How to Start an Airbnb

53. Current Airbnb Renovation Update

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Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb? Join the Launch Party and get 20% off of all products! Promocode: LAUNCHPARTY

  • Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
  • Link to the Airbnb Roadmap Website
    • Episode Summary

    In this episode of The Airbnb Roadmap, I’m taking you behind the scenes of our latest “turnkey” Airbnb… that turned out to be anything but low effort. 😅

    I share why I had to re-record this entire episode (tech drama, zero audio, stomach-drop moment), how we partnered with our investor friends from Texas to buy a primary home with an in-law suite above the garage, and why “turnkey” still meant months of assembly, design tweaks, and problem-solving.

    You’ll hear what happened with our Matterport disaster, the gap between interior design ideas and what’s actually realistic to install (looking at you, ceiling wallpaper and curtain rods), why paint is now my arch nemesis, and how we decided what to DIY vs. hire out. I also talk about doing all of this while baby Melanie started crawling mid-renovation, nearly giving Clay a concussion with a post driver (marriage is wild), and how our bodies are telling us we’re not 22 anymore.

    We wrap up with a mini announcement about the brand-new Airbnb Roadmap website, the early bird deal on my course, and a shoutout for a fully turnkey Airbnb resort for sale in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

    Key Takeaways
    • “Turnkey” doesn’t mean done. Even when a property is move-in ready, there are still layers of Airbnb-specific work: wallpaper, assembly, decor, layout tweaks, amenity planning, and guest experience touches.

    • Interior design vs. real life can clash. Ceiling wallpaper, moving curtain rods, or fancy ceiling tiles sound fun… until you’re on a ladder fighting with them and questioning your life choices.

    • Matterport can save you… or annoy you. Not all Matterport plans include measurements, which designers actually need. Understanding the package level (or having a backup provider) matters.

    • Ordering furniture yourself vs. having a designer do it are two totally different systems.

      • You ordering = better discounts + control, but much more chaos, tracking deliveries, and out-of-stock surprises.

      • Designer ordering = less chaos for you, but returns are slower and you may not realize something is tiny/quirky until it shows up.

      • Label your paint cans. Slightly different shades on one wall are officially my villain origin story. Touch-ups without clear labeling are a nightmare.

      • Budgeting to hire help is worth it. Spraying garage ceilings, painting ceiling tiles, and doing special wall details were totally worth hiring out—especially as we’re juggling a baby and full-time work.

      • Renovating with a crawling baby changes everything. Time, energy, guilt, and logistics all hit differently when you’re trying to be both “present mom” and “project manager.”

      • Big picture: it was still a smoother renovation overall. It wasn’t a gut job, but it brought its own set of challenges that are shaping how we’ll plan the next one.

        • Why Listen to This Episode?

        If you’re dreaming of buying a “turnkey” Airbnb and think it’ll be a light lift… this episode is your reality check (in the best way).

        You’ll get:

        • A real-life look at what actually happens between “closing day” and “Airbnb live.”

        • Insight into working with interior designers for STRs and how to avoid miscommunication.

        • Practical lessons from our paint, wallpaper, and furniture ordering mistakes so you don’t repeat them.

        • Encouragement if you’re trying to build your Airbnb portfolio while juggling kids, work, marriage, and limited time.

        • A sneak peek at our revamped website, course, and an incredible turnkey Airbnb resort opportunity in La Crosse, WI.

          • If you like honest, slightly chaotic, behind-the-scenes stories that still teach you something, this one’s for you.

          Mentioned in the Episode
          • Want to learn how to launch an Airbnb?: Every dollar counts when it comes to investing. Save $50 with the Promo-code: 5STARPODCAST
            • Link: Airbnb Roadmap Accelerator Course
            • Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @airbnbroadmappodcast for behind-the-scenes

              • Let’s Connect

              Thinking about renovating your own “turnkey” Airbnb or juggling a reno with kids, work, and life? DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap with your questions or share what you’re working on! I’d love to cheer you on and help you out. 💛

              Work With Me
              • 🎙 Listen to The Airbnb Roadmap Podcast
                Keep tuning in every week as I share real numbers, real stories, and real lessons from our own short-term rentals and my clients’ deals.

              • 🏡 Buy or Sell an Investment Property in Wisconsin
                If you’re wanting to buy or sell an STR (or a primary home with Airbnb potential) in Wisconsin, I’d love to be your agent. I work under Front Porch Realty, brokered by Real Broker LLC, and I specialize in helping investors and “first-time Airbnb people” find smart, profitable properties.

              • 📚 Airbnb Roadmap Course (Early Bird)
                Want everything I’ve learned—mistakes, systems, and shortcuts—all in one place? My brand-new course is live with a crazy early bird discount. It’s not in the show notes yet, so just reach out and I’ll send you the secret link.

              • 🌲 Turnkey Airbnb Resort in La Crosse, WI
                If you’ve been wanting an already-recognized Airbnb resort/retreat that’s turnkey and cash flowing, I have one available in La Crosse, Wisconsin. The seller isn’t bailing because it’s failing—he’s just onto a new adventure. Message me for details.

                • Chapters

                00:00 – Tech fail & why this is “round two” of the episode
                02:15 – The “turnkey” property: how we found it and partnered with Texas investors
                04:30 – Matterport drama: no measurements, subscription levels, and saving the day
                07:30 – Interior design vs. reality: ceiling wallpaper, curtain rods, and ceiling tiles
                11:00 – Two designers, two approaches: who orders furniture and what that changes
                14:30 – The chaos of deliveries, missing lamp, and long lead times
                17:30 – Tiny $50 decor, returns, and the difference between corporate vs. flexible designers
                20:00 – Paint can nightmares, unlabeled colors, and touch-up disasters
                23:30 – What we hired out vs. DIY: painters, ceiling tiles, and special wall details
                25:30 – Fence install, post driver mishap, and almost concussing Clay
                27:45 – Renovating with a crawling baby + grandparent help and mom guilt
                29:30 – Sauna delivery saga and finally being “photo ready”
                30:45 – What we created: movie theater, wellness garage, game garage, and backyard
                31:30 – New website, early bird course info, La Crosse resort opportunity & wrap-up

                Subscribe and Share

                If you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes renovation episode, follow/subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap so you don’t miss what we do with this property next.

                Know someone who’s about to buy a “turnkey” Airbnb and thinks it’ll be easy? 😏 Send them this episode so they can go in prepared.

                Thanks for listening, and I’ll see you in next week’s episode!

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                How to Start an AirbnbBy Brittany Wenninger