Posted on 8/26/2020

Maintain your Vacation Rental for the Next Season

Recently we had a homeowner do a complete remodel of her unit. She chose her updates wisely and what a HUGE impact her choices made.

Consider new living room furniture and flooringSofas that look dingy, saggy and outdated are an instant turn-off to renters. Many times, your living room photo is the first thing that guests see from your web presentation and often immediately sends them clicking the next house. Replace worn, mismatched and dated pieces, and please don’t use plastic outdoor furniture indoors! Worn and dirty carpet holds moisture, odors, dirt and hair. We recommend replacing carpet in the main living areas with laminate or wood-look vinyl/tile for a low-maintenance, easy to clean surface that looks fresh and modern.

Before                                                                                         living/bedroomAfterliving/bedroom makeover

During the off season be sure to take advantage of updating your property. Returning guests like to see that their well earned money is spent on where they vacation. When they see updates they are more likely to continue renting the same property. So, try to keep your usuals by doing some of the following:

1 Paint. Try light and coastal colors like these

 
  color palette
 

2 Change the cushions on your couch or invest in re-upholstery or a slipcover

 chair makeover

3 Update throw pillows in living room

 

4 New comforters/quilts

 
 
 
 
 
 

5  Updated TVs (the flat screens go on sale during Thanksgiving)

BONUS: Streaming HDMI devices such as Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and Roku are an exciting low-cost addition to bedrooms, media rooms and game rooms! These devices connect to Wi-Fi and plug into an HDMI port to allow your guests to use their own Netflix, Hulu and premium channel accounts. These devices are a one-time cost and range from $35-50 each, and can be purchased online or at retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club and Best Buy. We recommend Roku - it has a remote!
 

6 Update to neutral or modern curtains including shower curtains and living room and bedrooms

Image result for coastal curtains  :
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

7 Remove all items that may be fading or collecting dust like faux floral arrangements

 
 
 
 

8 New dining room table and chairs or just new chair cushions

Rental Dining Room Makeover:
 

9 Replace or remove artwork on the walls (dated/faded)

Image result for coastal room
Furniture SolutionsRe-upholster your couch instead of buying a new oneReplace throw pillows on couches and beds for a quick refreshSlip Covers on couchesMake or Replace Dining Room Chair Cushions - IkeaPAINT!!! This makes the biggest impact in a room. A little fresh paint can change the entire mood of a roomDecorNew Artwork- Hobby Lobby, Ikea, Big Lots, TargetThrow Rug in Living Space if Floors are not updatedVisit our Pinterest DIY Page HERE for How To'sTake away from this short video--Try these simple changes to transform a small coastal room:Stick with neutrals in smaller spacesBedskirt , Hand Stitched Shams and light coverletLight color and light weight CurtainsSleek lightingThrow for the end of the bed and patternLong Floating ShelfThink Color, Pattern, Organization and SpaceWhen to Replace bedding and household linensReplace every year: Pillows, shower curtains, mattress pads. Check blankets and throw rugs for stains and wear.Every 2-3 years: Comforters/quilts, throw pillows, area rugs. Check curtains for sun bleaching and wear.