How to Remodel a House for Airbnb
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Today we are talking about how to remodel a house for Airbnb. I’m going to share a few key renovation strategies that we did 2 years ago that helped turn our Airbnb into a successful vacation spot and also contributed to us making over $93,000 in under 15 months.
Transforming your house into an Airbnb gem doesn’t necessarily mean overhauling every room. It’s about making strategic and profitable upgrades that enhance guest experiences, thereby increasing your booking rates and reviews.
Airbnb Renovation Ideas
When we first purchased our small home on a lake in New Hampshire, our original intent was to spend no more than $25,000 and make cosmetic changes.
That plan didn’t exactly happen as we didn’t anticipate the amount of work that was needed to be done on the house.
Sometimes once you start cosmetic renovations, bigger problems present themselves which lead to a larger scale remodel.
We made the decision to go “all in” and essentially remodel most of the home with the expectation that we could charge more money per night and re-coop the renovation money spent in a 2 year time frame.
Let’s take a look at 10 ways you can remodel your home for Airbnb.
Selecting Your Spaces
First, identify which areas of your house are most appealing or could be easily upgraded to provide the best experience for your guests.
Often, focusing on key areas such as the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom can make a significant impact.
When considering renovations, think about projects that will not only appeal to your ideal guest but also provide a good return on investment.
Functional and Comfortable Furnishings
Furnish your spaces with comfort and functionality in mind.
A cozy, well-appointed room can significantly enhance a guest’s stay.
Opt for durable, easy-to-clean furniture that can withstand the wear and tear of frequent use.
For example, we purchased a leather sofa and leather top stools which are easy to clean.
Update the Bathroom
If a complete bathroom renovation isn’t in your budget and assuming the faucets do not leak and the light fixtures are in good shape, consider a new toilet and a fresh coat of paint on the walls at the bare minimum!
A minor bathroom remodel can significantly increase your property’s appeal.
High-quality towels and amenities will also help boost a bathrooms appearance and feel.
Enhance the Kitchen
A kitchen that looks inviting and is fully functional can be a major selling point.
Updating appliances, refreshing cabinets, and ensuring that guests have all the cooking utensils they might need can go a long way.
If the cabinets are in good shape, consider replacing just the doors and hardware like we did above.
If you budget allows for a more extensive kitchen remodel, take a look at how we updated our kitchen in our personal home by painting the kitchen cabinets, swapping out the hardware, installing new kitchen countertops and backsplash.
While a full kitchen renovation will cost thousands of dollars, determine how much more money a night you could charge if your kitchen was fully updated. If the numbers are significant, it may be worth the investment.
Create an Inviting Bedroom
Comfort is king in the bedroom. Even if the bedroom is small, there are ways to make it feel spacious with the appropriate sized furniture, paint and strategic storage.
Invest in high-quality bedding, offer multiple pillow options, and consider adding blackout curtains for those who like to sleep in.
A fresh coat of paint on the walls and trim along with a comfortable mattress with luxurious topper will go a long way.
Creating a cozy bedroom that is warm and welcoming will not only leave a lasting impression but this can be achieved on a budget. If you are not sure how to make a bed, read this post, 5 secret tips to a fluffy bed.
Read my blog post, what is a duvet and satin vs sateen sheets for all the details about bedding and what is the best!
Look for bed linens on Amazon, TJMaxx or Walmart. I purchase all of our bedding on both sites and pay a fraction of the cost.
I share all of these details in Airbnb Course Academy.
Install A Generator
Installing a whole house generator is a feature that will no doubt, set you apart from your competition. Just like when selling your home, prospective buyers (or guests) will find this an attractive amenity and could be what “seals the deal” for your property.
How Do You Prepare Your House for an Airbnb
Preparing your house for Airbnb guests goes beyond renovations.
It’s about creating a welcoming and memorable experience.
Cleanliness is Crucial
Ensure your home is spotless. This is a non-negotiable as far as I am concerned.
This might mean hiring a professional cleaning service before listing and after each guest departs.
In Airbnb Course Academy, I share all the steps we implemented with our cleaner before we started, a checklist of what she performs after each stay and tips to incentivize a thorough and clean home.
Stock Up on Essentials
Provide all the essentials your guests might need, from toiletries to kitchen staples.
This thoughtful touch can make a big difference in their overall experience.
An example of this may be organizing your utensil drawers or keeping extra blankets organized in storage blanket bags.
Personalize Your Space
Adding personal touches such as local guidebooks, recommendations, or a small welcome gift can make guests feel at home.
We share a fun welcome book that includes house rules, directions on how to operate certain features in the home as well as local favorite destinations and attractions.
I give a full outline of this in Airbnb Course Academy as well as our exact template that you can customize and make your own.
Safety Measures
Ensure your home meets all safety standards, including working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit. Also, make sure guests have a clear understanding of exit routes and emergency procedures.
Smart Home Technology
Smart home technology can really help you stand out in a crowded Airbnb market. Jim loves all smart home devices and installed smart home locks on all of our exterior doors as well as interior locked utility closets.
Here are the top 5 smart devices that will not only boost your listing’s appeal but also enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
- Video Doorbells (like a Ring Video Doorbell ): provides security and convenience, enabling remote property monitoring which is huge if you live far away like we do!
- Smart Thermostats (Honeywell or Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium): We have the remote Honeywell thermostat which is a lifesaver in case guests forget to turn down the heat or AC before they checkout.
- Smart Smoke Detectors (like the Google Nest Protect): Increase safety by alerting you to emergencies immediately.
- Smart Locks: Simplify check-ins with keyless entry, enhancing guest convenience. I shared a post on our Kwikset Smart Home lock and why we love it.
- Smart Lighting Systems: Allow guests to personalize their environment, setting the mood for a memorable stay. Jim installed under cabinet kitchen lighting that is remote controlled with varying colors. It’s pretty cool!
If your are considering and Airbnb or just purchased one, consider getting on our Airbnb Course Academy waitlist! I will teach you everything we did and currently do step by step – which has contributed to our successful year of over $93,000 in under 15 months.
In the meantime, be sure to download our 25 Airbnb Winning Strategies – they are great thought starters.
In our experience, planning out strategic renovations and associated costs will not only increase the bottom line but also provide an amazing guest experience.
Remember, the goal is to create a space where you’d love to stay if you were traveling. This mindset will help you in making decisions that ultimately contribute to your Airbnb’s success.
More Airbnb Home Posts You May Like
- Airbnb Starter Kit Guide (our step by step guide of everything we do to run a successful Airbnb)
- How to make money with Airbnb (how we make money with Airbnb)
- Best Airbnb checklist for hosting (a quick resource perfect to keep things organized)
- Airbnb smart lock system (the locks we use in our Airbnb)
- Best Airbnb home in New Hampshire (a full tour of our lake house)
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
