Things to consider when opening a bed & breakfast

Embarking on a new venture is always an exciting prospect. Maybe you are the type of person who just can’t do the typical 9 to 5 and wants something of your own. Something managed solely by you, with no one to tell you what you can and can’t do. You love being around people and adore the idea of offering a top-notch service. If you can identify with all or even any of those things, then maybe opening a bed and breakfast is something you should consider. It not only gives you the chance to implement your business skills and be your own boss. You will meet different people from different walks of life every single day. Whilst it takes hard work and dedication, many people finding running a bed and breakfast extremely rewarding. It allows you to work from home whilst doing something you love. Here are some things to consider when opening your own bed & breakfast.

Location

Whilst some people will adapt their existing property to create their B&B, many will move or buy an additional property. If you are doing the latter you should take consideration as to its location. Both city and countryside B&Bs are popular. If you decide to buy somewhere a bit more remote, you could encounter issues with weather. Having power cuts or being snowed in isn’t ideal when you are running a business. Many people who do have B&B’s in the country buy generators to ensure that there are no issues during winter if the weather does cause problems. Do some research into how many other similar businesses are in the area. Check their availability for future months. If there are hundreds and all are busy, it will mean competition but it may also mean there is a huge demand.

Maintenance

Ensuring your property is well maintained is a must. It’s a wise idea to have contacts in place locally so that if any issues do arise, you have reliable trades you can call on. If your roof starts leaking or a shower stops working you want to get things remedied quickly. If you find mice or an infestation of bed bugs, you want to know that someone is on hand to deal with things immediately. A roofing contractor, plumber, pest control company and electrician are contacts you should have in place.

Decoration

What colour schemes you will have is something you have to think about. You want your rooms to look inviting and welcoming but also to be easily maintained. Some B&Bs have differently themed rooms, some have neutral tones throughout. The latter can prove easier to coordinate and maintain but the former can attract customers looking for something a bit different.

Cleaning 

Securing good cleaners/housekeepers is a must in the hospitality business. The last thing you want is to have customers complain or leave bad reviews about cleanliness. If possible, hire individuals who have been recommended to you. It’s a good idea to have a detailed written cleaning schedule made up of what you expect and within what timescales. 

Laundry

Consideration should be given as to whether you are going to do the laundry yourself or if it will be more cost-effective to have someone do it for you. Depending on the number of rooms you have available, cleaning bedding regularly can prove time-consuming. If you do want to do it yourself to save money, perhaps consider contracting out the ironing. Some companies have industrial machines which do it and they don’t charge a fortune.

Catering

There is nothing nicer when staying in a B&B than getting a tasty breakfast in the morning. Some people will prefer a full cooked breakfast, some will be happy with cereal and toast. You may want to consider offering both continental and full breakfast options. Locally sourced produce is always a good idea, so visit your local farmers market if you have one. You will not only develop relationships that are good for your business, but you will be buying quality produce at the same time.

Room facilities 

The facilities available in each room could make the difference between a booking and an empty room. A television and coffee and tea making facilities are usually quite common. Maybe you want to provide your guests with added extras like sky tv or dressing gowns. Whatever you decide to include, make provision for it when calculating your costs.

Health and safety 

It is paramount that you have health & safety procedures in place. If there is a fire your guests must know exit routes. Your local authority will guide you as to what is needed when they provide consent for the building to be used as a bed and breakfast. There will be many regulations and restrictions you must conform to. You may also want to speak to your local fire prevention officers about smoke alarms, sprinkler systems, etc.

Advertising & Marketing

To run a successful B&B, you need customers! Once you have a launch date, start getting the word out there that you are opening. Social media is a great way to advertise. Get friends and family to share posts and ensure as many people as possible know about your new venture.

Rates

This is something you have to get right if your business is going to be profitable. You need to make sure there is an adequate margin applied once taking account of your costs. Do some analysis on comparable competitors too. There’s no point in you being filled to the brim every day of the week if you aren’t making any money!

Space for yourself

If space allows, try to make sure that there is an allocated area for you and your family. Welcoming and catering for guests every day can be tiring so it is important you have areas that are only for your use. Many create a separate living space and bedrooms so that family life can remain as normal as possible. 

This isa paid collaborative post.