{"product_id":"resort-startup-costs","title":"How Much Does It Cost To Start A 140-Room Resort: $93M+ CAPEX","description":"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBased on the researched model, it costs at least \u003cstrong\u003e$93 million\u003c\/strong\u003e in resort CAPEX to start this 140-room resort before land acquisition, debt service, and excluded financing needs The model also shows a \u003cstrong\u003e$2773 million\u003c\/strong\u003e minimum cash shortfall in Month 3, so total funding planning should start around \u003cstrong\u003e$121 million\u003c\/strong\u003e before property purchase financing and lender reserves CAPEX runs from Month 1 through Month 11 and includes renovation, guest room furnishings, outdoor amenities, kitchen, spa, IT, vehicles, laundry, and security systems Treat these numbers as researched startup cost assumptions, not construction bids or financing commitments\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eEstimate Startup Costs with Calculator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-capex-calculator\" aria-label=\"Resort Startup CAPEX Calculator\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-currency=\"USD\" data-default-scenario=\"base\" data-export-filename=\"Startup CAPEX calculator.xlsx\" data-source-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-source-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-page-title=\"Resort Startup CAPEX Calculator\" data-note-title=\"Excluded from CAPEX\" data-note-text=\"Excludes working capital, payroll runway, launch marketing, deposits, debt service, inventory, financing fees, and operating losses. This tool covers capitalized startup assets only.\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-capex-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-heading\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-capex-eyebrow\"\u003eStartup CAPEX Calculator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-capex-intro\"\u003eEstimates capitalized startup assets only for a 140-room resort, including land, buildout, rooms, outdoor areas, and core equipment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-scenarios\" aria-label=\"Scenario presets\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"lean\"\u003eLean\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-scenario is-active\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"base\"\u003eBase\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"full\"\u003eFull\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-layout\"\u003e\n\u003cform class=\"fml-capex-inputs\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLand and leasehold\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSite access or leasehold cost tied to the resort location.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"landLeasehold\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Land and leasehold\" data-capex-note=\"Site access or leasehold cost tied to the resort location.\" data-lean=\"150000\" data-base=\"200000\" data-full=\"300000\" name=\"landLeasehold\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"200,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRenovation and construction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eMain buildout, structural work, and soft costs tied to the property upgrade.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"renovationConstruction\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Renovation and construction\" data-capex-note=\"Main buildout, structural work, and soft costs tied to the property upgrade.\" data-lean=\"4500000\" data-base=\"5000000\" data-full=\"5600000\" name=\"renovationConstruction\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"5,000,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGuest room furnishings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eFurniture and fixtures for the 80 Deluxe Kings, 40 Ocean Suites, 15 Grand Villas, and 5 Penthouses.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"guestRoomFurnishings\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Guest room furnishings\" data-capex-note=\"Furniture and fixtures for the 80 Deluxe Kings, 40 Ocean Suites, 15 Grand Villas, and 5 Penthouses.\" data-lean=\"1350000\" data-base=\"1500000\" data-full=\"1700000\" name=\"guestRoomFurnishings\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"1,500,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSite infrastructure and outdoor amenities\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eLandscaping, outdoor areas, and guest-facing site improvements.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"siteInfrastructureOutdoorAmenities\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Site infrastructure and outdoor amenities\" data-capex-note=\"Landscaping, outdoor areas, and guest-facing site improvements.\" data-lean=\"720000\" data-base=\"800000\" data-full=\"900000\" name=\"siteInfrastructureOutdoorAmenities\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"800,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBack-of-house equipment and systems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eKitchen equipment, spa buildout, IT and POS, vehicles, laundry, and security.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-money\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e$\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"backOfHouseEquipmentSystems\" data-capex-kind=\"money\" data-capex-label=\"Back-of-house equipment and systems\" data-capex-note=\"Kitchen equipment, spa buildout, IT and POS, vehicles, laundry, and security.\" data-lean=\"1620000\" data-base=\"1800000\" data-full=\"2100000\" name=\"backOfHouseEquipmentSystems\" type=\"text\" inputmode=\"numeric\" value=\"1,800,000\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-row\"\u003e\n\u003clabel class=\"fml-capex-label\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContingency Reserve\u003c\/span\u003e\u003csmall\u003eCovers price swings, scope changes, and small overruns during startup.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/label\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-percent\"\u003e\n\u003cinput data-capex-field=\"contingency\" data-capex-kind=\"percent\" name=\"contingency\" type=\"range\" min=\"0\" max=\"20\" step=\"1\" data-lean=\"8\" data-base=\"10\" data-full=\"12\" value=\"10\"\u003e\u003coutput data-capex-output=\"contingencyValue\"\u003e10%\u003c\/output\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/form\u003e\n\u003caside class=\"fml-capex-results\" aria-live=\"polite\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-capex-tag\"\u003eCAPEX estimate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-total\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eTotal startup CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-capex-output=\"totalCapex\"\u003e$10,230,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdl class=\"fml-capex-result-list\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eSubtotal before contingency\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-capex-output=\"subtotal\"\u003e$9,300,000\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eContingency amount\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-capex-output=\"contingencyAmount\"\u003e$930,000\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdt\u003eLargest cost driver\u003c\/dt\u003e\n\u003cdd data-capex-output=\"largestDriver\"\u003eRenovation and construction\u003c\/dd\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/dl\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-chart\" aria-label=\"CAPEX cost category breakdown\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eLand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"landLeasehold\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 2%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"landLeasehold\"\u003e2%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eBuildout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"renovationConstruction\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 54%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"renovationConstruction\"\u003e54%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eRooms\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"guestRoomFurnishings\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 16%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"guestRoomFurnishings\"\u003e16%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eOutdoor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"siteInfrastructureOutdoorAmenities\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 9%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"siteInfrastructureOutdoorAmenities\"\u003e9%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-bar-row\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eSystems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\u003ci data-capex-bar=\"backOfHouseEquipmentSystems\" style=\"--fml-capex-share: 19%;\"\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cb data-capex-share=\"backOfHouseEquipmentSystems\"\u003e19%\u003c\/b\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-capex-export\" type=\"button\" data-capex-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/aside\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-capex-note\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-capex-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExcluded from CAPEX\u003c\/strong\u003e Excludes working capital, payroll runway, launch marketing, deposits, debt service, inventory, financing fees, and operating losses. This tool covers capitalized startup assets only.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-section_blog text-2_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"line_top_blog\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWhat does the Resort CAPEX tab show?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis \u003cstrong\u003eCAPEX tab\u003c\/strong\u003e lists startup costs, timing, and working capital. Open the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/resort-financial-model\"\u003eResort Financial Model Template\u003c\/a\u003e and review depreciation assumptions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch4\u003eScreenshot highlights\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 1-11 spend\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e$9.3M total CAPEX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e$2.773M cash gap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"image-section_blog image-2_new_design_blog\"\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"preview-card\" data-preview-src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/resort-financial-model-capex-financialmodelslab_d2e3e762-b2eb-41c0-9693-b63a9d113c5d.webp\"\u003e\n\u003cimg class=\"preview-img\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/resort-financial-model-capex-financialmodelslab_d2e3e762-b2eb-41c0-9693-b63a9d113c5d.webp?width=500\" alt=\"Resort Financial Model capex inputs showing asset categories and capital spending drivers, letting users customize project costs, timelines and depreciation for scenario-ready investment planning and cash forecasting\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"preview-overlay\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"preview-btn\" type=\"button\" style=\"align-items: center; vertical-align: middle; display: inline-flex; justify-content: center; gap: 6px; line-height: 1;\"\u003e\nPREVIEW \u003csvg fill=\"#fff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" role=\"presentation\" viewbox=\"0 0 448 512\" width=\"14\"\u003e\u003cpath d=\"M416 176V86.63L246.6 256L416 425.4V336c0-8.844 7.156-16 16-16s16 7.156 16 16v128c0 8.844-7.156 16-16 16h-128c-8.844 0-16-7.156-16-16s7.156-16 16-16h89.38L224 278.6L54.63 448H144C152.8 448 160 455.2 160 464S152.8 480 144 480h-128C7.156 480 0 472.8 0 464v-128C0 327.2 7.156 320 16 320S32 327.2 32 336v89.38L201.4 256L32 86.63V176C32 184.8 24.84 192 16 192S0 184.8 0 176v-128C0 39.16 7.156 32 16 32h128C152.8 32 160 39.16 160 48S152.8 64 144 64H54.63L224 233.4L393.4 64H304C295.2 64 288 56.84 288 48S295.2 32 304 32h128C440.8 32 448 39.16 448 48v128C448 184.8 440.8 192 432 192S416 184.8 416 176z\"\u003e\u003c\/path\u003e\u003c\/svg\u003e\n\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eHow much money do you need to open a resort?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou need about \u003cstrong\u003e$12,100,000\u003c\/strong\u003e to open this modeled \u003cstrong\u003e140-room Resort\u003c\/strong\u003e before land purchase financing, debt service, lender reserves, and acquisition costs. Here’s the quick math: \u003cstrong\u003e$9,300,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in CAPEX plus a \u003cstrong\u003e$2,773,000\u003c\/strong\u003e Month 3 cash gap; for operating context, see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/kpi-metrics\/resort\"\u003eWhat Is The Most Important Indicator Of Success For Your Resort?\u003c\/a\u003e. The model ties this funding need to a first-year occupancy input of \u003cstrong\u003e580%\u003c\/strong\u003e and Year 1 EBITDA of \u003cstrong\u003e$18,686,000\u003c\/strong\u003e, so the ramp assumptions matter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFunding Math\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$9,300,000\u003c\/strong\u003e modeled CAPEX\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$2,773,000\u003c\/strong\u003e Month 3 cash gap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$12,100,000\u003c\/strong\u003e implied pre-land need\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcludes debt service and reserves\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eCost Drivers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e80\u003c\/strong\u003e Deluxe King rooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40\u003c\/strong\u003e Ocean Suites\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e15\u003c\/strong\u003e Grand Villas, \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e Penthouses\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDining, spa, outdoor recreation depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWhat are the biggest costs to open a resort?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor a \u003cstrong\u003eResort\u003c\/strong\u003e, the biggest cost is \u003cstrong\u003eInitial Property Renovation\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e$5,000,000\u003c\/strong\u003e, or about \u003cstrong\u003e53.8%\u003c\/strong\u003e of the \u003cstrong\u003e$9,300,000\u003c\/strong\u003e CAPEX. The next biggest lines are \u003cstrong\u003eGuest Room Furnishings\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e$1,500,000\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eLandscaping \u0026amp; Outdoor Amenities\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e$800,000\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eKitchen Equipment Upgrade\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e$750,000\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eSpa Facility Enhancement\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e$500,000\u003c\/strong\u003e. That spend is driven by land control, site work, lodging construction, utilities, pools or recreation areas, commercial kitchens, guest-room FF\u0026amp;E, local labor, code compliance, and contractor contingency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eTop cost drivers\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$5,000,000\u003c\/strong\u003e renovation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$1,500,000\u003c\/strong\u003e room furnishings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$800,000\u003c\/strong\u003e landscaping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$750,000\u003c\/strong\u003e kitchen upgrade\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBuild costs to watch\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLand control and site work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLodging construction and utilities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePools and recreation areas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCode compliance and contingency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eWhat hidden costs of opening a resort are often missed?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe biggest hidden costs in a Resort are the pre-opening items that never show up in hard CAPEX: \u003cstrong\u003ehiring and training\u003c\/strong\u003e, pre-revenue management payroll, licenses, inspections, insurance binders, utility deposits, launch marketing, photography, website, reservation systems, property management system, point-of-sale setup, vendor onboarding, initial supplies, debt service, and runway. Here’s the quick math: \u003cstrong\u003e$68,500\u003c\/strong\u003e in modeled fixed costs plus \u003cstrong\u003e$1,490,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in Year 1 wages, or about \u003cstrong\u003e$124,167\u003c\/strong\u003e a month, puts the base at roughly \u003cstrong\u003e$192,667\u003c\/strong\u003e a month before variable costs, and that is why the \u003cstrong\u003e$2,773,000\u003c\/strong\u003e minimum cash gap in Month 3 matters. For owner math, see \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/how-much-makes\/resort\"\u003eHow Much Does The Owner Make From A Resort Business Like This One?\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eStartup gaps\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTraining\u003c\/strong\u003e starts before revenue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePayroll\u003c\/strong\u003e hits before bookings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLicenses and inspections add cash drag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUtility deposits and insurance binders stack up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eRunway load\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$68,500\u003c\/strong\u003e monthly fixed costs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$124,167\u003c\/strong\u003e monthly Year 1 wages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$192,667\u003c\/strong\u003e monthly base before variable costs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e$2,773,000\u003c\/strong\u003e cash gap by Month 3.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eCalculate Fuding Needs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-summary-static\" aria-label=\"Resort Startup Cost Summary\" data-locale=\"en-US\" data-currency=\"USD\" data-default-scenario=\"base\" data-export-filename=\"Resort Startup Cost Summary.xlsx\" data-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-title=\"Resort Startup Cost Summary\" data-source-url=\"\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-summary-static-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-summary-static-eyebrow\"\u003eStartup cost summary\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-summary-static-description\"\u003eSummary of the main resort startup assets and the excluded cash reserve tied to the Month 3 funding gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-actions\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-scenarios\" aria-label=\"Highlight scenario\"\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"low\"\u003eLow\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-scenario is-active\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"base\"\u003eBase\u003c\/button\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-scenario\" type=\"button\" data-scenario=\"high\"\u003eHigh\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cbutton class=\"fml-summary-static-export\" type=\"button\" data-summary-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003csection class=\"fml-summary-static-metrics\" aria-live=\"polite\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-metric is-primary\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eHighlighted CAPEX\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-summary-metric=\"capex\"\u003e$8,550,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall data-summary-metric=\"scenario\"\u003eBase planning example\u003c\/small\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-metric is-warning\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eExcluded cash needs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-summary-metric=\"working\"\u003e$2,773,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003eOutside CAPEX total\u003c\/small\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-metric\"\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003eFunding need\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong data-summary-metric=\"funding\"\u003e$11,323,000\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003csmall\u003eCAPEX + excluded cash needs\u003c\/small\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-summary-static-table-wrap\"\u003e\u003ctable class=\"fml-summary-static-table\"\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eCost Category\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\" class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate-header\" data-summary-estimate-header\u003eBase Estimate\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eMain Cost Driver\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eCAPEX Calculator\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"4500000\" data-base=\"5000000\" data-high=\"5500000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInitial Property Renovation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$5,000,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eCore property build-out\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"1350000\" data-base=\"1500000\" data-high=\"1650000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGuest Room Furnishings\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$1,500,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eRoom fit-out and fixtures\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"720000\" data-base=\"800000\" data-high=\"880000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLandscaping \u0026amp; Outdoor Amenities\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$800,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eOutdoor guest-space works\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"675000\" data-base=\"750000\" data-high=\"825000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKitchen Equipment Upgrade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$750,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eFood service equipment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-summary-row data-low=\"450000\" data-base=\"500000\" data-high=\"575000\" data-capex=\"true\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSpa Facility Enhancement\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$500,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eSpa treatment space build\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill\"\u003eYes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr class=\"is-excluded\" data-summary-row data-low=\"2500000\" data-base=\"2773000\" data-high=\"3200000\" data-capex=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOperating Cash Reserve\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-estimate\" data-summary-value\u003e$2,773,000\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd class=\"fml-summary-static-driver\"\u003eMonth 3 cash gap and launch burn\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-pill is-no\"\u003eNo\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cfooter class=\"fml-summary-static-note\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-summary-static-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanning note:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ranges use researched startup assumptions; debt service and financing are excluded from cash needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/footer\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eResort Core Five Startup Costs\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eProperty Control And Site Readiness Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eProperty Control\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eControl of the site is separate from building it. This line covers \u003cstrong\u003eland purchase\u003c\/strong\u003e or a \u003cstrong\u003elong-term lease\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus due diligence, surveys, environmental review, zoning, entitlements, and deposits. No land price is modeled here, so don’t assume purchase cost is fixed. Site readiness can move the budget before the \u003cstrong\u003e$9,300,000\u003c\/strong\u003e modeled CAPEX starts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eSite Work Inputs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis cost also includes \u003cstrong\u003egrading\u003c\/strong\u003e, roads, parking, utilities, and drainage. The estimate needs site quotes, utility access details, stormwater scope, and the entitlement timeline. A coastal or mountain parcel can add work fast. One clean rule: if the land is not ready for construction, it is not ready for the resort budget.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOwned or leased property\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParking count required\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUtility access distance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCost Control\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep property control lean by locking the site only after zoning and entitlement risk is clear. Ask for civil, environmental, and legal quotes before you commit. The biggest mistake is folding site fixes into construction and missing the real spend. If stormwater, access roads, or utility tie-ins are heavy, this line can grow before any building work begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"lst_crct_blog\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVerify zoning before deposit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrice entitlements early\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTest utility capacity first\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eScope Check\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnswer these before you set the site budget: \u003cstrong\u003eowned versus leased\u003c\/strong\u003e, utility access, coastal or mountain location, parking count, stormwater needs, and entitlement timeline. Those answers decide whether site readiness is a small pre-build cost or a major budget swing, and they should be priced before the \u003cstrong\u003e$9,300,000\u003c\/strong\u003e CAPEX plan is refined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eLodging And Facility Construction Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFacility Build Cost\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis line is the hard build budget for the resort shell and guest-facing spaces. Use \u003cstrong\u003e$5,000,000\u003c\/strong\u003e as the modeled \u003cstrong\u003eInitial Property Renovation\u003c\/strong\u003e from \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 1 to Month 3\u003c\/strong\u003e, separate from FF\u0026amp;E, OS\u0026amp;E, and working capital. It should cover the core areas needed to support \u003cstrong\u003e140 rooms\u003c\/strong\u003e plus meals, spa, events, and activity operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eWhat It Covers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEstimate this cost from room count, service areas, and contractor quotes. It should include guest accommodations, lobby, restaurants, kitchens, back-of-house, laundry, maintenance spaces, accessibility work, code compliance, and contractor contingency. One clean rule: if it is fixed into the building, count it here; if it can move or be used up, it belongs elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eHow To Control It\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the scope tight and match it to the property’s actual condition. The biggest mistake is mixing renovation with FF\u0026amp;E or treating a remodel like a ground-up resort build. Get separate bids for each major area, and protect a clear contingency for surprises in structure, utilities, drainage, or code upgrades.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eRenovation Not New Build\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA renovation model can move fast if the site already has usable structure and utilities. A ground-up destination resort needs a very different budget, timeline, and permit path, so don’t lift assumptions from one into the other. Here, the key is to fund the \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 1 to Month 3\u003c\/strong\u003e build so the property can open cleanly and safely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eFF\u0026amp;E, OS\u0026amp;E, And Equipment Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFF\u0026amp;E and OS\u0026amp;E\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFF\u0026amp;E\u003c\/strong\u003e means furniture, fixtures, and equipment. \u003cstrong\u003eOS\u0026amp;E\u003c\/strong\u003e means operating supplies and equipment used to run guest service. For this resort, modeled hard items total \u003cstrong\u003e$2,600,000\u003c\/strong\u003e: \u003cstrong\u003e$1,500,000\u003c\/strong\u003e guest room furnishings, \u003cstrong\u003e$750,000\u003c\/strong\u003e kitchen equipment, \u003cstrong\u003e$150,000\u003c\/strong\u003e laundry equipment, and \u003cstrong\u003e$200,000\u003c\/strong\u003e vehicle fleet purchase.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eRoom Buildout\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuest room furnishings come to about \u003cstrong\u003e$10,714 per room\u003c\/strong\u003e across \u003cstrong\u003e140 rooms\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cstrong\u003e$1,500,000 ÷ 140\u003c\/strong\u003e). This bucket covers beds, case goods, seating, and in-room fixtures. Keep \u003cstrong\u003edurable assets\u003c\/strong\u003e separate from \u003cstrong\u003econsumable inventory\u003c\/strong\u003e like linens, décor, housekeeping carts, maintenance tools, signage, and opening supplies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eControl Spend\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuy to opening need, not full future demand. Get quotes early for furniture, kitchen gear, laundry gear, and vehicles, then stage deliveries from \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 2\u003c\/strong\u003e through \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 10\u003c\/strong\u003e. That keeps cash tied to install dates and avoids paying to store items too soon. One clean rule: order durable assets once, and replenish OS\u0026amp;E as guests use it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eOpening Window\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse the \u003cstrong\u003eMonth 2 to Month 10\u003c\/strong\u003e window to sequence purchases around construction handoff, room setup, kitchen readiness, laundry setup, and fleet delivery. The later the item must be ready for guests, the later it should land. That timing matters because early delivery can create damage risk, storage cost, and cash pressure before revenue starts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eRecreation Amenity And Guest Experience Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eAmenity Scope\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscaping \u0026amp; Outdoor Amenities\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e$800,000\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eSpa Facility Enhancement\u003c\/strong\u003e at \u003cstrong\u003e$500,000\u003c\/strong\u003e total \u003cstrong\u003e$1.3 million\u003c\/strong\u003e. This covers pools, spa areas, fitness rooms, trails, beach or lake access, courts, kids’ areas, outdoor seating, rental gear, lighting, safety, and wayfinding. The scope should fit the resort site, not a generic activity list.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003ePrice Inputs\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrice this work from site-specific quotes, not one lump sum. Use units and counts: square feet of hardscape, trail length, number of lights, courts, signs, spa fixtures, and access improvements. Add drainage, safety, and utility runs where needed. This cost sits beside construction, so it can move the budget before the main build spend starts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eFit The Site\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not pay for amenities the land cannot support. If there is no lake, beach, or trail value, skip those upgrades and focus on the spa, seating, and guest flow. The cleanest savings come from removing low-use features early, before concrete, utilities, and safety work lock in the spend. One bad amenity choice can drag both CAPEX and operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eRevenue Tie\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese amenities are not just cost; they shape revenue. The model assumes \u003cstrong\u003e$40,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in spa services, \u003cstrong\u003e$10,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in activity fees, and \u003cstrong\u003e$60,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in event bookings in Year 1, or \u003cstrong\u003e$110,000\u003c\/strong\u003e total. If the site cannot support those uses, the amenity spend will be harder to earn back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003ePre-Opening Readiness Startup Expense\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl blue_card\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-colons-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eReadiness Spend\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassify these items as \u003cstrong\u003epre-opening expense\u003c\/strong\u003e unless a vendor-installed asset is capitalized. For this resort, the non-payroll base shown is \u003cstrong\u003e$48,000 per month\u003c\/strong\u003e for property insurance, utilities, software, and legal\/accounting, plus \u003cstrong\u003e$1,490,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in Year 1 wages across management, front desk, housekeeping, food and beverage, and maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"container_2_clmn_row\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_2\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-tips-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eCost Base\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis bucket covers management hiring, staff training, payroll before revenue, licenses, inspections, insurance binders, reservation system setup, property management system, point-of-sale setup, website, photography, launch marketing, vendor onboarding, and initial supplies. Estimate it with \u003cstrong\u003eheadcount × months × wage\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus setup quotes and monthly coverage for each service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-intro-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003eTrim Waste\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the spend tight by timing hires close to opening, batching training, and avoiding duplicate systems. Get firm quotes for insurance binders, software, and legal support, then match utility and software start dates to the launch schedule. Don’t trim licenses, inspections, or coverage just to save cash; those are control points, not nice-to-haves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"double_border\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"card_smpl_header\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/fml_20_fml-Orange-blog-pin-icon.svg\" alt=\"Icon\" class=\"icon_how_to_use\"\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ffffff;\"\u003eBudget Pressure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe real pressure comes from \u003cstrong\u003epayroll before revenue\u003c\/strong\u003e and the clock. With \u003cstrong\u003e$1,490,000\u003c\/strong\u003e in Year 1 wages and \u003cstrong\u003e$48,000\u003c\/strong\u003e a month in fixed non-payroll spend, every extra month before opening adds cash burn fast, so the launch date and hiring plan nee\nd to stay locked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #126CFF;\"\u003eCompare 3 Startup Cost Scenarios\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"fml-scenario-table\" aria-label=\"Resort Startup Cost Scenarios\" data-site-name=\"Financial Models Lab\" data-site-url=\"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\" data-source-title=\"Resort Startup Cost Scenarios\" data-note-label=\"Planning note\" data-note-text=\"These scenario ranges are researched planning assumptions, not exact quotes.\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-card\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"fml-scenario-table-header\"\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-scenario-table-eyebrow\"\u003eScenario table\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"fml-scenario-table-description\"\u003eStartup cost swings with room count, dining scope, amenity buildout, staffing, and cash reserve. The modeled base is a 140-room resort with $9.3M CAPEX and a $2.773M Month 3 cash gap.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-actions\"\u003e\u003cbutton class=\"fml-scenario-table-export\" type=\"button\" data-scenario-export\u003eEXPORT XLSX\u003c\/button\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-wrap\"\u003e\u003ctable class=\"fml-scenario-table-grid\"\u003e\n\u003ccaption\u003eLean, base, and full resort launch cost comparison\u003c\/caption\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-stub\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Scenario\"\u003eScenario\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Lean Launch\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eLean Launch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eBest for lean capital\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Base Launch\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eBase Launch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eBest fit for modeled plan\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-table-column\" scope=\"col\" data-export-value=\"Full Launch\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-column-title\"\u003eFull Launch\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-warning\"\u003eBest for premium build\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Launch model\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-launch\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-launch-model.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eLaunch model\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Start with fewer rooms, a tighter renovation plan, and limited dining and amenity scope.\"\u003eStart with fewer rooms, a tighter renovation plan, and limited dining and amenity scope.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Use the modeled 140-room resort with the current build, staffing, and operating plan.\"\u003eUse the modeled 140-room resort with the current build, staffing, and operating plan.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Build the most complete resort version with deeper recreation, larger dining, and stronger launch staffing.\"\u003eBuild the most complete resort version with deeper recreation, larger dining, and stronger launch staffing.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Typical setup\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-setup\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-typical-setup.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eTypical setup\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Use a smaller staffing model, simpler guest experience, and tighter working capital.\"\u003eUse a smaller staffing model, simpler guest experience, and tighter working capital.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Carry the full room mix, standard dining and recreation, and the modeled launch cushion.\"\u003eCarry the full room mix, standard dining and recreation, and the modeled launch cushion.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Add higher FF\u0026amp;E standards, more site complexity, and a larger cash reserve.\"\u003eAdd higher FF\u0026amp;E standards, more site complexity, and a larger cash reserve.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Cost drivers\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-drivers\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-cost-drivers.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eCost drivers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Fewer rooms; smaller dining scope; lighter amenities; leaner staffing; lower working capital\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFewer rooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003esmaller dining scope\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elighter amenities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eleaner staffing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elower working capital\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"140 rooms; full dining scope; spa and events; standard FF\u0026amp;E; Month 3 cash gap\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e140 rooms\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efull dining scope\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003espa and events\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estandard FF\u0026amp;E\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMonth 3 cash gap\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"More recreation; larger dining scope; higher FF\u0026amp;E; stronger staffing; bigger reserve\"\u003e\u003cul class=\"fml-scenario-list\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMore recreation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003elarger dining scope\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ehigher FF\u0026amp;E\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003estronger staffing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ebigger reserve\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Planning range\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-range\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-planning-range.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003ePlanning range\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-subtitle\"\u003eCAPEX only\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Lower-capital build band\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003eLower-capital build band\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eLower spend\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Modeled base funding need\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003eModeled base funding need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-soft\"\u003eModel baseline\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Higher-capital build band\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong class=\"fml-scenario-range\"\u003eHigher-capital build band\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-badge is-warning\"\u003eHigher spend\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr data-scenario-row\u003e\n\u003cth class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading\" scope=\"row\" data-export-value=\"Best fit\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-heading-inner\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon is-fit\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e\u003cimg class=\"fml-scenario-row-icon-img\" src=\"\/cdn\/shop\/files\/scenario-best-fit.svg\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-row-title\"\u003eBest fit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Fits founders who want to test demand before a full buildout.\"\u003eFits founders who want to test demand before a full buildout.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Fits founders who want the clearest read on the current plan and funding need.\"\u003eFits founders who want the clearest read on the current plan and funding need.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-export-value=\"Fits founders who want a premium destination and can fund more complexity upfront.\"\u003eFits founders who want a premium destination and can fund more complexity upfront.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"fml-scenario-table-note\"\u003e\n\u003cspan class=\"fml-scenario-table-note-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"\u003e!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanning note:\u003c\/strong\u003e These scenario ranges are researched planning assumptions, not exact quotes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"FinancialModelsLab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49304288788723,"sku":"resort-startup-costs","price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/6191\/2762\/files\/resort-startup-costs.webp?v=1782691048","url":"https:\/\/financialmodelslab.com\/products\/resort-startup-costs","provider":"Financial Models Lab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}