Designing a home-away-from-home requires a bit of ongoing TLC and creative upgrades
When you open your home to weary travelers, you have the opportunity to help someone unwind, re-energize, and fall in love with your local area. Home upgrades, both large and small, can earn you those glowing reviews, word-of-mouth recommendations, and of course, the knowledge that you made your guests feel as relaxed as possible.
Whether you're a new Airbnb host or looking to level up your guest experience, here are 13 tips to put on your project list.
There are plenty of ways to entice your guests to bring their cup of coffee or glass of wine outside, even if you only have a small patio or patch of grass. Planning a great outdoor space can be as simple as adding string lights and a patio set or hiring a local hardscaper to install new patio pavers. Hoping to increase your fall and winter numbers? Install a fire pit to create a welcoming—and Instagrammable—outdoor experience.
Does your Airbnb get a bit drafty in the winter? Whether it's an older home or a wind-prone ski chalet—or both—it may be time to upgrade your insulation. Something as simple as finding the right insulation contractor may not seem like a glamorous upgrade, but it will keep your guests comfortable and your heating bills down.
Insulating a house costs an average of just over $5,000, but keeping up with insulation standards has an ROI for your utility bills and general home comfort.
Since you won't be there to send your guests off with a cup of cocoa and an extra blanket, help them feel cared for from afar. Place a basket on the nightstand with eye masks, ear plugs, hot chocolate packets, and instructions to make the space as cozy as possible. These small touches will stick in your guests' memories for a long time, especially after a long day of travel.
Cleanliness and sanitation have always been top priorities for travelers, but now they're on the forefront of everyone's mind. If you're upgrading your kitchen and bathroom, weigh the many types of countertop materials and consider which ones are the easiest to keep looking and feeling clean.
Keep this in mind when choosing flooring materials and their cleaning methods as well, especially if guests tend to bring in muddy hiking boots or sandy feet from outside. Stainless steel, granite, and marble are excellent options for germ-resistant and easy-to-clean countertops, for example, while engineered wood, linoleum, and porcelain tile work best on the floors.
Sure, your guests can search online to their hearts' content, but only you know the best latte in town. Include recommendations for great spots to visit in your area in a welcome packet. Update your list with seasonal street fairs, farmers' markets, and local festivals. You can also use this spot to include practical tips like street parking downtown, garbage pickup, or the closest laundromat if you don't have laundry on site.
If you already have an excellent outdoor space to work with, consider how to invite more guests outside in the buggiest months. The benefits of a screened-in porch are worth the work: They extend the private gathering space, increase home value, and—of course—keep the mosquitoes outside when you're trying to enjoy the beautiful evening.
A wet room is a common bathroom design that allows water to flow freely beyond the shower stall and drain into a spot not contained within your shower door. Not only does this safeguard your home from water damage, but it's also a chic and stylish option that will make your home stand apart. One of the benefits of a wet room is that it opens up a small bathroom with an open floor plan. Just make sure to leave a note about how the wet room works in case your guests have never seen a shower-curtain-free setup.
Speaking of snazzy bathrooms, wow your guests with a soaking tub fit for a spa. Stand-alone soaking tubs are making a comeback, both for their trendy design and relaxing benefits.
The design does require a bit more square footage since it doesn't traditionally attach to a wall, but the final look is worth the space. Always work with a local bathtub installer when making significant changes like these. These trained pros can help you properly extend and connect plumbing and ensure you aren't at risk of water damage.
While there are many pros and cons of outdoor lighting—especially in rural areas—lighting up walkways and front entranceways can be very helpful for visitors. Your guests will not be as familiar with your neighborhood, front path, and key setup as you are, and they may not be able to find the switch if they arrive late. Install timed or sensor lighting to your exterior to make your guests feel safer. If your neighborhood prefers darkness at night, include this in the welcome notes.
One of the best perks about renting an Airbnb over a hotel room is the space to cook your own meals. If you have a smaller kitchen, add a kitchen island—even a movable one—to expand your food-prep area. There are even plenty of kitchen island ideas to add if you're on a budget. Leave crucial cooking tools and utensils in a clearly marked place for visiting home chefs.
Do you live in a tropical wonderland that requires constant AC? Remember to clean your air conditioner or HVAC system at least once a year, or every several months if you allow pets in your rental.
Not only will your allergy sufferers thank you, but cleaning the whole system will help it run more smoothly and on less energy. If you're not in town enough to keep an eye on the filters, hire a local HVAC contractor to stop by on a set schedule to take a look.
The last thing you feel like doing after a long trip is trekking to the store for a toothbrush or contact solution. Gather the most commonly forgotten toiletries in a welcome basket or bathroom closet. Consider including disposable razors, toothbrushes, toothpaste, travel hair products, and a comb. It should also go without saying to include extra toilet paper and tissues in the bathroom, even if you request that guests restock at the end of their stay.
A first impression means everything, and in this case, that means placing your best foot forward with great online photos. If it's been a minute since you updated your Airbnb decor, a local interior decorator—not to be confused with an interior designer—can help you make simple and meaningful changes. Decorators may air a new room layout, suggest new artwork, or even change the color of a room to create a better sense of calm.
