From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: We were advised by the City that provided the city allows a B&B in the rural zone as proposed, that weddings and parties would require no additional approval since the property is then considered a business. Now, the homeowners and one of the planning dept. officials are making threats regarding this saying that even if a B&B is allowed, we will never be able to hold a wedding there. I have searched our zoning ordinance thoroughly. There is never any mention anywhere regarding special events such as weddings. Do you have any sage words of wisdom???
Conducting Research
Calculating Occupancy Rates
From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: Many inn owners quote occupancy rates that seem very high for their area and amenities (especially when trying to sell their business). They seem to making up their own formula. Could you please publish a formula for figuring occupancy that gives a good idea of the actual business that a particular B&B has?.
Family-Friendly Inns
From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: My family wants to build a B&B. We have young children so we want to promote it as a family/outdoor/activity focused place to stay. We want to build in the countryside on a large and spacious family owned property that will allow for various outdoor activities. Can you tell me of some B&B`s that have successfully used this as their niche? We want to focus ourselves as you suggest. Are there others who have travelled this road before us so that we can learn from them?
How much reserve do I need?
From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: How much money would I need in savings, after I buy a furnished B&B and before the biggest season.
Converting a Potential to a Real B&B?
From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: How a “Potential B & B” can become a real B&B in New york state?
University Town B&B?
From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: we are searching for the “right” b anad b for us. We are looking now at one in a small town in New York state that is steps away from a 5,000 student university. What do you see as the pro’s and con’s of being in a small university town.
Building a B&B
From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: We were looking to purchase land and build our own bed and breakfast. This will be over a long period of time for us. It seems that the info we have read is about purchasing established B&Bs. Is it not wise to start from scratch? If it is ok do you have any tips?
Residential vs Commercial Loans?
From “Ask Kit!”:
Q: What is the difference between a residental and commercial loan?