Homeowners that have converted one of their properties to an income-generating vacation rental may find that timely renovations are essential for maintaining the interest of their potential clients. Vacation rentals need to check off a lot of boxes such as being comfortable, having excellent internet access, reasonable technological improvements or new models of basic appliances, and also a well-maintained look that doesn’t seem dated or too reminiscent of a time in the past.
1. Make Your Property More Accessible
If you want your vacation rental to attract a more varied clientele you have to make changes so that it is more accessible. As a homeowner ask yourself whether your property is accessible to differently-abled people (such as people in a wheelchair) or whether you have made provisions for individuals traveling with pets. Providing something small and simple as an extra dog bed or a baby chair can make the difference between having a four or five-star review online.
You want all your clients to think you care about their special needs and are willing to accommodate those at little or no extra cost. The positive word-of-mouth recommendations will greatly impact the popularity of your vacation rental for months to come.
2. Maintenance Is A Necessity
When you are not living in a house or apartment full time you may forget that your property needs regular maintenance as well as various updates. As is the case with hotels or Air BnBs, you cannot expect guests to be careful or particular about how they use appliances or any item in the home. You may even see wear and tear on the doors, rugs, and furniture! The key is to do a thorough property inspection every few months or instruct your property manager to carry one out.
Undergoing a periodic professional roof inspection for one can be essential in preventing water damage from seeping into the walls and creating a pest problem or damaging furniture. The same goes for common appliances in the house such as the washer and dryer, dishwasher, fridge, and so forth as they will be used by guests rather irresponsibly and will get damaged over time. You may need to update certain appliances simply because newer technology has replaced the older models.
3. Remodel In The Off-Season
No one wants to be stuck remodeling when they could be making money from their vacation rental in the prime holiday times of the year. Schedule your remodel for the off-season (you can evaluate this based on the trends you’ve seen with the bookings as well as the weather) so that you do not miss out on valuable earnings. Using vacation rental software can help you manage bookings as a homeowner, receive payment, and also benefit from a range of additional features to make property management easier.
4. Budgets And DIYs
Taking care of a vacation rental property is an expensive undertaking even though it earns an income. When you are taking on a big remodel or renovating some of the rooms, always set aside a budget and choose contractors you trust to get it done within a short time. The longer the project takes the more it will cost you.
While it is not sensible to skimp on quality materials, you should know a vacation rental may not be the place to invest in a handmade Italian sofa or the most expensive granite countertop. Ideally, good quality materials should be used but not ones that will put you at a loss if a guest has unruly children or pets.
DIY projects such as making a tapestry, framing wall art, constructing a shelf, or painting flower pots add a homely touch and make the property seem lived in and your guests are sure to appreciate the vibe.
5. Embrace Technology
Adding thoughtful and technologically advanced touches to your vacation rental property can make a real difference in the quality of experience your clients have. Having a robotic lawnmower for example or an automated vacuum cleaner bot can make people feel more in touch with the modern age and it contributes to the level of convenience provided.
A good juicer and blender or a new model coffee maker are brilliant for individuals that need a healthy juice or a cup of coffee especially if their vacation is still partially work-oriented. Dimmable lights and a good TV or a projector are similarly great innovations so that your guests can sit back and enjoy a stellar movie on their vacation.