Air bnb is a no brainer!! you will have great cash flow but you still have to provide a service that means more work. I do new builds, rent, repeat. Maximize your cashflow with min units!!
contained day/night blinds like they use in RV's... they'll sit inside the window frame and people won't be hitting them, passing through the narrow space. I realize that bench in front helps.
I would suggest that you post a PayPal in description that way you get the whole donationl it advergates me to donate knowing TH-cam gets 45% that being said I think that channel is going to blow up when you start building you are such a great couple with good videoing skills great work
Rich, thank you for mentioning this! We worried folks might feel less apt to donate if they had to leave youtube and go somewhere else to make the donation, so we are pleased to see that wouldn't be a concern for everyone. Our understanding is youtube takes 30%, but nonetheless, we would certainly prefer 100% of the $ goes where it's intended! So we will start listing PayPal & venmo. Thanks so much for the compliment & for your donation!!! Really appreciate that!
I really don't know the percentages I'm just addicted to watching TH-cam not making it congratulations I've been watching for about 3 weeks or so and watching your subs grow I'm predicting your channel takes off and you'll have 100k subscribers b6 this time next year not that I'm an expert just a old truck driver that watches to much yt lol any way great work
When we stayed in a unit for a month, the landlord just brought fresh sheets & towels once ler week. Might be a good choice to get extra sheets & towel. So there is no stress, to do laundry,
I’m big on open, uncovered, windows. I’ve had people come to my house who wanted the bath windows covered even tho you could not see anyone. And if it’s dark, forget it, no windows open.
Yes to shades, not curtains not blinds. Leave washer, who wants to take home wet dirty clothes. I hate single use too. Love the built in soap dispenser. I love airbnb. Tell us how to find you. What about a lightweight raft for extra gear/food to pull with the canoe?
We will list it in about a month! Not sure where yet, TBD 😊 will share that info here on our channel of course as soon as we know it!! Unfortunately the washer/dryer is more complicated than just whether or not we’d like folks to have it. It cannot run using the solar that powers the house, it requires switching the house over to a generator while using. Unplugging solar from inverter, hooking up generator cords to batteries, etc. Not something we would ever be able to trust renters with, nor something most folks would want to deal with the hassle of. No washer will have to be part of the off-grid experience folks will know they are signing up for! 😋🤍
Some need experience so you let them have experience and some people need help so you give them help. Wise wise words. 👌 I was just in townsend for the small bore rally. I'm sorry I didn't find yalls channel till after we came home.
I am so late here. Life tends to get in the way sometimes, doesn't it? Brandon - you are amazing in your renovation skills. It looked brand new. And it's great you guys are able to keep your "tinier" house. I detest drapes - and suggest blinds. In fact, venetian blinds, that can be opened in increments would be the best alternative. The possibilities are endless (I've had years of experience with both, and venetian blinds are truly a joy to have). Thanks again for sharing.
Aww no worries at all, happy you’re along for the ride either way! 🙌 big thanks from Brandon! 🤗 Jury is still out on the drapes/blinds but we will def end up doing window dressings of some sort haha ☺️ thanks for your ideas!!
It's a great idea to keep it as a rental. 1000% you need to put blinds or curtains on the windows as even if 50% don't mind them, the other 50% will leave bad reviews if you don't have it. I'm an AirBnb Super Host by the way.
No matter what keep an asset that appreciates especially if it makes money along the way. Even if you have to use credit cards in the new place, in a year or 2 you won't regret it.
You guys are awesome. Brandon seems like someone that would be awesome to have some coldsnacks with (beers). His sense of humor and straightforward attitude is hilarious. Stay safe and beat of luck with the new build!
Nice job on the pontoon boat! Can't wait to see the new house go up and for you to airbnb the other house or whatever you go with. We will come down from Minnesota to stay! As long as everybody doesn't pick on us because they think we talk funny!!!!
Thanks!! Would absolutely love to have y’all. We’ll hold back on givin you too hard of a time about the accent if you promise to do the same about ours 🤪😅
We want to stay there when it is ready to rent, and I don't know if you need to list it anywhere but here, however, I suppose you want the automated features of a rental site. As for the windows, I would put in mini blinds so that air could still circulate, and they can be raised when paranoia is not an issue. The few places we have rented were for 4 to 7 days, and they had washers and dryers, but that is a bridge you can cross down the road... I have rebuilt our pontoon twice in 30 years and used marine plywood the first time with deck paint which lasted 15 years, however went with dock aluminum decking the second time which will never need replacing.
Would love to have y’all!! 🤗 yes, we do like the idea of the ease of use of a site like airbnb where so many of the technicalities & processes are streamlined. We’ll see! We’d love to offer the washer/dryer but it is quite complicated with our solar system! It has to run on a generator instead. Don’t think we could ever trust renters with independently navigating the ins & outs of our electrical system 😅 Way to go keeping your pontoon updated! Good for you! So many folks just let boats rot 👎
Air BNB is a great idea. Now my wife and I have a reason to go back to the blue ridge mountains. I see alot of B&Bs use the the soap dispensers now. Blinds would be a good idea, I think it just makes people feel more comfortable. As for the swing chairs keep them there with a max weight restriction posted on or nearby. Perhaps a small binder of does and don'ts. Etc.....
I was surprised about the volume of laundry. But will change based on # of people. So each rental meant bath towels, hand towel, wash cloths, bath mat, kitchen towel, beach towels, sheets, pillow cases, duvet cover and any blankets. Added mattress and pillow protectors and had to wash those as well. For washing dishes I left new sponge and small bottle of Dawn. Refilled Dawn each time. Fancy pump hand soap in bath and kitchen. It’s work but worth it.
Thank you for this input! yes, definitely not going to work in our little baby washer 😂 we will do a 2 night min but my hope is that we get a good amount of folks who want to come stay for a week or so! 😋🤞 haha based on what people on here have said to us that sounds pretty plausible. would be nice to have longer stays to cut down on laundry! we’ll see though 🙌
Thank you so much!! 🥰 really appreciate that. I (sarah) didn’t know either, for the majority of my life! So happy we ended up here. Would be tough to move off the water after experiencing this lifestyle!
I just found your channel a few days ago. I'm 51, and watching the two of you really just starting your lives out, is really cool! I wish you both a long, beautiful life, and have no doubt you'll achieve that! Such great people, and a neat channel! Much love, from the Oregon coast 🌊
I'm really looking forward to making a reservation at your lovely home on the water. Perfect place to celebrate an upcoming anniversary with my Welsh bird who loves the water and the great outdoors. Absolutely love how you 2 have built this floating hobbit home. Perfect place to read a book and do some sketching. And if we're feeling really wild, we might even break out some Scrabble. 😄 We have been looking at buying or building or own floating cabin or building out a pontoon boat as a houseboat. In Wales (where she's from), there is a culture of turning canal boats into houseboats. I think you 2 would enjoy that slice of life too. Best.of luck. Really looking forward to the rental going live.
We would be honored to have y’all here 💙💙 thanks for the comment! We have seen the “narrowboat” culture on the canals these days, don’t know if that’s the same as what you’re referencing but if so, yessss it looks like such a wonderful lifestyle. In any event, sounds like you two would absolutely love it here! Hope to be in touch soon once we get this place listed 🙌🙏
You're young, and there are two of you to handle any difficult situations/problems with leasing your original home. That continuing income will be wonderful to have! Be well ❤️
I did an AirBnB with my cabin in a remote area. The worst thing I had happen was someone not watching a candle and lighting my wall on fire. Fortunately they got it out. After that I was nervous about having anything light able in camp. 99 percent were good but the one percent that were bad made it difficult. Since you are close enough to keep a visual eye on place you won’t have same issues. However your water and power constraints will be hard for people that are on grid. Wish you the best.
Thank you! No candles, got it 🙅♀️ glad it wasn’t worse in your situation! Gosh. We are taking our outdoor fire pit with us for this reason too! The wood stove is pretty tough to get out of control luckily, as it’s not an open flame and has heat shields around it protecting the walls.
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses great idea the less flames the better. I put in a gas heater when we airbb it as I didn’t trust people to keep fire going well enough for pipes not to freeze in Fall and Spring didn’t rent over winter as this was northern Pennsylvania mountain roads too dangerous and much of time we needed snowmobile access only.
IMO, as for the bathroom window, I would put some type of frosting on the glass bc it would be awkward to keep curtains or blinds down behind the bathroom sink. You will still get light but people can't see in. Simple curtains similar to your bathroom "door" curtain should suffice over the bedroom window.
I second the frosted glass look. I have something similar in my bathroom; bought a window cling type frosted glass look at Lowe's for cheap and it's lasted 5 years now with no issue.
Daybed with a trundle to sleep another 2 is my suggestion. Keep the stove in place, it’s not in the way. Check the chairs to make sure they can hold bigger folks, 300lbs. Refillable soap, shampoo and conditioner is the best idea. I’m currently in Asia and we buy Pump Soap Containers that we buy refills for. Love your content. More detail on the boat rebuilds would be nice to showcase your talents. 👍👍
That's great that you're able to keep your current home! I don't know anything about the difference between VRBO and AirBnb. It's probably in the fine print. I hope you find some good answers. I think putting blinds (not curtains) up on both windows is a good idea. At least then people will have the option to close them if they don't like the openness. Regarding the soaps and shampoos, that's a good idea to use refillable containers (as long as there's not some stupid regulation about doing that). Wow! BEAUTIFUL job on that pontoon boat!
You could rent them boats too. I'm amazed by the rates tritoons fetch per day here on Lake Norman. Last time I checked it was $350-400 per day, if they want a driver that's an additional $150 per hour. Running a guided lake tour business could be a great side job for someone that already owns a nice boat. You can choose whatever limit you want on passenger count, and also the schedule you run.
Brandon runs Fontana Marina here in our harbor, so he rents boats & does lake tours for his actual day job haha. Don’t wanna compete with ourselves! 🤪 that being said, one thing he hasn’t been able to do liability-wise thru the marina that we do offer on the side already is wakeboarding/wakesurfing lessons. Haven’t had many bites yet but maybe this channel will help change that ☺️ Thanks for the comment!!
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses Wakesurfing is the rage these days. I'd think you could do well with that. Maybe you could offer a bit of a discount for it to your renters, at least until your surfboat schedule starts getting fully booked.
I like this idea! any window covering in the bathroom would be tricky anyways because the window dips down behind the sink vanity, so blinds/drapes couldn’t make it back there. this idea solves that issue as well. ☺️ thanks!
If you can possibly afford to keep it than do. You will be close by to manage it and you will get the long term appreciation for your future. Ok, you just said you were keeping it, great decision. Good for you guys, the start of the Jones Empire. ❤
Congratulations on being able to keep your current houseboat to use as a rental. As far as the windows and whether or not to have drapes or some type of covering. I would put them up, Just because it would eliminate some complaints from people who would freak out about it. Maybe bigfoot peeps in at them.. LOL I think maybe a wall mounted refillable shampoo and soap dispenser. The pontoon boat remodel came out great! I was in the hotel business for many years. Like you said renting it will have some challenges, but hopefully more good than bad. Hope you are having a great day😁
Thanks Keith!! We appreciate it! Agreed, we think it’s best just to give folks the option of a window concerning anyways. Keep the bigfoot peepers out 🤣 Lol thanks again!
Congrats on keeping the boat house, I was hoping that was the direction you went. I know it's not beneficial to spend more money at this time... but a trolling powered mini-pontoon could pay for itself, and sweeten the deal for the renter. I know it'll rent out either way. But, it would also probably jack your insurance up. If you weren't so far away(Oklahoma), I'd love to bring my Mastercraft to your lake and rent your space one day❤
TP we will for sure provide!! especially important as it must be marine tp for our septic system 😅 good to know, I think we will still provide soap/towels for the type of guest that does expect a more hotel-like level of attention! However, if it goes unused that’s fine too & even better for us, less laundry & soap to replace haha.
Mini blinds are nice and clean, looking with enough light blocking capability. Drapes tend to make a small space look too confining. Just my opinion. Love your videos. You guys rock!!
You are an Amazing couple, I can tell both of you were raised right. 10:10 I really like that idea, it will be cleaner. 11:25 is a new boat, your not fooling me! Nice work
I've seen people use both VRBO and Airbnb you just gotta make sure to update the one as soon as someone books from the other. . I'm so glad you get to keep your first home. I know you were super bummed about having to give it up. I know one of your reasons for getting a bigger home is to be able to have guests and your guests can now stay at your old house how cool is that. Your place is so dreamy by the time I can get out there and swing it to stay at your BnB, I'll end up on your waitlist.
Yes we wondered if there was a 3rd party app or service that could handle that, bc with us both working full time I worry we’d get busy at work and not see a booking for a few hours and then it accidentally double books 🥴 I feel like between this channel and organic traffic on either site, we’ll probably book up pretty quickly and not have a need to list it on both. Not sure though. Lots of trial and error to come I think 🤣 Thanks so much. It is definitely a dream come true to get to keep it! & we’d absolutely love to have you come stay here 😊 probably won’t book solid during the shoulder seasons, if you don’t mind it not being the middle of summer I’m sure there’ll be some vacancy here and there. 🙌
Lovely update! Excellent decision to replace the “perfect for two” couch with something for additional sleepers in a short term rental. I think your house will offer a great unique experience for guests.
Personally, I would vote No Blinds. But I agree that some people will complain if you don’t have them. I have rented places that have an outside toilet with no door, because there is no one else there anyway so may as well enjoy the view.
@@tj-kv6vr 😮 thank you for the tip! I just tested that theory at my house, and can confirm that it does work exactly as you described. 😅 changed my world! You Rock! ❤😊
Agreed! They’re not our thing, but we know it’s better to just give people the option in case it is their thing. Love the anecdote about the toilet haha. Who doesn’t love a throne with a view?! 😅 Thanks again for the donation 💙
Glad y'all were able to find a way to have both. In the end you'll be a lot happier!! Also, being the house is very unique and on water, may want to talk to an atty ref liability stuff.
Aw thanks so much! I think so too. 🤗 So luckily Airbnb & VRBO both have designated categories for houseboats, they are common rentals in certain areas so there is lots of precedent & full coverage under their liability insurance 🙌🙏
I’m wondering how many people even actually use the soaps provided at hotels/bnb’s 🤔 personally, I have a specific regimen I follow with products for hair and skin care, so I always bring all my own stuff with me whenever I travel anywhere. I don’t expect to use anything that’s provided.
I’m not sure either! personally, we do use the soaps when we visit places. But will definitely be interesting to see how quickly we run thru a bottle 🤔😊 the less people that use the products the better, financially speaking of course haha, but either way we think it’ll be helpful to give an option in case folks forgot their own!
Sara, after watching this, I think you need more excitement in your life!! Just kidding. Love your energy and enthusiasm. Love what youse guys are doing! Best, Jim
😂😂 at some point while editing this I thought “if people took a shot every time I said I’m excited…..they’d never make it to the end of the video” 🤪🤣 hahaha. Thanks Jim!!!
Yay! Glad y'all are keeping it! Love a nice place to stay for a couples retreat 😉. Think you will be happy with that decision. We've stayed at places through both AirBnb and VRBO, but have had more luck with VRBO personally as someone who rents. Not sure what it's like as an owner, though. Congrats!
Unfortunately it’s a bit more complicated than whether or not we’d like to leave it 🤔 The machine won’t run using the solar that powers our house, to use it one must run a generator. This involves switching over several cords from the inverter, buttons, switches, etc. A hassle in addition to a big liability. It will just have to be part of the off-grid experience folks will have to know they are signing up for! 😋
Random question I know, but what brand/color brown did you use on pillars & around windows? It looks great. I’m on my 4th stain trying to get a color like that, nothing seems to be the same color as advertised once it’s applied.
Haha that’s frustrating!! “cabot gold satin moonlight mahogany” is what I think we used, at least that’s the can we still currently have at the house & I can’t remember using more than 1 stain lately haha
Great news for you keeping the the cabin, bad for me!!! Do you have any issues with snakes getting on you decks or around you when swimming at the cabin?
😅 apologies & thank you!! Haha. As for the snakes, nope. There was 1 on the dock we found back when we first started rebuilding (no one had been living there for years, so the critters had taken over I suppose). Never since we moved in though 🙌
We are thinking somewhere around 200-225 per night. TBD! Family of 4 should work just fine, I’m hoping to find a good daybed with a trundle so that could sleep the kiddos. 😊
iMovie believe it or not haha. I’ve only just now begun using final cut pro. All our episodes up till pretty much now were made on the most basic, free editing software possible 😆
Took a drink of coffee with you! I rescued him Black Friday 2016... Can't say who saved who💕 Buddy loves lake life! th-cam.com/video/uCyp5EhLndY/w-d-xo.html Hot Dog in a boat! th-cam.com/users/shorts1cHPlYvZXAg
pretty much dead zone! a little service only if you have verizon. we have starlink at our place, but not for the rental. there’s wifi at the marina though
Don't go AirBandB, take it a little slower and and go "word of mouth", your friends, family, co workers, etc will spread the word in no time, no ABB fees and no real strangers,
Ok i am confused you have to dispose of the old one but yet you are keeping the old one? I was interested in buying a floating home but when i looked it up on the twv site they said no building after 2016 and then they also said no buying a new one after 2016 so you are saying you can buy one that is for sale then build a new one? Sorry for being annoying.
@@jeffreycrocker6798 Ah you're not annoying, it's definitely a bit confusing haha. So basically, right now we own 2. The one we are building is replacing an old one that we tore off the lake, it no longer physically exists. The one we are living in now is separate & has nothing to do with the new build, we are just keeping it so we can airbnb it while we live on the new one. You're correct in that you can no longer build new ones from nothing - you can only build new if you are replacing an old one. Essentially, the total # of floating cabins on this lake is capped out & can no longer increase. So you can build, but you have to buy an old one & demo it first so that (numerically speaking) you aren't adding an additional house onto the lake. Hope that makes more sense!
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses Ohh ok you would think that they would want new to be up to date with materials was thinking about doing this myself if you do not mind what is the total cost for the new build? When i looked up the rules of a new build they told me not to buy a new one when you start looking all this up so much red tape lol
@@jeffreycrocker6798 we aren't done yet so it remains to be seen what our total cost will be! But of course buying a dilapidated old one, throwing it all away, and building anew is significantly less expensive than simply buying brand new. Definitely a good bit of red tape involved with these floating cabins on TVA lakes, regardless of whether they're new or old! haha
Bath window - Peel and stick opaque window sticker the entire window. The view isn't as good as you think it is (all the time). Use razor blade to then cut out horizontal stripe(s) from peel n stick. Or, whatever creative design strikes your fancy. The window coverings in your space have hazards on at least one side. A sliding curtain stoping far enough away from the heater so a stranger doesn't set fire to the place. DON'T FORGET property insurance for "rental"! Not the same as normal homeowners ins. G/l on the build. 💦 🛶
![เปิดบ้าน พี่ตูน Bodyslam หลังใหม่คนแรก ที่ภูเก็ต l [Nickynachat]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/flFwcmyDQSk/mqdefault.jpg)
4:25 "Some people need an experience so you let them have an experience, and some people need help so you give them s help." Words of wisdom
I think blinds not drapes. Gives the option of raising them for full view
plus the cleaning of blinds... curtains are an easy wash
Ramen in bulk!🤣🤣🤣🤣. Ramen noodles are the go to when pockets are light!
yupppp. if you know you know 🤪😅
Air bnb is a no brainer!! you will have great cash flow but you still have to provide a service that means more work. I do new builds, rent, repeat. Maximize your cashflow with min units!!
Better finding a local real estate company and have them offer it and then they can also verify who the renters are .... :)
contained day/night blinds like they use in RV's... they'll sit inside the window frame and people won't be hitting them, passing through the narrow space. I realize that bench in front helps.
I would suggest that you post a PayPal in description that way you get the whole donationl it advergates me to donate knowing TH-cam gets 45% that being said I think that channel is going to blow up when you start building you are such a great couple with good videoing skills great work
Rich, thank you for mentioning this! We worried folks might feel less apt to donate if they had to leave youtube and go somewhere else to make the donation, so we are pleased to see that wouldn't be a concern for everyone. Our understanding is youtube takes 30%, but nonetheless, we would certainly prefer 100% of the $ goes where it's intended! So we will start listing PayPal & venmo. Thanks so much for the compliment & for your donation!!! Really appreciate that!
Just fixed! PayPal now listed in description as an option. Thanks again for the comment!!
I really don't know the percentages I'm just addicted to watching TH-cam not making it congratulations I've been watching for about 3 weeks or so and watching your subs grow I'm predicting your channel takes off and you'll have 100k subscribers b6 this time next year not that I'm an expert just a old truck driver that watches to much yt lol any way great work
@@richwalsh6510 Gosh we really appreciate that. So so happy you're enjoying the vids. & 100k would be a dream!! haha. thanks again!
When we stayed in a unit for a month, the landlord just brought fresh sheets & towels once ler week. Might be a good choice to get extra sheets & towel. So there is no stress, to do laundry,
Put blinds on both windows. I think drapes are one more thing people to mess up. Keep the swings..love them.
Thanks!
♥♥ thank YOU! Appreciate your generosity immensely!!
I’m big on open, uncovered, windows. I’ve had people come to my house who wanted the bath windows covered even tho you could not see anyone. And if it’s dark, forget it, no windows open.
We’re with you haha but makes sense how others want the coverings indeed!! 🙌
Yes to shades, not curtains not blinds.
Leave washer, who wants to take home wet dirty clothes. I hate single use too. Love the built in soap dispenser. I love airbnb. Tell us how to find you. What about a lightweight raft for extra gear/food to pull with the canoe?
We will list it in about a month! Not sure where yet, TBD 😊 will share that info here on our channel of course as soon as we know it!!
Unfortunately the washer/dryer is more complicated than just whether or not we’d like folks to have it. It cannot run using the solar that powers the house, it requires switching the house over to a generator while using. Unplugging solar from inverter, hooking up generator cords to batteries, etc. Not something we would ever be able to trust renters with, nor something most folks would want to deal with the hassle of. No washer will have to be part of the off-grid experience folks will know they are signing up for! 😋🤍
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses yessss I totally do get that, as someone who lives totally off grid too, I understand and would feel that way too.
Thanks for sharing this great news! I'm so glad you're able to keep your place. I think zebra blinds would be good on those windows✌
Thanks so much Janet!! 🙏😍 Really appreciate this. Also, ever heard of zebra blinds so we will do a lil research! Thanks for the idea 💙💙
Some need experience so you let them have experience and some people need help so you give them help. Wise wise words. 👌 I was just in townsend for the small bore rally. I'm sorry I didn't find yalls channel till after we came home.
I am so late here. Life tends to get in the way sometimes, doesn't it? Brandon - you are amazing in your renovation skills. It looked brand new. And it's great you guys are able to keep your "tinier" house. I detest drapes - and suggest blinds. In fact, venetian blinds, that can be opened in increments would be the best alternative. The possibilities are endless (I've had years of experience with both, and venetian blinds are truly a joy to have). Thanks again for sharing.
Aww no worries at all, happy you’re along for the ride either way! 🙌 big thanks from Brandon! 🤗
Jury is still out on the drapes/blinds but we will def end up doing window dressings of some sort haha ☺️ thanks for your ideas!!
It's a great idea to keep it as a rental. 1000% you need to put blinds or curtains on the windows as even if 50% don't mind them, the other 50% will leave bad reviews if you don't have it. I'm an AirBnb Super Host by the way.
Excellent point! Thanks for the input. Has your experience hosting with Airbnb overall been positive? Any particular reasons you chose it over VRBO?
No matter what keep an asset that appreciates especially if it makes money along the way. Even if you have to use credit cards in the new place, in a year or 2 you won't regret it.
We think we really would have regretted it if we sold. Pleased we’re able to keep! We’ll make it work 🙏 thanks for the comment!
You guys are awesome. Brandon seems like someone that would be awesome to have some coldsnacks with (beers). His sense of humor and straightforward attitude is hilarious. Stay safe and beat of luck with the new build!
If you rent it I’d consider a stay. For sure!
Would love to have you 🙏 listing should be up in the next month or so! We’ll continue to give updates here on the channel for sure ☺️
Nice job on the pontoon boat! Can't wait to see the new house go up and for you to airbnb the other house or whatever you go with. We will come down from Minnesota to stay! As long as everybody doesn't pick on us because they think we talk funny!!!!
Thanks!! Would absolutely love to have y’all. We’ll hold back on givin you too hard of a time about the accent if you promise to do the same about ours 🤪😅
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses You have to admit, that would be a funny conversation!
@@jaketschida7016 🤣🙌
That was some solid work Brandon did on the Sun Tracker.
He’s a pro 🙌 & gets it done for way less than a shop would charge!
I cannot sh!t comfortably without blinds on the bathroom window, some things are just a no brainer 🧠 💡
🎉🎉🎉 YAY for the couch! 😊
We are in! I will rent this tomorrow! Both ABNB and VRBO charge a bit in fees. I would use your social media experience to rent on your own.
We want to stay there when it is ready to rent, and I don't know if you need to list it anywhere but here, however, I suppose you want the automated features of a rental site. As for the windows, I would put in mini blinds so that air could still circulate, and they can be raised when paranoia is not an issue. The few places we have rented were for 4 to 7 days, and they had washers and dryers, but that is a bridge you can cross down the road...
I have rebuilt our pontoon twice in 30 years and used marine plywood the first time with deck paint which lasted 15 years, however went with dock aluminum decking the second time which will never need replacing.
Would love to have y’all!! 🤗 yes, we do like the idea of the ease of use of a site like airbnb where so many of the technicalities & processes are streamlined. We’ll see!
We’d love to offer the washer/dryer but it is quite complicated with our solar system! It has to run on a generator instead. Don’t think we could ever trust renters with independently navigating the ins & outs of our electrical system 😅
Way to go keeping your pontoon updated! Good for you! So many folks just let boats rot 👎
Air BNB is a great idea. Now my wife and I have a reason to go back to the blue ridge mountains.
I see alot of B&Bs use the the soap dispensers now. Blinds would be a good idea, I think it just makes people feel more comfortable. As for the swing chairs keep them there with a max weight restriction posted on or nearby. Perhaps a small binder of does and don'ts. Etc.....
Absolutely 💙 would love to have y’all! The mtns are calling 😉 thanks!!!
I was surprised about the volume of laundry. But will change based on # of people. So each rental meant bath towels, hand towel, wash cloths, bath mat, kitchen towel, beach towels, sheets, pillow cases, duvet cover and any blankets. Added mattress and pillow protectors and had to wash those as well. For washing dishes I left new sponge and small bottle of Dawn. Refilled Dawn each time. Fancy pump hand soap in bath and kitchen. It’s work but worth it.
Thank you for this input! yes, definitely not going to work in our little baby washer 😂 we will do a 2 night min but my hope is that we get a good amount of folks who want to come stay for a week or so! 😋🤞 haha based on what people on here have said to us that sounds pretty plausible. would be nice to have longer stays to cut down on laundry! we’ll see though 🙌
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses we opted for 3 night minimum
👍🤩We’re happy for you both. Wishing you the absolute best. 💝
Y’all are sweet! Thank you!! 🙏💙
You guys have the best content, I never had any idea you could live a house on the water.
Thank you so much!! 🥰 really appreciate that. I (sarah) didn’t know either, for the majority of my life! So happy we ended up here. Would be tough to move off the water after experiencing this lifestyle!
I just found your channel a few days ago. I'm 51, and watching the two of you really just starting your lives out, is really cool! I wish you both a long, beautiful life, and have no doubt you'll achieve that! Such great people, and a neat channel! Much love, from the Oregon coast 🌊
Wow, so appreciate these kind words!! Thanks so much. Happy to have you onboard with us ☺️
I'm really looking forward to making a reservation at your lovely home on the water. Perfect place to celebrate an upcoming anniversary with my Welsh bird who loves the water and the great outdoors.
Absolutely love how you 2 have built this floating hobbit home. Perfect place to read a book and do some sketching. And if we're feeling really wild, we might even break out some Scrabble. 😄
We have been looking at buying or building or own floating cabin or building out a pontoon boat as a houseboat.
In Wales (where she's from), there is a culture of turning canal boats into houseboats. I think you 2 would enjoy that slice of life too.
Best.of luck.
Really looking forward to the rental going live.
We would be honored to have y’all here 💙💙 thanks for the comment! We have seen the “narrowboat” culture on the canals these days, don’t know if that’s the same as what you’re referencing but if so, yessss it looks like such a wonderful lifestyle. In any event, sounds like you two would absolutely love it here! Hope to be in touch soon once we get this place listed 🙌🙏
You're young, and there are two of you to handle any difficult situations/problems with leasing your original home. That continuing income will be wonderful to have! Be well ❤️
Thank you! 🤍
I did an AirBnB with my cabin in a remote area. The worst thing I had happen was someone not watching a candle and lighting my wall on fire. Fortunately they got it out. After that I was nervous about having anything light able in camp. 99 percent were good but the one percent that were bad made it difficult. Since you are close enough to keep a visual eye on place you won’t have same issues. However your water and power constraints will be hard for people that are on grid. Wish you the best.
Thank you! No candles, got it 🙅♀️ glad it wasn’t worse in your situation! Gosh. We are taking our outdoor fire pit with us for this reason too! The wood stove is pretty tough to get out of control luckily, as it’s not an open flame and has heat shields around it protecting the walls.
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses great idea the less flames the better. I put in a gas heater when we airbb it as I didn’t trust people to keep fire going well enough for pipes not to freeze in Fall and Spring didn’t rent over winter as this was northern Pennsylvania mountain roads too dangerous and much of time we needed snowmobile access only.
Nice that you can do this👍⚓😊
IMO, as for the bathroom window, I would put some type of frosting on the glass bc it would be awkward to keep curtains or blinds down behind the bathroom sink. You will still get light but people can't see in. Simple curtains similar to your bathroom "door" curtain should suffice over the bedroom window.
I second the frosted glass look. I have something similar in my bathroom; bought a window cling type frosted glass look at Lowe's for cheap and it's lasted 5 years now with no issue.
That’s bad ass! I’d love to chat with y’all about the details of this deal.
Daybed with a trundle to sleep another 2 is my suggestion. Keep the stove in place, it’s not in the way. Check the chairs to make sure they can hold bigger folks, 300lbs. Refillable soap, shampoo and conditioner is the best idea. I’m currently in Asia and we buy Pump Soap Containers that we buy refills for. Love your content. More detail on the boat rebuilds would be nice to showcase your talents. 👍👍
Daybed with trundle is exactly what I was thinking too! Thanks for the comments 😊
That's great that you're able to keep your current home! I don't know anything about the difference between VRBO and AirBnb. It's probably in the fine print. I hope you find some good answers. I think putting blinds (not curtains) up on both windows is a good idea. At least then people will have the option to close them if they don't like the openness. Regarding the soaps and shampoos, that's a good idea to use refillable containers (as long as there's not some stupid regulation about doing that). Wow! BEAUTIFUL job on that pontoon boat!
Agreed on all of the above 🙌 thanks for the comment & appreciate ya watching!!
You could rent them boats too. I'm amazed by the rates tritoons fetch per day here on Lake Norman. Last time I checked it was $350-400 per day, if they want a driver that's an additional $150 per hour. Running a guided lake tour business could be a great side job for someone that already owns a nice boat. You can choose whatever limit you want on passenger count, and also the schedule you run.
Pre pandemic they were renting pontoon boats on long lake in Maine for 250 per day.
great idea, raise the cost up and drive away business.
Brandon runs Fontana Marina here in our harbor, so he rents boats & does lake tours for his actual day job haha. Don’t wanna compete with ourselves! 🤪 that being said, one thing he hasn’t been able to do liability-wise thru the marina that we do offer on the side already is wakeboarding/wakesurfing lessons. Haven’t had many bites yet but maybe this channel will help change that ☺️
Thanks for the comment!!
@@tj-kv6vr Renting a boat is "optional".
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses Wakesurfing is the rage these days. I'd think you could do well with that. Maybe you could offer a bit of a discount for it to your renters, at least until your surfboat schedule starts getting fully booked.
Bathroom window - no window coverings, apply frosted film up to head height to provide privacy, and still provide the view 😊
I like this idea! any window covering in the bathroom would be tricky anyways because the window dips down behind the sink vanity, so blinds/drapes couldn’t make it back there. this idea solves that issue as well. ☺️ thanks!
If you can possibly afford to keep it than do. You will be close by to manage it and you will get the long term appreciation for your future. Ok, you just said you were keeping it, great decision. Good for you guys, the start of the Jones Empire. ❤
spray on frosted glass for shitter window, maybe saloon style shutters for state room window!
Congratulations on being able to keep your current houseboat to use as a rental. As far as the windows and whether or not to have drapes or some type of covering. I would put them up, Just because it would eliminate some complaints from people who would freak out about it. Maybe bigfoot peeps in at them.. LOL I think maybe a wall mounted refillable shampoo and soap dispenser. The pontoon boat remodel came out great! I was in the hotel business for many years. Like you said renting it will have some challenges, but hopefully more good than bad. Hope you are having a great day😁
Thanks Keith!! We appreciate it! Agreed, we think it’s best just to give folks the option of a window concerning anyways. Keep the bigfoot peepers out 🤣 Lol thanks again!
Congrats on keeping the boat house, I was hoping that was the direction you went.
I know it's not beneficial to spend more money at this time... but a trolling powered mini-pontoon could pay for itself, and sweeten the deal for the renter. I know it'll rent out either way.
But, it would also probably jack your insurance up.
If you weren't so far away(Oklahoma), I'd love to bring my Mastercraft to your lake and rent your space one day❤
Roller shades, they are sleek, modern, nautical and not seen when not in use.
Just discovered you guys in time for the exciting new build. Looking forward to it!
Cheers from a 🇨🇦 on our catamaran in 🇧🇸 (Bahamas).
Welcome aboard! Have to admit we are a bit jealous of y’all’s setup 😍 cruising the bahamas is a dream of ours! Cheers guys!
Love Fontana! Stay away from the "dragons tail" unless your on a motorcycle! 😉👍 congratulations on the vrbo decision 👏
We had to drive it just yesterday 🤣 gotta do it any time we go to Knoxville (closest major city)! Boooo.
Thanks so much! 🙏🤍
When we rent places like this we don’t expect soap or towels. We bring all of our own stuff. You do expect tp though!
TP we will for sure provide!! especially important as it must be marine tp for our septic system 😅 good to know, I think we will still provide soap/towels for the type of guest that does expect a more hotel-like level of attention! However, if it goes unused that’s fine too & even better for us, less laundry & soap to replace haha.
Mini blinds are nice and clean, looking with enough light blocking capability. Drapes tend to make a small space look too confining. Just my opinion. Love your videos. You guys rock!!
Thank you!! Appreciate the input 💞
Btw y’all are going to be amazing parents when the times comes😊 God bless💗
💙💙 appreciate your kind words!!
You are an Amazing couple, I can tell both of you were raised right.
10:10 I really like that idea, it will be cleaner.
11:25 is a new boat, your not fooling me! Nice work
I've seen people use both VRBO and Airbnb you just gotta make sure to update the one as soon as someone books from the other. . I'm so glad you get to keep your first home. I know you were super bummed about having to give it up. I know one of your reasons for getting a bigger home is to be able to have guests and your guests can now stay at your old house how cool is that. Your place is so dreamy by the time I can get out there and swing it to stay at your BnB, I'll end up on your waitlist.
Yes we wondered if there was a 3rd party app or service that could handle that, bc with us both working full time I worry we’d get busy at work and not see a booking for a few hours and then it accidentally double books 🥴 I feel like between this channel and organic traffic on either site, we’ll probably book up pretty quickly and not have a need to list it on both. Not sure though. Lots of trial and error to come I think 🤣
Thanks so much. It is definitely a dream come true to get to keep it! & we’d absolutely love to have you come stay here 😊 probably won’t book solid during the shoulder seasons, if you don’t mind it not being the middle of summer I’m sure there’ll be some vacancy here and there. 🙌
Lovely update! Excellent decision to replace the “perfect for two” couch with something for additional sleepers in a short term rental. I think your house will offer a great unique experience for guests.
🤍🤍🤍 thank you! Appreciate your comment!
Personally, I would vote No Blinds. But I agree that some people will complain if you don’t have them.
I have rented places that have an outside toilet with no door, because there is no one else there anyway so may as well enjoy the view.
you can open and close blinds, simple
@@tj-kv6vr 😮 thank you for the tip! I just tested that theory at my house, and can confirm that it does work exactly as you described. 😅 changed my world!
You Rock! ❤😊
Agreed! They’re not our thing, but we know it’s better to just give people the option in case it is their thing.
Love the anecdote about the toilet haha. Who doesn’t love a throne with a view?! 😅
Thanks again for the donation 💙
I'm so excited you'll be able to keep your current home as a source of income. I'm also excited to see more of the new build.
Thank you!!! 🤍🤍🤍
Plantation shutters that fold back from the middle. What do you think? Just found your channel, and lovin' it!
I lovvvvve plantation shutters 🥰 but gah they aren’t cheap! haha. thanks so much for watching!!
Make it an Air BNB and let others get to experience staying on the lake. It's somewhere I'd love to stay!
Glad y'all were able to find a way to have both. In the end you'll be a lot happier!! Also, being the house is very unique and on water, may want to talk to an atty ref liability stuff.
Aw thanks so much! I think so too. 🤗 So luckily Airbnb & VRBO both have designated categories for houseboats, they are common rentals in certain areas so there is lots of precedent & full coverage under their liability insurance 🙌🙏
Only two days at a time? I know that I'd want to stay, at a minimum, a week. Have you done a poll on this topic yet?
No Iko - no deal.
Well, maybe.
If you leave one of the banjos so I can serenade Mike.
🤣😂 we died laughing hahaha thank you for this comment 👏
Wish you both lots of great vibes!!! I need my pontoon floor redone.. great job,on the pontoon boat looks great.
Thank you!!! Do you happen to be around this area at all? Bc as you can see, we know a guy 😉
I’m wondering how many people even actually use the soaps provided at hotels/bnb’s 🤔 personally, I have a specific regimen I follow with products for hair and skin care, so I always bring all my own stuff with me whenever I travel anywhere. I don’t expect to use anything that’s provided.
I’m not sure either! personally, we do use the soaps when we visit places. But will definitely be interesting to see how quickly we run thru a bottle 🤔😊 the less people that use the products the better, financially speaking of course haha, but either way we think it’ll be helpful to give an option in case folks forgot their own!
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses True! I do like your idea of the refillable containers instead of the single-use mini containers!
Sara, after watching this, I think you need more excitement in your life!! Just kidding. Love your energy and enthusiasm. Love what youse guys are doing! Best, Jim
😂😂 at some point while editing this I thought “if people took a shot every time I said I’m excited…..they’d never make it to the end of the video” 🤪🤣 hahaha. Thanks Jim!!!
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses Helps give me energy too. Trying to finish my own boat!! Not soon enough! Luck n best, Jim
Aren’t Airbnb and VRBO owned by the same holding company? I’m not sure but Airbnb would be my suggestion.
Yay! Glad y'all are keeping it! Love a nice place to stay for a couples retreat 😉. Think you will be happy with that decision. We've stayed at places through both AirBnb and VRBO, but have had more luck with VRBO personally as someone who rents. Not sure what it's like as an owner, though. Congrats!
Thanks y’all!! Would certainly love to have you guys here sometime 😍 & thanks for sharing your experience with vrbo! 🙌
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses that would be epic 😃!
Hello fellow Nc people ❤
Hiya!! 🥰 which area of NC are you in?!
Consider leaving the washing machine! I will not consider booking a place without one.
Unfortunately it’s a bit more complicated than whether or not we’d like to leave it 🤔 The machine won’t run using the solar that powers our house, to use it one must run a generator. This involves switching over several cords from the inverter, buttons, switches, etc. A hassle in addition to a big liability. It will just have to be part of the off-grid experience folks will have to know they are signing up for! 😋
So excited for you guys!
❤️❤️❤️
Black ou Blinds no drapes
I'm from NC & would love to aquire a tiny home , I would buy this home from u guys if u sale ... please notify me !
Create your own website and book direct!
Random question I know, but what brand/color brown did you use on pillars & around windows? It looks great. I’m on my 4th stain trying to get a color like that, nothing seems to be the same color as advertised once it’s applied.
Haha that’s frustrating!! “cabot gold satin moonlight mahogany” is what I think we used, at least that’s the can we still currently have at the house & I can’t remember using more than 1 stain lately haha
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses thank you very much! I’ll look into it.
VRBO ONLY !!!!!
would love to hear more! why do you feel that way?
As new followers sad to watch backward see you sold I hope one day you can buy another...
Haha this video is all about how we didn’t sell! I’m not sure what you mean
Great news for you keeping the the cabin, bad for me!!! Do you have any issues with snakes getting on you decks or around you when swimming at the cabin?
😅 apologies & thank you!! Haha. As for the snakes, nope. There was 1 on the dock we found back when we first started rebuilding (no one had been living there for years, so the critters had taken over I suppose). Never since we moved in though 🙌
How much for a week during the summer? Family of 4?
We are thinking somewhere around 200-225 per night. TBD! Family of 4 should work just fine, I’m hoping to find a good daybed with a trundle so that could sleep the kiddos. 😊
Would love to rent from you as Arbb or whatever.
wonderful 🤍🤙 would love to have you! listing is finally up 😋 airbnb.com/h/fontanasurfshack
What editing system do you use for the videos?
iMovie believe it or not haha. I’ve only just now begun using final cut pro. All our episodes up till pretty much now were made on the most basic, free editing software possible 😆
Took a drink of coffee with you!
I rescued him Black Friday 2016... Can't say who saved who💕
Buddy loves lake life!
th-cam.com/video/uCyp5EhLndY/w-d-xo.html
Hot Dog in a boat!
th-cam.com/users/shorts1cHPlYvZXAg
Adorable!! We don’t deserve our fluffy babies 🥹💙 such lights in this life! Thanks Brian!!
You won’t need to use Airbnb because you will have people from this channel.
Shades not drapes
Two blinds
Do Uall Got WIFI AND CELL PH.OR UALL IN A DEAD ZONE.ON THE LAKE.
pretty much dead zone! a little service only if you have verizon. we have starlink at our place, but not for the rental. there’s wifi at the marina though
Don't go AirBandB, take it a little slower and and go "word of mouth", your friends, family, co workers, etc will spread the word in no time, no ABB fees and no real strangers,
I am just curious how are you able to build when No new floating home construction on the water is allowed
You have to buy an old one and dispose of it in order to build a new one 👍
Ok i am confused you have to dispose of the old one but yet you are keeping the old one? I was interested in buying a floating home but when i looked it up on the twv site they said no building after 2016 and then they also said no buying a new one after 2016 so you are saying you can buy one that is for sale then build a new one? Sorry for being annoying.
@@jeffreycrocker6798 Ah you're not annoying, it's definitely a bit confusing haha. So basically, right now we own 2. The one we are building is replacing an old one that we tore off the lake, it no longer physically exists. The one we are living in now is separate & has nothing to do with the new build, we are just keeping it so we can airbnb it while we live on the new one. You're correct in that you can no longer build new ones from nothing - you can only build new if you are replacing an old one. Essentially, the total # of floating cabins on this lake is capped out & can no longer increase. So you can build, but you have to buy an old one & demo it first so that (numerically speaking) you aren't adding an additional house onto the lake. Hope that makes more sense!
@@KeepingAfloatWiththeJoneses Ohh ok you would think that they would want new to be up to date with materials was thinking about doing this myself if you do not mind what is the total cost for the new build? When i looked up the rules of a new build they told me not to buy a new one when you start looking all this up so much red tape lol
@@jeffreycrocker6798 we aren't done yet so it remains to be seen what our total cost will be! But of course buying a dilapidated old one, throwing it all away, and building anew is significantly less expensive than simply buying brand new. Definitely a good bit of red tape involved with these floating cabins on TVA lakes, regardless of whether they're new or old! haha
Bath window - Peel and stick opaque window sticker the entire window. The view isn't as good as you think it is (all the time). Use razor blade to then cut out horizontal stripe(s) from peel n stick. Or, whatever creative design strikes your fancy. The window coverings in your space have hazards on at least one side. A sliding curtain stoping far enough away from the heater so a stranger doesn't set fire to the place. DON'T FORGET property insurance for "rental"! Not the same as normal homeowners ins. G/l on the build. 💦 🛶