article

5 Home Upgrades For Your Vacation Rental Space

By Lauren White via Realty Times

bluehammer

Vacation rentals are experiencing a surge of popularity as websites like VRBO and Airbnb make them more accessible. Guests can find a place that fits their budget, location and accommodation needs. Hosts can easily list their property.

The real challenge is creating a space which stands out and offers more than a guest could hope for. Why should they stay in your spare bedroom or pool house when they can simply instant book a hotel around the corner? What does your rental have that a hotel doesn't? Here are a few renovation ideas for turning your rental space into a destination, rather than a basic bedroom for travelers to crash. These renovations and upgrades can boost your feedback, and may even give you an opportunity to raise your rates!

1. Make getting in secure and simple.

Traveling already comes with a few frustrations. When your guests finally reach your door, entry should be a breeze to eliminate further irritation. Installing a lockbox is one of the most convenient updates you can make. With a lockbox, they can arrive whenever is convenient for them and they won't be fumbling around your porch looking for "the blue planter" where the key is hidden. They will also feel 100% more safe, knowing that you keep your keys secure rather than taking any risks hiding them.

2. Curate a comfortable place to rest.

It is very important for your paying guests to get a good night's sleep. The bedroom should be a place where they can relax and unwind after exploring the city, climbing a mountain or sitting through long seminars. You can create a relaxing bedroom with a soothing color scheme and low-fuss decor, but it will all come down to the mattress. This is where you can afford to make an investment. Visitors who wake up feeling more aches and pains than before will not be happy customers. Invest in a high quality mattress. Bedding should be attractive, durable and comfortable. This will hopefully help you achieve five-star reviews and return guests.

3. Create an oasis in the bathroom.

A luxurious bathroom can be a major selling point when a would-be traveler is flipping through property photos. This type of renovation is a great opportunity to set your space apart from any old hotel room. Create a spa-inspired area that is a getaway, not just an average home bathroom.

  • Renovate with tile, either in small accent spaces or all-over.
  • Swap standard shower heads for luxury ones with adjustable pressure.
  • Install flattering and relaxed lighting.
  • Freshen up the paint with a soothing palette, like taupe, light gray and wood.
  • Give your guests enough counter space to spread out.
  • Consider convenient extras, like a radio or even heated floors.
  • Keep the bathroom stocked with fresh towels and toiletries.

For more ideas, see these budget-friendly bathroom upgrades on HomeAdvisor.

4. Build an inviting outdoor retreat.

An attractive outdoor space can do a lot to secure more bookings. Vacations are often the best chance people have of getting some fresh air. When they aren't out and about, they will want an area to enjoy a morning coffee or an evening wine outside. You could go all-out and build an outdoor living space, complete with a kitchen and dining area. However, small additions like Adirondack chairs, portable firepits and a thoughtfully planted landscape can significantly improve your property's appeal. Be sure to highlight these outdoor spaces in your photo gallery.

5. Cook up a new kitchen plan.

It is well worth it to upgrade your kitchen, especially if you're going to have frequent guests. Easy-to-use, modern appliances make for less confusion. Many of today's travelers are used to the convenience of having a dishwasher, a fridge with an icemaker, a toaster oven and an efficient microwave. If they don't know how to use the appliances in your kitchen, they're going to have a tough time saving money on food—one of the many benefits of renting a home.

Aside from providing the right appliances, you can increase your appeal by upgrading outdated cabinetry and replacing inexpensive countertops with granite. Granite can be deceptive in its beauty--it is also extremely durable, low-maintenance and resistant to heat. An investment in granite is a lasting one that may benefit both your rental appeal and even resale value.

Any of these improvements can make your property more appealing to vacationers, whether you're renting out a whole house, a single bedroom, or a mother-in-law suite. Spend some time in your rental to see where you could make renovations. Is there a place to relax outside? Are there any tricky knobs on your oven? Remove minor inconveniences and make your property as accessible as possible for maximum appeal within your rentable space.

Want to estimate your home improvement costs before talking with a contractor? Claim your home for free with bluehammer to estimate costs, secure your home inventory and learn more about your home.

* THIS REPORT IS AN OPINION THAT MAY BE INACCURATE AND IS PROVIDED SOLELY AS AN INFORMATIONAL TOOL NOT DESIGNED TO PROVIDE DEFINITIVE ANSWERS. ALL ELEMENTS ARE OFFERED "AS IS" AND BLUEBOOK EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS, AND GUARANTEES OF ANY NATURE, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR OTHERWISE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABLITILY, NONINFRINGEMENT, TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL BLUEBOOK (OR THEIR SUPPLIERS) BE LIABLE FOR ANY GENERAL, DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND, OR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THOSE RESULTING FROM USE OF THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING : (1) RELIANCE ON THE MATERIALS PRESENTED, (2) COSTS OF REPLACEMENT GOODS, (3) LOSS OF USE, DATA OR PROFITS, (4) DELAYS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, (5) AND ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE USE OR PERFORMANCE OF INFORMATION) WHETHER OR NOT BLUEBOOK HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Know what you should pay for your home improvement projects with bluehammer.Claim your home. It's free!

Popular


Remodeling Your Outdoor Patio On A Budget

Creating and sticking to a home improvement project's budget is about as easy and comfortable as pulling teeth. But when it comes to a task as exciting as an outdoor space remodel, it's necessary to think and talk about the budget before taking any further steps.

Getting your home ready for that big party

Preparing for a party can be a hectic time - you have a full slate on your to do list, including choosing the menu, preparing food, planning activities, and coordinating decor. It can be easy to overlook one of the most important elements of planning an event, making sure your home is presentable for your guests. Our guide will help you to quickly get your house party-ready so you can focus on all the other things involved in preparing for your event.

Essential Garage Equipment for Car Enthusiasts

What makes a car enthusiast? The vehicle you own says a lot about your passion for cars. About 12 percent of Americans are loyal to a particular vehicle brand, and vehicle brand loyal customers are four times more likely than other consumers to describe themselves as car enthusiasts, according to Scarborough. What you have in your garage also makes a statement about your love of cars. Here are some essential items every car enthusiast should have.

9 Places to Shop Online For Furniture and Home Furnishings

These days, there isn't much we don't shop for online. But if you have been hesitant to buy your furniture and other home items with a few clicks instead of being able to walk into a store and see them in person, it might be time to rethink that strategy. With so many great sites that offer easy delivery (and returns) and tons of reviews that can give you confidence in your purchase, furnishing or updating your home online is easier than ever. We have curated a few of our favorite sites.

How to Let Go of Unwanted Things You've Inherited

Whether you've inherited a large collection of items or a single bulky piece of furniture, it's OK to let it go if you don't need or want it.

Replacing Your Bathroom Shower or Shower/Tub

Aside from being a great place to sing, showers are an important place to make sure we stay clean.

Getting the Best Estimated Home Improvement Costs Using Bluehammer's Home Improvement Calculator

The following are tips and tricks to help you better estimate the cost of your home improvement project.

Maintaining Your Hot Water Heater

Water heaters generally have a lifespan of 8-12 years, but as with anything, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. There are several easy "set it and forget it" tips that you can use with your water heater, like keeping the thermostat at 120 degrees, and always maintain two feet of clearance around the appliance. You can also conserve money on your gas bill by setting your heater to its "vacation" setting when leaving town. This will keep the pilot light going without heating the water.

8 Paint Colors for a Standout Front Door?

Extend a standout greeting with a memorable hue at your home's entry

Home Foundations And Why Material Matters

The typical single-family home can weigh anywhere from 80,000 to 160,000 pounds. Foundations provide a solid base for a home's weight, help to ensure the house stays level and provides a base for construction to take place. Foundations matter, and so does the material that they're made of. Here's a closer look at both, starting with materials and why they matter.

See More Articles