All Forum Posts by: Kyler J Sloan

@Bruce Woodruff I have to say that if I could do things differently, my first investment would not force me into a renovation management role. As long as I disclose it, the winding driveway does not affect guest bookings, but has really set back the renovation. The main difficulty has actually come in finding contractors to do work on this place when they have so many other options which are easier to access. Virtually all general contractors are booked out months in advance and I have had to subcontract out everything. In a way, this has helped me to build a contact list and get some basic experience, but was far from ideal or efficient. 

Ultimately, the long-term ROI will be great on this place since it is on 15 acres and includes the highest elevation point for the mountain on which it sits. I will eventually build a rental there with 360 degree views. However, I will be making other purchases before even considering that to get some more income flowing in.

If I could reset I would have saved a bit longer and got a larger (3 bed, 2-3 bath) "turnkey" property; this would have put me in the position to buy again just 3-6 months afterword  (keep in mind this is my first property). 

@Cody Hunter It is a small A-frame with 1.5 levels, 1100 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, with one of the bedrooms in the upper level sharing the same air space as the living area and kitchen. This is why I thought it could be a good idea to install one unit as a short term solution. I do not have a floor plan handy, but I think with that it is fairly easy to visualize. 

@Bruce Woodruff The place has not had a prior system installed, and I think a mini split would be most cost effective. I am considering buying it myself and doing what I can before asking a contractor to finish the installation. 

@Anna Strausbaugh Yeah, definitely siding on investing in one now. Sounds like you have quite the salesmanship; not sure my contractors would go for that, at least with me pitching it. 

@Bonnie Low I have noticed the difference. Got three quotes -- the one with a ducted main level and a mini split in the upper level which estimated at 20 K; then, I got two 3 zone hyper mini split quotes at 15 K and 10 K. 

At this point, I am trying to decide whether to hit a middle ground by installing a single unit in the main living space for now. It would be much cheaper and I could DIY the first phase of the installation. However, no I can get no contractors excited at this prospect. 

Also, it seems impossible to find black Mitsubishi mini splits. For some reason, I have always detested the appearance of white appliances. I am wondering if I am going to have to go with a different brand. 

@Michael Baum Thanks for the suggestions. This is very good advice in my case since the living are, kitchen, and one bedroom (loft) are all part of once space. Only the bathrooms and one bedroom are closed. So, a single unit in the main living are would be a good short term solution. 

In order to extend my budget, I have been using no interest credit cards, but have more than enough cash to pay off what I have used in order to increase my credit score next month, after which I could apply for HVAC financing. There appear to be plenty of HVAC-specific loan options out there, and one contractor who provided me a quote offers in-house financing, 0% interest for 72 months. So, I think either that or Michael's suggestion are the best moves.

Overall, I think you all are in the right. Lack of AC would be a huge source of discomfort for many guests, making the ROI of an AC unit relatively high compared with a bathroom renovation.

How important would you say air conditioning is for a cabin in the smokey mountains if it is at a high elevation point (3700') and does not have a prior system installed? 

I would prefer to spend the 15 K it would take to install a ductless system on bathroom renovations. 

Previous owners of this place did without an air conditioner because it stays relatively cool in the summer because of the elevation.

Then again, the updated kitchen and bathrooms may be out of place in a cabin with no air conditioning from the perspective of some guests.  

Note: this is my actual account. The other one was temporary, because I had issues with this one. 

It is going pretty well. Images are posted below. We are going to sand the ceilings and refinish the floor so that all of the interior wood has a more natural look to it, and then apply clear coat to the flat surfaces, and a darker hickory stain to the trim. 

@Avery Carl and @Kyle Smith thanks for the insight. I believe I am going to add clear coat to unstained T&G pine paneling. Hopefully that will preserve its natural color. 

I am curious why the interior paneling stain chosen for virtually every cabin in the Gatlinburg STR market has a darker stain?

I was considering something like the following (see image below). 

Why isn't the "natural look" so hard to find in Sevierville?  

@Loriel Keaton Well, the work is certainly not done (kitchen renovation, bathroom renovations, etc.), and I am still looking for contractors. I'd love to know if you or someone you know might be interested. 

@Loriel Keaton I own it. He actually started the project yesterday.