Planning is everything when it comes to B&B renovations—here’s how to make sure your B&B makeover stays on track.

Renovating a Bed & Breakfast is no small task, but it’s an essential part of creating a beautiful, comfortable space for your guests. From updating tired bathrooms to making major structural changes, planning and managing a renovation is key to your B&B’s long-term success. The challenge, of course, is staying on budget and timeline while juggling the realities of running (or starting) a business.

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In this episode, I’ll walk through the best practices for planning your B&B renovations, working with contractors, and keeping everything on track—because we all know that a smooth renovation is a rare thing, but with good planning, it’s possible!

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Start with a Clear Plan

Before you start picking out paint colours or scouting for tiles, you need a clear, detailed plan of what renovations you want to tackle. Are you upgrading guest rooms? Redoing the kitchen? Or perhaps adding a new wing for more guests? Having a focused, realistic plan will keep you from getting overwhelmed (or overspending) halfway through the project.

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Prioritise Your Renovation Needs 

Start by listing the must-haves. If your bathrooms are outdated or your roof is leaking, those are obvious first steps. But be sure to balance your renovations between practical upgrades and aesthetic improvements. Your guests will notice (and appreciate) a stunning bathroom renovation or fresh landscaping just as much as a new roof.

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Example: One B&B owner I know spent a fortune upgrading her kitchen before realising the real problem was her outdated bathrooms. Guests might love a gourmet breakfast, but they really notice clean, modern bathrooms!

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Setting a Realistic Budget

Let’s be honest—renovations can get expensive, fast. That’s why setting a realistic budget early on is crucial. Make sure you include a buffer for unexpected costs, because no matter how well you plan, surprises will pop up.

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Plan for the Unexpected 

When renovating an older building, especially a historic property, unexpected issues like old wiring or hidden water damage often arise. Many experts recommend adding a 10–20% buffer to your budget to handle these unforeseen expenses.

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Break Down Your Costs 

When creating your budget, it helps to break down costs into specific categories, such as materials, labour, permits, and design fees. This makes it easier to track where your money is going and make adjustments if needed. Remember to also budget for the less exciting things—like plumbing and electrical work—that are essential to keeping your B&B up to code.

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Ever wonder why so many B&B owners become good friends with their contractors? It’s because they spend half their budget on fixing things that were supposed to be ‘quick repairs’!

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Finding & Working with Contractors

Hiring the right contractors can make or break your renovation project. You’ll want a team that understands your vision, works within your budget, and sticks to the timeline. But let’s be real—finding the perfect contractor isn’t always easy. Here’s how to get started.

Do Your Homework 

Start by getting referrals from other B&B owners or people you trust. Look at online reviews, check out previous work, and always ask for references. The cheapest option isn’t always the best, so take the time to find someone who understands your project’s scope and has experience with similar work.

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Set Clear Expectations 

Once you’ve found the right contractors, set clear expectations from the start. Have a written contract that outlines the scope of the work, deadlines, and payment terms. Make sure both sides agree on what happens if the timeline is delayed or additional work is required.

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Stay Involved 

It’s tempting to hand over the reins to your contractors and hope for the best, but staying involved throughout the project is key. Regular check-ins will help you catch potential issues early and ensure the project stays on track. Plus, showing your enthusiasm for the project can motivate your team to do their best work!

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Example: I know a B&B owner who thought she could step back and let her contractors handle everything. A few weeks in, she realised they had installed the wrong type of flooring in two of her guest rooms. Regular communication would have caught the mistake earlier, saving her time and money.

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Staying on Budget & Timeline

Staying on budget and schedule during a renovation can feel like a pipe dream, but with careful planning, it’s not impossible. There are some common pitfalls that can derail even the best-laid plans, so here’s how to avoid them.

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Don’t Rush The Planning Stage 

One of the biggest mistakes B&B owners make is rushing into the renovation without fully planning the details. Skipping the planning phase can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and a lot of frustration. Take the time to finalise your design, get multiple quotes from contractors, and make sure your budget is rock solid before you start tearing down walls.

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Prepare For Delays 

Even with the best contractors, delays happen. Bad weather, shipping delays on materials, or unexpected issues with the property can all slow things down. Build extra time into your renovation schedule to allow for these delays without stressing out.

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Keep An Eye On Cash Flow 

As you work through your renovation, keep a close eye on your cash flow. Make sure you’re paying contractors according to milestones, not just at random intervals. This keeps the project moving and ensures that both parties are happy with the progress.

Overwhelmed by the complex strategies and numbers game of running your B&B? Let us simplify it for you with our free ‘Crafting the Perfect Stay — 25 Essential Insights for Bed and Breakfast Owners’ PDF. It’s as rejuvenating as your morning espresso, chock-full of valuable insights. Snag your copy now and start crafting stays that turn guests into advocates!

Are you in the middle of a B&B renovation, or planning one soon?

Share your renovation experiences or tips in the comments below!

Renovating your B&B doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. With a solid plan, a realistic budget, and the right team of contractors, you can create a space that wows your guests and reflects your unique style. Remember to stay involved in the process, expect the unexpected, and keep your eye on the end goal—a beautifully renovated B&B that will keep guests coming back.