Converting your home into an Airbnb property is a great source of supplemental income. There are a few steps to take before your home will be ready for guests. In this article, we will be talking specifically about preparing property to be an Airbnb, not how to list it on the site.
A Fresh Face
When it comes to making your Airbnb property marketable, image is everything. The curb appeal of your property will determine whether or not people come to stay there. You’ll need to take an abundance of good pictures, and you may even choose to have the property professionally staged.
Before you pull out your camera, make sure your property is ready for its close-up. Take care of any landscaping maintenance—mow the lawn, trim the shrubs, turn the mulch, and finish the weeding. If you really want your Airbnb property to look its best, a fresh coat of paint is the best way to go. Make sure all driveways and walkways are clear and easily accessible.
Keep It Clean
Your guests will expect their stay to be clean and sanitary. Before they arrive, make sure that all the cleaning details are taken care of. You can hire out a cleaning service or follow a checklist to make sure that the windows are clean, the carpet is vacuumed, the appliances are spotless, and the linens are fresh. This process should be taken care of between each party’s stay.
Even before your Airbnb property is open to guests, you should declutter the space to protect your belongings and your privacy. Store the belongings that you don’t want guests to access away in locked closets, cabinets, or safes. To make your guests’ stay comfortable, make sure furniture and appliances are in good working order.
Prioritize Safety
Accidents happen, even on vacation. To avoid any tragedies, make sure your Airbnb property is equipped for emergencies. Keep your phone number and that of emergency agencies like poison control and the fire department in a visible place. A fire extinguisher should also be readily available. Keep a first aid kit on-hand, perhaps in the bathroom.
Every room in your home should be protected with fire alarm and carbon monoxide alarm. Keep the batteries current. For that matter, make sure your guests have easy access to batteries, flashlights, radios, and nonperishable food. If you live in a snowy area, keep snow shovels and snowmelt in an accessible location. Your home should also be able to pass a thorough safety inspection. Make sure your home is free of exposed wires or loose steps.
Locked Up Tight
The locks you put on your Airbnb property are essential for keeping your property and your guests safe. Keyless entry is the most common choice for Airbnbs because it makes the check-in and -out processes much easier. You can change the code to the lock with each party, and you never have to worry that your keys are being copied or lost. Homeowners also have the option to activate tamper- and failed attempt alerts.
Don’t Leave Maintenance to Chance
No one—guest or property owner—wants to be surprised by a maintenance issue at their Airbnb property. Take care of all maintenance checks before you open your home up to guests. This includes making sure that all the lights work, that the furnace and air conditioner work properly, that there are no leaks at the sink or any of the appliances. If you offer things like a pool or washer and dryer, make sure that such elements are guest-ready.
Kitchen Considerations
A kitchen is one of the big draws to staying at an Airbnb property, so homeowners should make sure that the space is ready to go before the guests arrive. Offer dishes, cups, and silverware enough to match the capacity you have listed for your property. Make pots, pans, utensils, oven mitts, and dish towels available for your guests to use. Having an array of spices is a nice touch.
The kitchen is a common hub area for people as well as appliances. Make sure your dishwasher, oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker are in good working order before you book. A table with sufficient seating is also a nice touch.
A Special Touch
There are thousands of Airbnb properties available for people to choose from. If you want your listing to pop, the details matter. Consider what your guests will need and anticipate those desires. Make sure your property is well-stocked with linens, soap, dish soap, trash bags, bottled water, and snacks.
Black-out curtains are a nice addition to help your guests sleep more restfully through the night. A strong internet connection is also a big draw, especially for guests who need to work while they’re away from home.