of hidden rocks. So he came up with the idea of ​​creating a limit with small cedars.

“Unlike fence posts, cedars don’t need 4-foot-deep holes,” McGillivray points out. “Staggering them in places where we can’t find rocks will make a more natural hedge. “

The cedars eventually form a pleasant border which adds to the beauty of the lake house. McGillivray may not have had its fence, but these trees are much better.

How is this holiday home?

After the house is finished, McGillivray points out that other houses in the area typically rent for $ 350 a night, but this house is so beautiful that he thinks they could rent it for $ 400! This house was a largely unused second home for Alicia and Justin; but now it’s a great investment and a vacation spot that countless families will enjoy.