Scott's Vacation House Rules

I would love to know how much these places actually rent for and how long the renovation looks good. Everything looks good on tv. But i have serious doubts because he is always staging non-outdoor furniture in the yard, while claiming it will be super easy to clean between renters. Especially want to know how long that tiki bar lasted.

My wife and I watch this show. We like Scott and Debra, the vacation locales and the renovation work done. Our biggest complaint is that NO COSTS ARE GIVEN. We don't know how much the cabin was bought for and how much the renovation cost (and compared to budget). Scott saying the cabin can now be rented for $400 per night versus $250 pre night before the renovation, sounds great but without knowing any costs we don't know if it makes financial sense. On many recent shows, we think tearing down the house and starting again would be cheaper.

Also, we question a 180 rental season and no mention of the ongoing costs - cleaning between renters maintenance of the hot tub etc.

...BUT I just hate it when HGTV specifies a show as "NEW" when it is not new but simply a previous episode with some boring talking points added. I've set my DVR to only record "NEW" episodes, and I'm tired of my DVR filling up with my favorite shows that are not really new! Very disappointing!!!

I like this show and I especially like Scott. I think he gives really good advice. Debra can be a bit annoying with her high pitched voice and giddy attitude. Overall a good show.

I spent a lot of time in my youth camping and fishing in the lakes of Ontario so this show makes me nostalgic even though I am now an old man in SoCal, and it is a welcome relief from most of the other cookie cutter house remodel shows. Scott seems like a nice guy and he is very knowledgeable, specifically regarding lake cottages, and Deb has nice design ideas. The silly banter between the two does not turn me off like it does for some people.

However I have to agree that the rental estimates are way too optimistic. It is just not possible for people living in Toronto to rent out these cottages, two hours away, on a full-time basis. At the very least the owners would have to hire a property manager (which cuts into the profits) to find renters and then clean and make any needed repairs after each renter moves out. And anyone who wants the true outdoor experience (fishing, swimming, water skiing, etc) is going to end up trashing the beautiful design elements, which are better suited to urban houses. White sofas?...with kids tracking in lake water and sand and grass and who knows what else all the time? Nope!

It would also be nice to know exactly where these houses are but I can understand the need for some privacy. But I don't think it would be too difficult to find some of these if they are on Vrbo.