Renovations for a vacation rental property is a blend of thrilling and exhausting experiences. It isn't just about the upgrades; it's about creating a deeper meaning connected to future unforgettable experiences for our guests as well as navigating the unexpected -
whilst sustaining a sense of humour!
At Chic Retreats NZ, diving into major renovations aimed at creating an innovative and unique getaway haven has taught us some invaluable (and often humorous) lessons.
Over decades, we've done farmhouse renovations, kitchens, bathrooms, cosmetic interiors, loft conversations & renovation rental properties.
2024 sure was a ride of adrenaline fused learnings and deepening mantra we use on a daily basis to keep ourselves responding vs. reacting. Our team became well-rehearsed in the knowing glances as we kept reminding ourselves to
Meet ourselves where we are - what would our best selves do in this situation?
Here are eleven humorous lessons we’ve picked up that anyone venturing into major renovations might find amusingly familiar.
1. Planning & The Budget Bottomless Pit
Any budget for a renovation is just a starting point. 'They' (Who the hell are 'they'?) suggest allowing an extra 10% on an original quote. This will allow for costs you have not anticipated.
Double that - then add an extra 25% for the additional stuff you discover needs to be done once the job has started.
Just when you think everything's on track—bam! You find yourself splurging on that premium spa tub or chic kitchenette that guests will adore, and suddenly, your “final budget” needs a little (or a lot) more flexibility. (...did someone say imported tiles?)
Any “contingency fund” is a distant memory, and you’re bargaining with yourself over that stylish but entirely optional kitchen island.
Insight: Develop your vision and keep that central to your planning. Renovations budget sheets truly have their own kind of magic; Be ready to adapt.
Tips:
1) Start with a detailed plan of your vision with specific timelines and budgets -
2) Keep referring to your vision and track your expenses.
3) Allocate 60% of your total budget to structural changes, 40% - furnishings and décor. Then add an additional 25% contingency.
2. It will take longer than the timeline
Renovations and Project management timelines is masterful juggling.
Timelines are like a child’s birthday wish list - wildly optimistic yet detached from what becomes reality!
External factors will impact the project from supply issues to delayed deliveries.
When it comes to renovating vacation rentals, timelines are more of a hopeful guideline than a firm schedule.You’ll learn to access your sense of humour when those 'final touches' pushed back to next month...again.
Insight: Timelines extend - Expect the Unexpected - Patience is key
3. Insights - Decision Fatigue is Real
Think choosing a Netflix show is hard?
Try picking paint colours, tiles, fixtures, fittings, white goods, for an entire house whilst you are attempting to visualise how the spaces will be used and how the choices fit into the sustainability commitment for the project.
When it comes to paint colours - which you thought would be fun - when you have studied the colour wheel for weeks - any colour but beige will seem like a wild choice.
You will find yourself debating between 'Black White' and 'Alabaster' at 3 a.m. and wondering if that white - might be too bright and you'll need sunnies inside because of the dazzle.
Choosing between 'Nature's Whisper' and 'Serenity' for the bathroom tiles might seem trivial, but these decisions keep nudging you at night.
Every choice feels monumental when you know future guests will be looking to find that spot to relax and make memories.
Warning: You may also develop a minor obsession for drawer handles, tiles, tap designs, bench tops, light shades & lamps.
Insight: It becomes a sea of Decisions, Decisions (and then More Decisions) - that stage can be overwhelming - the sooner you can make them, believe in them, accept them as enough and move forward to the next one - the faster you will make progress!
Tip: Have your own back and go with the one that you chose first!
4. The Creative Art of Interpretation
When you say 'slight left' and your contractor hears 'slight right', we learnt the importance of sign language, doodles, sketches or even drawing diagrams in the sand.
What you say - might not be heard in the same way - and what you hear might not be what they mean!
Insight: Visual imagery speaks a thousand words.
5. Say goodbye to control during your renovations
Yes I am talking to my fellow control freaks here. Just forget it, give it up!
Your project is no longer your own.
Not only because of all the people that suddenly fill the place in every space that you have been thinking about for months - your builder claims to know your vision better than you do.
And you believe him because it’s his trade right?
He knows best and suddenly you’ll find yourself asking his advice about everything.
Would your designer like coffee or tea?
Ask the builder, he’ll tell you.
Insight: Surprises are part of all projects.
Tips:
Engage in Continuous Learning
Be open to unexpected structural issues & last-minute decor changes.
Flexibility and a problem-solving attitude are essential.
6. Vacation Rental renovations will be messy : Dust becomes your new bestie
You’ve already given up control so this will be a doddle - yes?
Well no actually! You expect mess with a side order of chaos but what you’re actually faced with is so worse than you had imagined.
The Unwanted Housemate.
Dust doesn’t care about barriers, doors, or walls. It will invade every crevice of your home, your clothing, your hair & even your soul!
Insight : You’ll begin to think of dust as a new member of the family. Dust will be your constant companion - its a new feature. What goes well with dust sandwich? Asking for a friend...
Tip : Engage a good site manager - one with OCD tendencies are a perfect skillset!
The site will be kept tidy to start and end each day.
7. Insights - the more you do, the more you will discover & you become a addicted to the weather forecast
Faulty outdated wiring, roof leaks, drainage issues, plumbing challenges, rotten decking are just a drop in the 'renovation ocean'. You never cared much about the weather forecast before, but now you find yourself checking it obsessively to see if it’s a good day for pouring concrete or painting the deck.
8. A common question - Where’s my seat?
One day it’s there, the next, it’s buried under a pile of construction materials.
Finding a place to sit - becomes a daily treasure hunt.
Renovating means keeping it simple and doing furniture yoga around stacks of half-assembled cabinetry. You’ll get used to making a cuppa in a corner of a dust infused room, sitting on whatever makeshift seat you can find—ladders, overturned buckets, or even the floor.
Insight : Renovations become your lifestyle!
You’ll be reminding yourself that comfort is just a temporary luxury.
9. Insights - Your New Skillset: Site Therapist & Coach
You’ll find yourself mediating between contractors, designers, and even family members.
Everyone has an opinion on that tile backsplash, and it’s up to you to bring peace to the chaotic world of renovation decisions.
Diplomacy is essential—everyone needs a little reassurance.
Negotiating with contractors, soothing key stake holders, whilst balancing guest expectations, you’re not just a property manager; you’re a full-blown therapist.
Keeping everyone happy is part of the job description when you’re in the reno vacation rental biz. You’re practically running therapy sessions - only the relationships at stake are between a vision creator, interiors expert and the project manager.
Insight : You’ll become an expert in crisis management.
You’ll Get to Know Your Contractors Better Than Your In-Laws
You’ll see the team more often than any friend or family - in fact they become your family.
10. The ‘One Last Thing’ Syndrome
Just when you think you’re done, there’s always one more thing - those finishing details are all important to the overall plan. The positioning of the hooks, shelving, power sockets to avoid extension cables. That position or paint finish is as important s the preparing that went into the design.
As an owner there will always be a "one last thing'. You think you are on top of it all until you are looking at it through a 'last chance lens' Any small cracks or a change of decor tweaks might appear small, yet those last details can seem endless.
Insight : Enable these final steps as they define your property and make that vision come alive.
11. It Will All Be Worth It
Despite the dust, the delays, and the debates over 'which shade of grey is best', there will come a moment when you stand in your newly finished space and feel—dare we say it - pride.
That’s when you realise all the temporary chaos and endless decision-making were just a means to create something special. And yes, that moment of satisfaction makes it worth the ride...even if the ride had more detours than you expected.
When you finally launch your renovated vacation rental, the memory of all the chaos fades. Seeing guests enjoy and rave about the space makes all the temporary insanity worthwhile. And yes, if you are anything like us - you will probably want to do it all over again for the next property!
Insight: It's absolutely worth it - seeing guests delighted is the reward.
Renovations : Moving Forward with Confidence
Renovating a vacation rental can feel overwhelming and they sure are not for the faint hearted! Every one is unique and they are certainly are good for a laugh (once you’ve soaked the engrained muck out of your finger nails). If you’re considering a major renovation, remember: it does not need to be perfect - it just needs a clear vision that you keep returning to and evolving.
Yes - Renos can test your patience but remember, every unexpected twist comes with a good story to tell.
The end result? - a stunning property that guests love and return to - is incredibly rewarding. Embrace the chaos, keep your sense of humour, and remember why you started: to create an unforgettable retreat that feels like home away from home.
We learnt how to have our own backs.
You've got this.
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