Can You Live on Recreational Land

If you own recreational land or are thinking about purchasing it, you may be asking yourself:

• Can you live on recreational property?
• Can you live year-round on recreational property?
• How long can you live on recreational land?

The answer is that it depends. Most localities in the United States and Canada have restrictions on using recreational zoned land for residential purposes, including restrictions on building permanent structures on it. Before you buy recreational land, it’s important to complete your due diligence to determine whether you can live on it for all, or a portion of, the year.

For a more detailed overview of the what recreational property is, explore our article: What is Recreational Property? An Overview of Recreational Property Meaning. 

Zoning Considerations

Understanding Land-Use Regulations and Zoning

All real estate in the United States is regulated through land use regulations and zoning laws. This is similar in Canada, where land-use control is a provincial responsibility. Cities and municipalities have zoning laws or regulations on how the land can be used. The zoning laws determine how the land can be developed and its intended purpose. Recreational zoning typically means you can’t build a permanent structure on the land. Each area, however, will have different meanings for the term. Overall it often means you can’t live there permanently. In some cases, you can’t even park a camper or “mobile home” on the property for an extended period.

A good example of such restrictions is an area zoned “forest recreational” in the Northern Region of Lower Michigan. In this particular area you’re allowed to have a 500 square foot hunting or fishing cabin on the land. You also can’t stay in the cabin for more than 120 days a year. If you have a mobile home/RV, it cannot be on the property for more than 120 days either. As you can see, you’re permitted to build a permanent structure but not for the purposes of residing there permanently.

Keep in mind, every area and municipality will have different definitions for the term recreational zoning. Read the fine print, ask questions, and work with the professionals before buying land to determine if it will suit your needs. More specifically:

1. Talk to the local zoning department; and
2. Get a copy of the zoning ordinances of the zoning board to understand each zoning classification. Building and use restrictions will be precisely defined by the ordinances of the zoning board.

Don’t buy land assuming you can do what you want with it, only to find out the hard way later. Always ask the question: can you live on recreational land in my area and speak with the zoning department to know what you’re up against.

Can You Rezone Recreational Land?

What if you find the perfect plot of recreational land but you’re unable to build a permanent structure on it? Or perhaps you can build a structure on it but can’t otherwise reside on it permanently? Can you rezone recreational land? It is in fact possible to do so. This can be achieved through a zoning variance, special use permit or a change in the zoning designation:

• Special use permit. Simply put, this allows you to use the land in a way not normally permitted and, in many cases, will expire upon a sale of the land.
• Zoning variance. Essentially grants you permission to use the land in a way that is in violation of the local zoning. But note that you will often have to show some form of hardship is created due to special circumstances.
• Rezoning. This can be a long and expensive process as existing zoning restrictions will take into account the best use of land for all people in the area. Thus, any changes will be subject to increased scrutiny from the relevant governing body.

The process for obtaining a zoning exception will vary based on the jurisdiction. But be prepared to submit a written application, provide a filing fee and plead your case to the local zoning board or planning commission. In all likelihood, there will be heightened sensitivity around preserving recreational land so it may be difficult to rezone recreational land.

Access to Water, Electricity and Everyday Conveniences

Assuming you’re permitted to build a dwelling on the property, you’ll also need to take into account certain practical considerations, including:

• Water. At the top of the list is ensuring access to clean drinking water. For many recreational properties, tying into a shared water supply might not be practical given the remote nature of such properties. Where tying into a shared water supply is not feasible, the most reliable option is to dig a well but note that this is also quite costly. You’ll also need to consider whether the zoning permits you to dig a well.
• Electricity. In terms of electricity, if conventional electrical lines don’t run to the property or will require significant expense to extend poles and electrical lines, then you will need to consider off-grid power sources. This may include solar or wind options depending upon the feasibility of each in your area. If you don’t have access to electricity, a word-burning or pellet stove may be the best heat source.
• Everyday conveniences. Lastly, proximity to everyday conveniences, such as restaurants and grocery stores, may be nonexistent. Even such things as package delivery services that we have come to rely upon in everyday life may be unavailable.  Further, you may not have access to vital services such as emergency medical services if you’re living off the grid. Ultimately, you need to determine whether you will have access to these services at your property and, if not, whether you can live without them.

Tax Implications

Taxes must always be taken into account when buying and selling real estate, especially if you are contemplating changing your primary residence to live on recreational land.

In particular, in both the United States and Canada you can get a tax break upon the sale of your primary residence. In the US, for example, you can exclude the first $250,000 ($500,000 if married filing jointly) of capital gains when you sell your primary residence. Without that exclusion, you’d pay much higher taxes on your capital gains because the first $250,000 – $500,000 would be taxed. In Canada, any gain realized on the sale of your primary residence is completely tax-free.

But you can only have one primary residence. Accordingly, if you own more than one property, you will need to be aware of the tax consequences of designating your recreational property as your primary residence. For instance, while you can get beneficial tax treatment upon the eventual sale of your recreational property (as your primary residence), the same isn’t necessarily true for other real estate you own. So if you plan on keeping your existing home before moving onto recreational land, be aware that you could face a large tax liability on any capital gains if it appreciates in value during any period in which its not your primary residence.

For a more fulsome discussion of the taxation of primary and secondary residences, click here.

Because tax implications vary so much by municipality, type of property, and by individual, it’s important to talk with your tax advisor about it.

Conclusion: Can You Live on Recreational Land?

So can you live on recreational land? If the property is zoned recreational then there will be restrictions on using the land for residential purposes. This may include restrictions on the size and type of buildings that are permitted (if any) and limits on how many days you can reside on the property on an annual basis. While it is possible to rezone recreational land, it will likely be difficult given the heightened sensitivity around preserving recreational land. After speaking with your relevant zoning department to better understand the limitations, you will also need to take into account access to water, electricity and everyday conveniences as well as the tax implications before residing on recreational land.

The post Can You Live on Recreational Land? Zoning, Practical Considerations and More appeared first on Vacation Property Online.

For the purposes of this article, we’ve assumed that you are currently using your second home as a part-time residence, such as a seasonal home or vacation property. As you contemplate increasing the investment potential in your second home, you are now considering the consequences of converting your second home to a rental property.

Mortgage Considerations When Changing a Second Home to an Investment Property

You may be asking yourself, can I turn my second home into a rental property if I have a mortgage on it? The short answer is ‘yes,’ but there are several considerations. In particular, you must consider the terms of your existing mortgage before converting a second home to a rental property.

Most second home mortgages have more favorable terms than loans for an investment property. Lenders usually require lower down payments and offer interest rates lower than they would for an investment property. It’s against the law (i.e. mortgage fraud) to make your property look like a second home when you intend to use it as an investment property. As such, misrepresenting the home’s use has legal and financial implications. 

Lenders, however, can’t do much about a legitimate change in occupancy during the term of your mortgage. Just be aware that a change in your home’s occupancy status within the first 12 months of ownership may invite greater scrutiny from your mortgage provider. Further, when your mortgage comes up for renewal, your mortgage provider may choose not to renew your mortgage at all given the change in use designation and increased risk profile. Alternatively, if you refinance later down the road, you must also disclose the change in occupancy and secure an investment property loan versus a second home mortgage which may have different terms.

By default, if your second home is within 50 miles of your primary residence, most lenders in the United States will consider it an investment property since it’s too close to your property to consider it a ‘second home.’ You may have already run into this when you purchased your second home initially. In Canada, while there is no similar distance requirement, lenders will also take into account the distance of your second home from your primary residence for the purposes of determining the property’s intended use. 

At the end of the day, lenders have a vested interest in determining if the home will be a part-time residence for you or an income-producing property given the different risk profiles.

Tax Considerations When Changing a Second Home to an Investment Property

The summary provided below is for informational purposes only. Please consult with a qualified tax professional to understand your individual tax situation.

In the United States, homeowners must report all income earned on a property that they rent out for 15 days or longer. For example, if you rent out your home for two weeks (or 14 days) a year, you don’t have to report the income earned, but if you rent it out for 21 days, you’d report it. 

The good news is you can make several deductions running an investment property. The IRS considers it a business and allows you to take business deductions. Some common deductions include:

• Mortgage interest
• Cost of maintaining the property
• Property taxes
• Home insurance
• Utility costs
• Advertising
• Commuting costs if you visit the property for business purposes
• Cost of keeping an office to maintain your rental property

There are tax benefits to consider when selling the property too. In the US, by living in the investment property as a principal residence for at least 2 of the last 5 years (it doesn’t have to be consecutive), you may be able to take advantage of the capital gains exclusion normally available on the sale of a primary residence. When you sell your primary residence, you can exclude up to $250,000 in profits ($500,000 if married filing jointly), keeping in mind that these exclusion amounts are reduced on a pro rata basis to reflect the period of rental, vacation home or other ‘non-qualifying use.’ For a second home or investment property, on the other hand, there are no such exclusions on capital gains realized from a sale. 

Like in the US, Canadians are required to report any income derived from a rental property. If you own and operate a short-term vacation rental property, an important threshold to also keep in mind is the annual revenue limit of C$30,000. If you exceed that limit over four consecutive quarters, you will be required to charge and remit GST/HST on any rental income. Note, however, that you can make deductions (similar to the above list) to reduce your tax liability.

In Canada, changing a home from a secondary residence to an investment property may create a deemed disposition for fair market value in the eyes of the CRA. In other words, they may treat it as if you actually sold the property at the current value and re-acquired the property for the same price. If there are capital gains on the transaction, you must report them. Similarly, when you actually sell your investment property, you will also need to report any capital gain (since the deemed disposition). The CRA determines your capital gain by using the property’s adjusted cost base (original purchase price and eligible costs) and fair market value when you sell. The difference is your profit for tax purposes and one-half of the capital gain is included in your taxable income. This differs from the treatment of any gain realized when you sell your primary residence, which is tax-free in Canada. Lastly, if you’re a GST/HST registrant operating a short-term rental property, you are required to collect GST/HST on the sale of your property.

A quick note on claiming depreciation as an expense: In both the United States and Canada, you may be permitted to reduce your rental income by claiming a depreciation expense (or a capital cost allowance in Canada) over the useful life of the rental property. By doing so, however, you may be subject to a recapture payment so be sure to obtain appropriate advice before doing so.   

As you can see, the tax consequences of changing a second home to an investment property are complex and require the assistance of a qualified tax professional.

Other Considerations When Changing a Second Home to an Investment Property

While the mortgage and tax consequences are the largest consideration, you should also consider the following before converting a second home to a rental property:

• Insurance. You must update your insurance from a primary/secondary home to an investment property. The insurance premiums will generally be higher because of the increased risk of having someone else use the property versus yourself.
• Building codes. Is your rental property up to code? Mostly, these codes include specified minimum standards for the interior and the exterior of the building. As a landlord, you are liable for any code violations. 
• By-laws and zoning restrictions. If you own a condominium or other property governed by a homeowners’ association, strata corporation or similar entity, be sure to review the governing documents to understand whether rentals are permitted. There may also be local restrictions on rental properties in certain cities. For instance, many cities in the United States and Canada have short term rental restrictions in place to reduce problems associated with noise, parking, partying and trash. In the United States, this includes cities in California, Colorado and New York and in Canada this includes cities in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, among others.
• Business licenses or permits. Even if short-term rentals are permitted in your area, you may be required to obtain a business license or permit. For example, a tourist accommodation business licence is required in Whistler, BC and a short-term rental home (STRH) permit is required in certain areas of Maui, HI.

Converting Second Home to Rental Property  

As you can see, changing a second home to an investment property, or more particularly, converting a second home to a rental property, is possible, but there are several factors you must consider. Your lender, insurance provider, taxation authority and other government departments all have a vested interest in how you own and use the property.

Importantly, be sure to discuss converting your second home to an investment property with your tax advisor and attorney before making the switch.

If you’re considering converting a second home to your primary residence, be sure to explore our article on Buying a Vacation Property or “Second Home” That Will Be Your Primary Residence. 

The post Changing Second Home to Investment Property: Mortgages, Taxes and More  appeared first on Vacation Property Online.

Before you buy a lakefront property, consider its proximity and access to water. Lakefront sounds great, but you need to understand what that truly means. Is the water easily accessed through a private beach or dock? Is it easy to get to the water or is the area too steep? Is the area filled with swamp vegetation making it a less desirable area?

Answering these questions and considering the pros and cons of owning a lake house can help you choose the right property for you and your family.

Pros of Owning Lakefront Property

First, let’s look at the benefits of owning a lake house, including the investment potential, various activities that await, the views and quality time with friends and family. 

Lakefront properties are a strong investment

Waterfront properties typically hold high demand, which means they hold their value. If you’re investing for even a little while, you can typically expect appreciation in the value of the home and therefore profit. If you hold onto the property long-term, you’ll realize even greater returns. Additionally, if you are considering turning your lake house into a vacation rental, lakefront properties often command high rents.  

There are plenty of activities

If you’re looking for an investment that’s also a pleasure for you and your family to enjoy, nothing compares to owning lakefront property. You are steps away from activities including swimming, jet skiing, wakeboarding, boating, fishing, and swimming.

Lakefront properties have incredible views

Nothing compares to a lakefront view from waking up to a beautiful sunrise to enjoying the beautiful sunset at night, there’s nothing more relaxing and enjoyable than the views lakefront homes enjoy. This is one of the largest benefits of owning a lake house that many people don’t realize until they experience it first hand.

In addition, you don’t have to worry about new developments, homes or retail buildings taking over your view – the water is your only view and it’s not going anywhere.

Lakefront property attracts family and friends

Another one of the largest benefits of owning a lake house is the ability to entertain friends and family. You don’t have to worry about where you’ll meet nor deal with the usual stresses of organizing family getaways with multiple moving factors. Instead, you have the place and all that’s needed are the invites.

Cons of Owning Lakefront Property

Knowing both sides of the pros and cons of owning a lake house is important. The cons aren’t meant to deter you from the investment, but to open your eyes to the risks they involve.

The cost can be prohibitive

Lakefront properties typically cost more than non-lakefront properties because of the desirability of the homes and the lower supply. For example, as of the date of this post, you can buy a 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, 1,100 square foot home on a 5,227 square foot lot close to the water for $800,888 on Lakeview Ave, South Lake Tahoe, CA. But a waterfront home on the same street costs US$1,295,000 for a 2-bedroom, 1.5 bathrooms, 1,440 square foot home on a 5,009 square foot lot. That’s a 61% difference just for the lakefront property. Similarly, in Port Carling of the Muskoka region, you can buy a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,400 square foot home on 14.5 acres close to the water for C$749,000. Not far away, is a vacant 7.14 acre waterfront lot for C$1,995,000. That’s a difference of over +37.5% and without a house!

Friends and family can expect use of the property

Owning lakefront property also means friends and family will expect to use it. They’ll not only ask to use it for a weekend getaway but also things like hosting weddings or other celebrations. You may find yourself dealing with ‘freeloaders’ and it could strain your relationships.

Lakefront properties require a lot of maintenance

Just like any home, lakefront properties require a lot of upkeep and it can cost much more not only because of its location, but the unique issues lakefront properties have including:

• Humidity resulting in mold – Mold can be devastating to a home’s structure and livability. It can cause health problems among you and your family members and can cause rust and rot throughout the home.
• High winds – Excessive winds in open areas can cause structural damage that can be costly to repair.
• Falling trees – Falling trees are another large risk in wide open areas, putting your home, cars, and even lives at risk.
• Floods – Since the property is located close to the water, the risk of flooding is high. Not only must you carry flood insurance, but there may be out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered.

Higher insurance costs

Home insurance on a vacation property is usually much higher than a primary residence because of the risk of vandalism and theft while it’s vacant, not to mention general maintenance issues arising when you’re not there.

Investing in a security system with remote monitoring can help reduce the risk of serious issues occurring in your absence and may help lower your insurance premiums.

Insurance costs are typically higher if you’ll use the property as a rental too. It’s important to talk to your home insurance representative to see what discounts you’d be eligible for, especially if you bundle your primary home and lakefront property home insurance together.

Mosquitos could be an issue

Mosquitos are a larger nuisance around bodies of water. They can be annoying and even cause health issues if the mosquitos in the area are carrying diseases.

To reduce the risk consider installing fans in most rooms in your lakefront home and even using fans outdoors to make it harder for mosquitos to fly in the premises of your home. Also, remove any standing water right next to your property, and make sure all screens and windows are properly fit so there aren’t tiny holes for the mosquitos to enter.

Excessive regulations on what you can do with your property

Most areas have additional regulations on what you can do with your property including the home itself and the dock. The state of Michigan, for example, has natural features setback ordinances you must follow to protect Michigan’s lakes. Setback ordinances may include restrictions on construction, earth-moving activities, storage of materials and tree, shrub, groundcover removal or mowing. In most areas in the United States and Canada, you’ll also need approval from other government departments including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (in Canada) for work in and around the water.

Final Thoughts

Owning lakefront property can be exciting, but make sure you understand the good and bad sides of it. Just because a property is on the lakefront doesn’t make it amazing automatically. Know its structure, the layout by the water, and the risks of owning the property to make sure it fits in your budget and is a sound investment that you and your family can enjoy for many years.

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The key to a well-spent stress-relieving getaway is having a beautiful and tranquil setting of both the indoors and the outdoors. So, if you’re planning to spend the next family holiday at your lake house, make sure to have the house décor ready. Here are decorating tips and lake house decorating ideas on a budget to help you achieve the perfect lake house of your dreams.

Lake House Decorating Ideas on a Budget

Repaint

Perhaps the easiest visual update you can do to a lake house is to repaint it. If you haven’t been there in a while or you just purchased the property, check for cracked or flaked paint that needs to be removed and repainted. If you wish to change the exterior and the interior appearance of the house, you can repaint it with the paint color of your choice. The ideal lake house paint colors are wood tones – a pale cream to yellowish-brown. You can also opt for calming blue and gray tones. Repainting can be an overwhelming task especially when it comes to figuring out the appropriate color scheme. It might also not be a task that you can do yourself. However, it’s definitely worth the effort and investment. Not only does repainting increase the aesthetic look of the house but it also protects the house from the elements.

Use Refinished and Reupholstered Furniture

Another budget-friendly update you can do is to refinish or reupholster your furniture pieces. If you have old furniture, don’t throw them away. Gather all the old pieces in one area and look for creative ways to add a contemporary finish and bring them back to life. Re-upholstering is a sustainable way to restore furniture and update the style. Instead of buying new ones, try researching furniture flipping ideas and grab an inspiration photo you can follow to successfully restyle your furniture upholstery. You can also dismantle and reassemble antique wooden chairs and then paint them with a paint color that compliments the color palette of the interior design. 

Budget-Friendly Décor Finds in Flea Markets

Don’t stress yourself out with buying expensive home décor items. There are a lot of thrift stores, flea markets, and even affordable online shops where you can find lovely pieces that would be absolutely perfect for your lake house. But first, you need to figure out the design style that you want to achieve before purchasing décor items. If you want to go for a rustic-chic interior, opt for wooden or vintage-style lampshades, lighting fixtures, vases, trinket bowls, and mirrors. For a warm and cozy appeal, infuse a more contemporary approach by adding wooden geometric décor pieces, handmade or woven accessories like a macramé wall hanging, candles, glass flower vases, and books.

Decorate with Art Prints from Local Artists

Of course, interior décor and accessories are not complete without artwork. Somehow, a house does not look fully furnished without framed artwork hanging on the wall – whether small or large. Artwork is a great way to add your personal touch to your space. You don’t need a million-dollar painting to create a million-dollar-lake house interior design. You just need a brilliant concept and an eye for creativity to find that great piece that would be perfect for your wall. Support the locals and purchase original paintings and sculptures from them. It’s another creative way to incorporate a little dose of culture and community into your lake house interior design.

Update the Hardware

This is probably the simplest yet most overlooked budget-friendly design hack. Updating or switching the hardware of your cabinets and drawers can make a huge difference in the overall appeal of your lake house. When it comes to decorating, little details matter. Try to check for old rusty hardware and consider replacing them. It will give your interior a more stylish and refreshing look. Check kitchen sink and bathroom fixtures as well. A well-decorated lake house needs to be functional as much as it is visually appealing.   

Incorporate the View into the Design

Lake houses typically have floor-to-ceiling glass windows. And this is because, in lake houses, it’s all about the view. Everything that you actually need to create a stunning interior design of your lake house is just right outside the window. So, if you have huge windows, leave them bare or apply little to no window treatment to maximize the view. You can also repaint the interior window trim to make a clearer outline of the window and to highlight the view. Use the outdoor scene as the primary concept of your design scheme. Frame your furniture layout in complement to the view to create a focal point.

Add Indoor Plants

Decorating with plants is by far the most cost-effective way of bringing an interior space to life. No matter what design style you want your house to look, you can almost always add plants. Plants in vases are a beautiful addition to spruce-up console tables, coffee tables, and dining tables. Whether you like small potted succulents, indoor plant cuttings, or charming florals, such greeneries are a great way to add vibrancy and a pop of color to your home. Indoor plants also purify the air. Aside from that, there are numerous studies that show the psychological health benefits of plants. It is proven to relieve stress and anxiety and keeps us healthier and happier. However, if you’re not much of a green thumb, you can always opt for faux plants that look unbelievably real so that you can’t even tell the difference. The goal here is to decorate the space and make it a beautiful and comfortable home.

Now, you’ve got no excuses. If you think lake house decorating is expensive, think again. We’ve just outlined our top lake house decorating ideas on a budget in order to make that dream getaway a possibility. So, make it happen! Start the process of decorating and don’t forget to have fun in the process.

Be sure to explore other articles on owning a vacation home, including 8 Easy and Budget-Friendly Tips on How to Decorate a Mountain Cabin.

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Funny House Rules for Guests

Cleanliness

• Please remove your shoes and don’t take a better pair on your way out
• If you have a complaint about the cleanliness, I can assure you I don’t care
• Clean up after yourself. House elves don’t work here

Guest Behavior

• No parties unless I’m invited
• Don’t be rude, unless necessary
• No fussin, no cussin, no backtalkin 
• If you are nice and polite I am more likely to say yes
• Steal my heart not my phone
• What happens here stays here…including damage to my property so please be respectful
• A smoky house is an unhappy house. Keep the house happy
• No finger painting with food
• If you watch weird stuff on my complimentary Netflix account I’ll know

Bathroom

• Wash. Brush. Always flush
• If you sprinkle when you tinkle be a sweetie and wipe the seatie 
• If you can’t get it with a flush, don’t be afraid to use the brush
• If your doodies be cray, please use the spray

Check-out Time

• Checkout time may be expedited at the owner’s discretion

Door Code

• Only gatekeepers (aka residents of [INSERT NAME OF HOME) may give out the door code. If you have the door code, you are now a key master: keep it secret, keep it safe.

Meals

• Dinner choices: take it or leave it
• Cookies for breakfast are acceptable

Mom’s Rules

• Nothing is really lost until mom can’t find it
• Remember mom is the boss
• Bedtime is negotiable 

Hosts With Pets

• The cat is not a musical instrument
• They live here. You don’t
• If you don’t want pet hair on your clothes, stay off the furniture
• I like my pets a lot more than I like most people
• To you they are just pets. To me they are adopted children who are short, furry and walk on four legs.

Rules For Adults

• Anyone in this house may be naked at any time with no notice
• If the butter leaves the kitchen, it may not be taken back into the kitchen

Cabin Rules

• Wear bug spray…and deodorant 
• Make memories and smores

Beach House Rules

• Let your cares drift away
• Seas every opportunity
• Adapt to changing tides
• Surf life’s rough waves
• Harbor strength and persevere 
• Don’t be shellfish
• Bet on a shore thing

We Hope you’ve Enjoyed our Funny House Rules for Guests

For those of you who are of a more serious disposition, be sure to check out our (less funny) vacation home rules for guests. 

The post Funny House Rules for Guests – The Best and Funniest! appeared first on Vacation Property Online.

Achieving a gorgeous, cozy cabin retreat look does not have to be out of reach. Whether you have a mountain cabin of your own or are looking to bring that cozy style to your home, here are eight easy and budget-friendly mountain cabin decorating ideas for you!

Mountain Cabin Decorating Ideas

Focus on the view

If you want your home to feel like a mountain retreat, there is a good chance it is surrounded by a beautiful landscape or oasis of trees. Make this view outside your windows the star of the show. This mountain cabin decorating idea does not necessarily mean you need to install new, grander windows, but rather reimagine the ones you have now. Make sure there are no furniture pieces or bulky drapery hiding that beautiful exterior view. Opt for simple, sheer window treatments or leave the windows completely bare with exposed wood trim.

Bring the outside in

Once you have achieved the perfect view of the outdoors, go ahead and bring some of those outdoor elements in. The best way to do this is to add plenty of nature’s greenery to your space. Not only do plants add beautiful color and details to a mountain cabin, there are plenty of health benefits to living amongst their stems and leaves. Other outdoor elements that can be brought into your cabin design include reclaimed wood, vases of sticks and stems, or even rocks and stones.

Balance your wood tones

A main focus of mountain cabin interior design is wood elements. Layers of wood tones make a cabin feel homey and inviting. While this design aspect is certainly a main focus, it is important to not go overboard and have your space feeling dark and dreary. Balance the wood tones you use in the space by mixing up the type and shades of the wood. A good rule of thumb is to use two or three distinct wood tones, such as a light oak, dark mahogany, etc., and use them cohesively throughout the design. Make sure each tone of wood has a few separate design features, like a ceiling treatment and a coffee table, that allows them to tie together and feel intentional. Also, be sure to break up the wood tones by incorporating painted walls, stone accents, or even wallpaper.

Layer in comfort

Intentional design is all about the layers and mountain cabins are no exception. Beyond your wall treatments and furniture pieces, it is important to add those additional decor items that finish off your design. These elements should also vary in their texture and function. To keep with the warm feeling, add in throw blankets, pillows, and area rugs. Do not be afraid to layer area rugs for added warmth. Continue your layers by styling the surfaces of coffee tables, console tables, and shelving with vases, picture frames, bowls, books, and other decorative objects.

Use statement lighting

Instantly elevate your mountain cabin interior design with beautiful statement light fixtures. The most prominent location for a grandiose statement light is centered in the main gathering area. You could also add statement pendants hanging in the kitchen or sconces flanking their fireplace. Make sure your light fixtures incorporate that rustic, mountain vibe with either aged wood or distressed metal.

Disguise your storage

Achieving a high level mountain-inspired design means each and every piece in your space should add to the design. This can sometimes be tricky when you have lots of items you need for day-to-day life, but do not want on display. Use furniture pieces with built in storage to keep the focus on your natural design elements and away from your clutter. Consider a storage coffee table, storage sofa, or storage ottman to help hide away some of the items you do not want out and about. If you have open shelving, add baskets and bins to store your technology or kid’s toys.

Add a focal feature

In most mountain cabins, the main focal feature will be the fireplace. A grand, floor-to-ceiling fireplace wrapped in stone, stucco, or metal is front and center when you enter the home. If your home does not have a fireplace, do not fret! There are plenty of other ideas you can use to create a focal feature in your design. A focal feature can be something as simple as a large, unique piece of wall art. You could add a gorgeous iron railing to your main staircase. An inexpensive focal point can be crafted by creating an accent wall with paint, wallpaper, or a patterned wood treatment.

Do not be afraid of pattern and color

Often mountain cabin decorating ideas are all about using neutrals but that does not have to be the only option. A great way to add a little extra flair to your cabin design is to add pattern and color. If you are nervous about adding in color, stick with earth tone shades like green, maroon, rust, amber, and mustard yellow. If you are a little more courageous with color, keep with the earth tone palette, but add color in many of your design elements. Incorporate color and pattern in your textiles, like rugs, pillows, and blankets, and your art pieces to elevate your mountain decor. Decorating a mountain cabin should be an enjoyable experience so have fun with it!

If you plan on sharing your mountain cabin with friends and family, be sure to explore How to Manage a Family Vacation Home the Right Way as well as our additional articles on owning a vacation home, including our budget-friendly tips on decorating a lake house.

The post Mountain Cabin Decorating Ideas: 8 Easy and Budget-Friendly Tips appeared first on Vacation Property Online.

Before you jump in headfirst, though, there are some considerations to make as you learn how to manage a family vacation home.

Understand your Family’s Interests

Just because you’ve always dreamt of having a family vacation home doesn’t mean your family members are on the same page. Gauge everyone’s interest before investing in the home. If your children are young, they’ll likely enjoy having another home to go to and have fun with the family.

If your children are older, though, and you envision them inheriting the home and loving it as much as you do – ask first. They may like having the freedom to come and go, but when it comes to ownership, they may not want any part of it. This is a big factor in how to manage a family vacation home.

Setting up the Rules

If you will rent the property out to others or even share it with a dedicated family, it’s important to set rules. Everyone has their own preferences, but here are a few ideas:

• Pets – Yes or no? If yes, what type of pets and what are the rules? Can they go on the furniture? What should happen if the pet ruins the carpeting or chews up the furniture?
• Cleaning – Who’s responsible for cleaning the cottage before leaving? Will you hire a cleaning service or will the renters be responsible for leaving the cottage the way they found it?
• Maintenance – Who will handle the maintenance and pay for it? If you’ll hire out, how often will they visit the property and do things like change lightbulbs and air filters, checking the AC or furnace, or clean the gutters?
• Breakage – Who is responsible for paying for broken items? Have an agreement in writing so there aren’t any arguments when it happens because it will.

Splitting up the Time

With a family vacation home, splitting up the time, especially the important dates is crucial. Go over any important holidays, birthdays, or family celebrations to determine who will have the cottage on each date. This is important when you figure out how to share a family cottage. For example, New Year’s Day, Fourth of July (United States), Canada Day (Canada) and Christmas are all popular days that vacation homeowners want to escape to their ‘paradise.’

To avoid any arguments, split up the days ahead of time and in writing. If you need to swap mid-year, you can work out an arrangement that works for both of you, but again, keep it in writing so there aren’t any misunderstandings down the road.

Taking Reservations and Collecting Payments

If you will be renting out the home to others, who will be responsible for taking reservations, confirming with renters, and following up after their visit? What about collecting the rent payment? Do some research and find a vacation rental payment service you trust. There are hundreds of options, which frees up your time in chasing rents, eliminates the worry of a bounced check, and allows renters to pay in their preferred method either credit card, Venmo, or even PayPal.

Have an Exit Strategy

Just like when you buy a primary home, you need an exit strategy. Will you put the vacation home in your will and pass it down? Will you sell it when you’re too old to take care of it?

What happens if you have a financial crisis? Do you have a fast exit plan? Also, think about what happens if you and any co-owners have a falling out. Who will buy out the other family or will you sell the property and both exit?

What Will You Do With it When You Aren’t There?

A family vacation home is typically used as a second home rather than an investment property. As such, the home can sit vacant for long periods when not in use. This does a few things:

• Leaves you with bills to maintain a home you aren’t living in
• Leaves the home open to vandalism or theft

You may consider sharing the cottage with another family (shared ownership) or renting the vacation home out to others. At a minimum, you will need to arrange for someone to check on the property regularly, whether it’s another family member or property manager.

Enjoying your Family Vacation Home

What’s most important is enjoying your time together with your family at your vacation home. If you take care of the tedious details ahead of time, you’ll avoid arguments, stress, and even financial issues.

Set up the rules, create strategies, and revisit them annually to make sure you’re still on the same page as you were before. If you need to make changes, enlist the help of your accountant or lawyer, especially if you share the cottage with other families.

Bottom Line

Knowing how to manage a family vacation home so you have the time away that you need, but still make money renting it out, is important.

Take your time when looking for the right vacation home and securing financing for it. If you take out a mortgage, make sure you can afford it along with the mortgage on your primary residence. Some people even take money out of their primary home’s equity to buy the vacation home.

You decide what’s right for you, and make sure you look at all factors before claiming ownership. When done right, owning a family vacation home can create some of the most memorable memories of your lifetime.

The post How to Manage a Family Vacation Home the Right Way appeared first on Vacation Property Online.

Included in this article are template house rules for vacation homes (in both long form and short form) that are perfect for the family cabin, beach house or other vacation property, including vacation rental. Certain vacation home rules will depend upon the property type. For this reason, the rules are meant as guidelines only and can be tailored to your specific circumstances. Further, where specific rules apply to vacation rental properties, those items appear in [square brackets]. If you’re also looking for a short term rental agreement, you can access our template here.

For those of you with a sense of humor, be sure to also check out our funny house rules for guests.

Curios to know what your vacation rental property may be worth at the end of your mortgage period? Try our Airbnb ROI calculator. 

Keys to Successful Implementation of House Rules for Vacation Homes

As you prepare your own vacation home rules for guests, consider the following guidelines:

• Everyone should read (and agree to) the rules in advance of their stay
• Don’t overdo it otherwise it may take away from the enjoyment of your vacation home
• Be sure to deal with violations fairly. For vacation rentals, the rules need to be strictly enforced whereas the rules for a family cabin can be more flexible
• For vacation rentals, be sure to collect a damage deposit in advance otherwise it may be difficult to collect
• For family vacation properties, seek input from other family members before finalizing the house rules so that everyone feels more involved. Depending upon the ownership structure, you may also want to enter into an ownership agreement establishing clearly defined roles and responsibilities and dispute resolution provisions.
• Ensure your insurance policy is up to date in case damage to your home does occur
• Review the house rules annually

VACATION HOME RULES FOR GUESTS (LONG FORM)

Dear guests,

Hello and welcome! We’re so happy to host you.

Before you settle in and get comfortable, we would like to bring to your attention the House Rules in place. Understanding and complying with our house rules will make for a comfortable and fun stay for everybody!

1. General Rules

• Please ensure you read and fully understand the house rules at the beginning of your stay. 
• All guests (and any visitors) must comply with all house rules.
• Please treat our house with the same respect as you would your own home.
• Be sure to maintain a good level of cleanliness throughout your stay.
• We hope you have lots of laughter and good times during your vacation! However, we’d really appreciate it if you’re mindful and keep noise to a minimum during nighttime hours.
• Have fun! This is your vacation time and we hope you get the opportunity to relax and visit the surrounding area.

2. Noise Levels

• Guests and visitors must keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb the occupants of neighboring properties – especially during nighttime hours (e.g. 10pm – 8am), and upon arrival and departure; 
• Excessive noise is prohibited [and may result in termination of the vacation rental agreement, eviction and extra charges which may be deducted from the Security Deposit];

3. Visitors and Gatherings

• Guests are allowed a maximum of _______ visitors at any time during their stay. 
• Guests are responsible for ensuring maximum visitor numbers are not exceeded and that visitors comply with these house rules.
• Any additional overnight visitors must be approved in advance [and are subject to an additional fee as noted in the price].
• Parties and large gatherings are strictly prohibited. 

4. Parking

• Parking arrangements are as follows: 
  •  ____________________________________________________________
  •  ____________________________________________________________
  •  ____________________________________________________________

5. Garbage and Recycling 

• Guests and their visitors are to dispose of garbage and recycling in the allocated trash cans and recycling bins.
• Garbage and recycling arrangements are as follows: 
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________

6. Security

• Any time guests leave the house it is their responsibility to ensure all windows and doors are properly shut and locked to maintain security and prevent weather damage. 
• Guests should turn off lights, air conditioning, fans, electronics such as televisions when not in use to promote energy saving.  

7. Outside Facilities

• Guests are responsible for the safety and security of their children at all times, as well as any disturbance caused to other residents in the neighborhood.
• Guests must supervise children at all times when using the deck area and other outside facilities. 
• Specific deck rules are as follows: 
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________
• Specific barbecue rules are as follows:
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________
• The hot tub/ swimming pool is only to be used between the hours of ____________ am and ____________ pm. 
• For safety reasons, it is not permitted to use any glassware in or around the pool area. [Failure to comply with this rule will result in a fine deducted from the security deposit].
• While we know there is some really cute wildlife nearby, please don’t give them any food! Its important not to disrupt the local ecosystem. 

8. Smoking and Illegal Substances

• Smoking is not permitted inside the house. 
• No illegal substances

9. Pets

• Specific rules regarding pets are as follows: 
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________
  • ____________________________________________________________

10. Damages

• All damages must be reported as soon as reasonably practicable. [Failure to report them will likely result in a penalty deduction from the security deposit].
• No furniture or small appliances are to be moved from one room to another.
• No bathroom towels are to be removed from the property (i.e. for beach use). Separate beach towels are provided for this purpose. 

11. Checkout

• Rules for checkout are as follows: 
  • Key handover: ____________________________________________
  • Cleaning: ________________________________________________
  • Garbage: ________________________________________________
  • Security: _________________________________________________

12. Emergency Contact Details

• In the event of an emergency relating to the vacation house, your emergency contact is: 
  • ____________________________________________________________

13. Compliance

For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, it is of utmost importance to comply with the house rules. [Breach of any of these rules is a breach of the terms and conditions of occupancy as per the rental agreement. We reserve the right to terminate permission to occupy and to evict any guests or visitors who refuse to follow these house rules or who cause a nuisance to neighbors or other residents of the community].

VACATION HOME RULES FOR GUESTS (SHORT FORM)

• All guests (and any visitors) must comply with all house rules.
• Maintain a good level of cleanliness throughout your stay.
• Keep noise to a minimum during nighttime hours.
• No unregistered guests
• Parties and large gatherings are strictly prohibited. 
• Parking: __________________________________________________________
• Guests and their visitors are to dispose of garbage and recycling in the allocated trash cans and recycling bins.
• Ensure all windows and doors are properly shut and locked when you leave.

• Guests are responsible for the safety and security of their children at all times
• The hot tub/ swimming pool is only to be used between the hours of ____________ am and ____________ pm. 

• No smoking is permitted inside the house
• No illegal substances
• No pets are permitted

• Guests are responsible for any damage sustained to the house and its furnishings during their stay

• Checkout time is _________ am
• Emergency contact: __________________________________________________
• Most importantly have fun! 

The post House Rules for Vacation Homes – Template Vacation Home Rules For Guests appeared first on Vacation Property Online.

Initial Considerations

Before choosing a heating system for your vacation home, you should consider the following initial questions:

• How many months do you need to heat your vacation home?

If you own a small cottage and only require heat during the summer or winter months, then perhaps a propane or wood fireplace will be sufficient. In addition to requiring little maintenance, these heating systems respond favorably to freezing temperatures especially if your vacation home is left unoccupied over the winter. Or perhaps you would like a more comprehensive heating solution in which case a high-efficiency and affordable heat pump for both heat and air conditioning may be a better option. In any case, if you’re planning on using your vacation home throughout the year, you will want to explore all heating options available.

• Do you need to heat the whole vacation home or only a portion of it?

The heating requirements for a 3,000 sq ft beach house will differ substantially from a small 800 sq ft cabin. Further, a south-facing room may obtain enough heat from the sun whereas a north facing room in the basement may require additional heat. The opposite may apply in the case of the air-conditioning requirements of your home. Perhaps you also don’t much care if there is heating in the powder room. The point is that smaller and simpler heating systems such as freestanding or wall mounted solutions may be viable without the need to install a furnace and complete ductwork. For larger vacation homes requiring heat and/or air-conditioning throughout the entire home, then a more complete central heating system may be necessary.

• What is the best energy source in the area?

If electricity is not readily available in the area, then this will limit the options available to you. Similarly, if there is no reliable supply of natural gas or other fuel, your options become even more limited. For this reason, wood may be the ideal source of heat for a remote property. A beach house or ski chalet connected to the local power grid, on the other hand, will have more options available to it.  Ultimately, a reliable and affordable energy source will be important for any heating solution.

• What is the best investment over the long-term?

In addition to considering the best investment from your perspective as owner, you should also consider the best option from a resale perspective. For instance, if you own the only vacation house on the block without air conditioning, your vacation house may be less desirable should you decide to sell it.

• Who will perform necessary maintenance?

Each heating system will have its own maintenance requirements that vary based on the chosen system. A wood burning stove may need to be cleaned annually and firewood replenished. For those do-it-yourselfers out there, you may be able to properly maintain a wood stove on your own. For a propane furnace, on the other hand, you will likely require annual inspections by qualified technicians.  Its important to keep this in mind, especially in more extreme climates where a good, dependable heating system is a must.

• Can you integrate the heating system with a thermostat?

By installing a thermostat, you can control the temperature of a heating system at a constant level or within a desired range. A typical forced air heating system will have a single thermostat. With the introduction of smart thermostats from Nest, Ecobee and others, you can also control temperature remotely. Using a programmable thermostat can save an estimated 10% a year on heating and cooling costs. For vacation homes only requiring heat for a portion of the year this becomes less important but for those homes requiring a comprehensive heating solution year-round, an integrated smart thermostat is recommended.

Typical Heating Systems for Vacation Homes: An Overview

Central Heat

Furnace

Most households in North America are heated through a central furnace. A furnace is a type of heating system that uses a blower motor and air ducts to distribute warm air throughout the house via air registers or grills. This type of heating system is often called a forced warm-air distribution system. It is powered by natural gas, propane, heating oil or electricity.

Furnaces are inexpensive relative to other central heating systems, represent a reliable source of heat and require minimal maintenance. Be mindful that some blower fans, older models especially, can be loud when in operation.

Boiler

Unlike furnaces that carry warm air, boilers distribute heat through hot water. A boiler heats water to generate steam or hot water which is then distributed through a piping system. Heat then passes through a radiator or other device to warm the house. Household boilers can be powered by natural gas, propane, heating oil, biodiesel blends or electricity.

Boilers allow for the greater control of heat dispersion and as a result they heat homes more evenly and comfortably. They are also more energy efficient and a healthier option from traditional forced air-systems that move around dust and allergens in your vacation home. On the other hand, they are expensive to install and will require a minimum temperature to prevent the pipes from freezing.

Heat Pump

As a two-way air-conditioner, a heat pump gathers heat from the surrounding area (i.e. air, ground or water body) for heating. During the warmer months, the air conditioner moves heat from the cooler indoors to the warmer outdoors. During the colder months, the heat pump gathers heat from outside through an electrical system and releases heat inside the house. Most heat-pumps use forced warm-air delivery systems.

The obvious advantage of these systems is that they can provide both cooling and heating. This will be especially important for vacation homes used year-round in climates with hot summers and cool winters. These systems are costly to install, however.

Gas or Electric Space Heaters

In certain cases, a portable, plug-in electric heater may be all that is required. As a resistive heater, they convert electric current from the electrical outlet directly into heat. Portable electric heaters are inexpensive to buy and ideal for smaller rooms as opposed to an entire house. They are also quite inefficient as it takes a lot of electricity to deliver the same amount of heat that other heating sources such as natural gas can provide. For occasional use, however, it is a simple solution as compared to other options that may require costly installation and ductwork. Ultimately, electric resistance heat is often the most expensive heating alternative and therefore is not the best long-term solution.

In other cases, direct heating equipment powered by gas may be a better option, especially if there is no electricity on site. This may include a wall-mounted or free-standing unit and, similar to electric resistive heaters, they do not require any ductwork. Accordingly, such units are best utilized for heating a single room. Where multiple rooms require heating, you can purchase units with sealed combustion air systems but this will require the installation of pipes through the wall. Such systems may be best suited for cabins and other vacation houses where temperature variance between rooms is acceptable. Gas-fired direct heating equipment is typically powered by natural gas or propane.

Electric baseboard heaters also fall into the category of resistive heating. Rather than plugging the unit into an electrical outlet, electric baseboards are hard-wired into the house. They are controlled by individual thermostats and can be spread out across multiple rooms. Accordingly, thermostats can be turned down in rooms that are not being used assuming temperature variance as between rooms is acceptable.  Electric baseboards are easy to install but, as with any type of resistive heating, are inefficient and expensive to operate.

Useful Tip: For cabins or other vacation houses used year-round, be sure to leave electric baseboard heaters on low between visits to prevent pipes from freezing.

Discussed later on in this article, such systems also offer better heat dispersion than wood-burning stoves or pellet stoves, making them ideal for vacation homes with enclosed rooms (as opposed to a loft-style design).

Active Solar Heating

Active solar heating is a heating system that utilizes the power of the sun to heat air or liquid in a solar collector. Energy from the sun is absorbed via solar panels installed on the home (usually the roof) generating direct current (DC) energy which is then stored in batteries. The DC energy then flows into an inverter and is converted into usable alternating current (AC) energy. From there, AC energy flows through the home’s electrical panel to heat the home.

Active solar heating helps reduce electricity bills but it typically requires a second heating source. For this reason, the initial cost of setting up the system can be more costly.

Wood-Burning and Pellet Stoves

In remote areas, a wood stove may be the ideal choice, depending upon local emissions restrictions. Of course, a reliable source of wood will be required and, assuming you will be collecting the wood yourself, the process of collecting, chopping and storing wood can be quite laborious. Pellet stoves, on the other hand, burn compressed wood or biomass pellets which can be purchased in relatively large quantities. Pellet stoves are less polluting than wood stoves and offer greater temperature control and air quality.

Typically, wood stoves and pellet stoves are ideal for remote properties with no access to electricity, especially properties with an open-concept floor plan. They also add to the charm and aesthetic of a vacation home. Otherwise, more comprehensive heating solutions may be required for larger, multi-room vacation homes.

So What is the Best Heating System for a Vacation Home?

Ultimately it depends on a number of factors. From the availability and cost of heating sources, to the location and design of your vacation home, there are a number of items that need to be considered. As well, personal preference will play a role in choosing the best heating system to suit your needs. At the very least, this article should serve as a useful starting point when deciding on the best heating system for your vacation home. But be sure to discuss your specific heating and cooling requirements with a qualified expert.

Be sure to explore other articles on owning a vacation home.

The post Best Heating System for a Vacation Home: From Cabins to Beach Houses appeared first on Vacation Property Online.

Step 1: Acquire Land

The first, and perhaps most important step, is to purchase the land upon which your new vacation home will be built. If you already own land then you are ahead of the game. If not, be sure to complete a detailed budget of the land and building costs. After all, you will need to ensure that you will have enough funding to take you through every phase of the building process.

At this stage, you will also need to keep in mind your desired building structure (see Step 3 below) as there may be specific building limitations depending upon the state of the site. For instance, a steep, narrow lot overlooking the water will require different considerations from a large, flat lot in a flood plain. Or perhaps local regulations impose specific building requirements such as height restrictions or specific design elements.

Importantly, be sure to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and area generally in order to ensure that you are comfortable with the location. After all, this is a place you will be returning to year after year.

Step 2: Obtain Construction Financing

The next step will be securing construction financing. Given that this will not be a traditional construction loan for a primary residence, its best to begin conversations with your lender earlier in the process. Every lender will have its own criteria for such properties and you may find that certain lenders will not loan money for these projects. Other lenders, on the other hand, may be more flexible. Keep in mind that most traditional banks will need to see a signed construction or purchase contract with your builder which will detail certain aspects that will impact your loan. Even so, its important to begin these conversations with your lender early before proceeding with the remaining steps.

Step 3: Prepare House Plans

Picking your house plans is one of the most exciting steps to complete when building a vacation home. The intangible soon becomes tangible as the drawings leap off the page. Picking the right house plans is all the more important for vacation homes given the unique and varied geography and climate in vacation destinations.  When choosing your house plans, you have two main options to choose from: (i) pre-made house plans and custom plans.

• Pre-made House Plans.  Stock house plans from the internet typically cost $750 to $1,500  and there is lots to choose from. The cost is typically related to the size and features of the home. This is the most affordable and quickest approach. Keep in mind that you can always customize the plans to your liking. The cost of customization usually adds $0.75 to $1.00 per square foot to that amount.
• Custom Plans. By completing your own plans, you can choose a vacation home to suit your specific needs. Depending upon the build site, you may in fact need custom plans if there are limitations on the type of structure the land can support. Whatever the case, this option will afford you more freedom to choose the house of your dreams but is also more expensive. The cost to draft custom plans will likely be $1,500 to $3,500, again depending on the square footage.

You may also wish to hire an architect to assist with the plans and, in tandem with the build team, oversee construction. Some architects will charge an hourly rate whereas others will charge a fixed percentage of the overall project cost, typically 5-15%.

Step 4: Hire a Builder

While it may be possible to act as the owner-builder, unless you have sufficient construction experience, it will be important to hire a good contractor. A lot goes into building a house and a good general contractor will ensure that things stay coordinated and on track. From coordinating the various tradespeople to organizing the various municipal inspections, a general contractor has general oversight of the entire project. For this reason, a general contractor will typically charge between 10-20% of the construction cost.

For a vacation home, it is even more important to have a good contractor that is familiar with local building codes and municipal offices. They will also have a strong network of tradespeople in the area to perform trustworthy work. A good contractor will bring each of these items to the table and more.

Step 5: Prepare the Site for Construction

Before actual construction can begin, you will need to prepare the site. This may include removing any wooded areas, excavation of high spots or infilling of low spots. Alterations to the site’s topography may also need to be made to ensure proper water flow across the site. At this stage a surveyor will also stake out the lot and finalize boundaries.

Step 6: Construction

Finally you are ready for the construction phase of the project. The construction phase will involve the following principal steps:

• Laying the Foundation. Whether you are building a beach house on the shoreline or a ski-chalet in the mountains, the footings and foundation are key aspects of any vacation home build. In a typical construction project, footer boards are constructed to form the outline of the house and concrete is then poured.
• Framing, Siding and Roofing. At this stage, your builders will begin framing the house which will support the floor, walls and roof. From there, the exterior of the house is completed including siding and roofing.
• Electrical, Plumbing, Heating and Insulation.  Electricians and plumbers will then complete their respective tasks and heating systems and insulation will be installed.

Useful Tip: This also presents an opportunity to install any relevant smart home features and energy efficient heating systems that may be especially relevant for vacation homes.

• Install Drywall and Trim. Drywall and trim will then be installed as your vacation home inches closer to completion.
• Painting and Finishing. Next, paint will be applied to the walls and trim and other finishing work will occur giving the interior of your home a more finished appearance.
• Installation of the Flooring and Countertops. The final step involves installing the flooring and kitchen and bathroom countertops. There are many flooring choices that are both functional and stylish for vacation homes. For a waterfront property, perhaps tile is a good choice over carpet or hardwood. For a remote cabin, hardwood may be a better choice. Similar considerations apply to granite countertops versus concrete, ceramic or hardwood.

Useful Tip: if you’re looking to save money, consider constructing certain exterior features such as a deck or dock yourself or postpone the build to a later date.

If you’re curious about what the construction process looks like from start to finish, watch this time lapse of a beautiful log home:

Step 7: Completion

Finally, with construction complete, cleanup of the site can occur and final inspections can be arranged. From there you can decorate the interior of your home and focus on the landscaping. Most importantly, you can now enjoy the comfort of your new vacation home!

We hope you have enjoyed our article on how to build a vacation home. Be sure to explore other articles and resources on buying a vacation home and owning a vacation home.

The post How to Build a Vacation Home: An Overview appeared first on Vacation Property Online.