Setting up a Short-Term Rental Soon?

Setting up a Short-Term Rental Soon?

If you’re thinking about turning your home into a short-term rental but not sure if you should upgrade the kitchen, bathrooms, or floors, read on.

Select Materials Based on Use

Rental properties need to withstand heavy use, so material selections should be made with durability at top of mind. Look for materials that will not scratch, stain, crack, or etch easily and don’t require much maintenance.

Analyze the Function of the Space

Selecting the right countertop or floorings also depends on the function of the space. Bathrooms require materials that can be exposed to constant moisture, making marble, granite, and quartz great options.

In a kitchen, your countertop needs to withstand water, food, and drink spills and endure the possibility of pots and pans being dragged across its surface. Although beautiful and elegant, marble is quite porous, making it vulnerable to scratches and permanent staining and generally not a great option for kitchens.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, man-made quartz is now the top selling material for kitchen surfaces. It is more stain and scratch-resistant than granite, the second most utilized material. Quartz is functional, affordable, and practical while also considered environmentally-friendly as it is created by combining waste stones. Recent improvements in the look of quartz provides wide appeal to both buyers and renters alike.

Consider the Design Element

When updating countertops or floors, make sure your selections compliment the surrounding materials and design of the home. For example, stainless steel and concrete counters look great in modern kitchens but will likely look out of place in a traditional kitchen with a lot of wood cabinets. Selecting materials neutral in color and pattern that have broad appeal is always a good idea when designing for a wider audience.

For more suggestions about furnishing, decorating and branding your vacation rental property, just give us a call at 805-729-2410 or email us here. We’d love to help!