Updated October 2024
You made it through another summer of renting your home, your tenants were happy, and other than the call about the TV that wasn’t working, there were no major problems. But it’s not time to relax just yet. Now’s the time to tackle the home improvements you promised yourself you’d tackle in the off season.
Take care of outdoor projects while you still can
There’s still time to do a few exterior projects before winter sets in. Maybe you’ve thought about adding an outdoor shower (always a very popular amenity among vacationers). Or perhaps you want to add a deck or patio – some vacationers consider this a must-have amenity. Even if these projects can’t be completed until spring, it might be a good idea to get estimates now. Check our Service Provider Directory.
Next up -- interior projects
Focus on those improvements that have the best return on investment, such as replacing old appliances with energy-efficient ones or adding smart technology automation. A smart thermostat allows you to set the air conditioning temperature, and smart locks enable you to provide your guests with a unique code to access your home.
air conditioning is now the norm
Once considered a luxury in a vacation rental, air conditioning is now the norm, and most guests won’t rent a home without it. Many vacationers are looking for some form of central air. Since it can be difficult to retrofit an older home with central air, some owners are opting for a ductless mini-split system, which can be easy to install and provide heating as well as cooling.
Wear and tear like this happens. If you find new, unsightly marks on the walls by the end of the rental season, now is a good time to do some touchup work, or even repaint entire rooms that suddenly look tired. A fresh coat of paint does wonders.
Do you have some dingy carpeting that needs replacing? Consider doing without carpeting altogether and refinishing the hardwood floors. Don’t have hardwood floors? You might install pre-finished wood flooring, the kind that easily snaps together.
One homeowner told us that she has had success with colorful, inexpensive indoor/outdoor rugs in high traffic areas. She has one under the kitchen table and says it looks great. She also added one on the deck, where it gives the space a real ‘outdoor living room’ feel.
Does your kitchen look dark and dreary? (Yes, renters do care what the kitchen looks like.) You can make some amazing cosmetic changes without breaking the bank.
One of our homeowners removed all of her cabinet doors, coated them with a stain-blocking primer (you can use Kils or Bin), and then painted them a glossy off-white and added some new hardware. What a difference — it was a metamorphosis! And for budget-conscious homeowners, there’s a countertop laminate that resembles stone.
Maintaining and upgrading your home will ensure that your property will appeal to your guests, driving up both occupancy and rental income for years to come.
What do you do to keep your vacation rental property fresh and inviting year after year?