Furniture and Appliance Delivery to Rural/Difficult to Access Locations?

Question

I'm continuing to search for a vacation home that we can use list as a STR when we're not using it. We walked away from one that we really liked after it was found to have some serious foundation issues. We've been looking primarily in the Red River Gorge (KY) area and also in the Hocking Hills (OH) area. Occasionally we see places listed that need 4 Wheel Drive to access or require climbing a lot of stairs to reach the front door. I didn't even go up the long, steep driveway to one because I felt completely uncomfortable driving it in my SUV. In my mind it seems like it would be hard to coordinate furniture and appliance delivery as it may require a special vehicle and/or extra manpower to take something up 70+ stairs. I've been mentally crossing places like this off my list, but maybe I'm overly pessimistic.

Is there a trick to getting furniture and appliances delivered to a place like this that I'm just not aware of? Even if we buy turnkey, eventually it will need something and I want to make sure I'm not ruling out places that I shouldn't be.

Is there a trick to getting furniture and appliances delivered to a place like this that I'm just not aware of? Even if we buy turnkey, eventually it will need something and I want to make sure I'm not ruling out places that I shouldn't be.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hehe, yeah that is tough. You want to have a magical place with great views but sometimes there are obstacles.

One other thing you should consider when looking at places @Dina Schmid is grading and paving the access.

Sometimes it isn't that much to get it done by a small place.

For example, a lake house we looked at was quite small, great view of the lake but access was steep and rutted.

Before we passed on the place (due to structural issues on a 3 story deck) I had a local guy out to give me a quote on grading and paving. It was about 15k for about 100 feet of driveway all said and done.

That would have made it slightly less steep, but access would have been pretty easy.

Dina Schmid · Answer

Very helpful. I'd thought about Lowe's/Home Depot and it's good to know that Lowe's will deliver to rural locations. More importantly was realizing that if I'm uncomfortable with the accessibility, then potential renters will be too. So I am going to continue to mentally cross off those places that just seem to be a logistical challenge, no matter how great the view.

Michael Baum · Answer

Hey @Dina Schmid, that is for sure a challenge.

We have a rural lake house, but it is on a paved road in a tiny little lake town. The distance from town is the main constraint in delivery.

So I will say that Lowe's owns their own delivery trucks and staff. They will deliver to just about any rural address. Costco and Home Depot farm out their deliveries so you won't get them to deliver. They were able to deliver my washer/dryer no problem.

What you can do is check with Lowe's or another local stores and tell them your issues. I am betting they can help get the stuff there.

But first thing, keep looking for a rural place that has better access. If it makes you nervous to get to the place, then every guest will have the same issues.

Toni Escuder · Answer

We've done deliveries in Hocking Hills before. The location can certainly be a challenge and something to think of for sure. Things I would think about when considering furniture deliveries and larger trucks: Are there paved roads up to the house? How sharp are the turns? Would at least a 16 ft truck be able to get to the property? Are there any weight restrictions along the way (i.e., bridges)? We've had FedEx freight refuse deliveries up a mountain before and leave the load at the bottom of the mountain so it definitely can happen. Highway trucks do not have 4-wheel drive (actually had someone ask me this recently) and are not made for off-road environments.

Also, someone else mentioned it, but I would reconsider a home that made you feel uncomfortable getting to in an SUV. Your guests will complain and that is not something I would want to deal with over and over again.

Dina Schmid · Answer

Thanks everyone who responded. It sounds like getting furniture and appliances to these places isn't an impossible task, but for my own peace of mind I think I'm sticking to places that aren't that difficult to access.

Sarah Kensinger · Answer

We are in the Hocking Hills area, so I know what you mean! Some owners think twice before updating furniture because of the steep inclines and many stairs climbed to get into the home! If you're not even comfortable driving up the driveway, definitely don't purchase the property. But to be honest the driveways aren't bad as it looks, when you actually do it. Also, many times the furniture is delivered by a company or shipping company, so if they're given a heads up usually they deliver to the door, but some may charge a bit extra.

Kingsley Thomas · Answer

Getting furniture and appliances is something you will figure out. The real problem is guests complaining about the location.

James Wilcox · Answer

@Dina Schmid send me a DM and I can help you in KY. As stated big box stores can do the deliveries to rural areas. It is worth it and really buying new can save a lot of headaches anyway as needed.

Dina Schmid · Answer

Good to know. Thanks.

Furniture and Appliance Delivery to Rural/Difficult to Access Locations?

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