Transforming your property into an Airbnb rental has a lot of moving parts, from amenities to area attractions to nuts and bolts like toiletries and kitchen staples. People choose Airbnb properties for the personalization and thoughtful touches that can’t be found in hotels, bed and breakfasts, and other short-term accommodations.
But most of all, those who book Airbnbs desire luxurious amenities that set the property apart. Investing in your old house by adding these singular DIY luxuries will pay dividends in happy guests, great reviews, and maybe even Superhost status!
So, let me share seven luxurious DIY projects to transform your old house into a sought-after Airbnb property that draws in your rental market with superior amenities.
Before You Get Started
Before ramping up your Airbnb transformation, consider the competition in the immediate market. Are you aware of other rental properties in your area? Have you researched competitor rentals and the amenities they offer? What stood out about them for the guests who left reviews?
Also, Airbnb and other short-term rental services are now restricted in some US cities. Know the status of your location. Also, if your old house is mortgaged, it’s advisable to check in with your lender to make sure you’re not prohibited from transforming your old house into an Airbnb. Know the rules, regulations, and local ordinances applying to short-term rentals before proceeding.
Once you’ve got your regulatory ducks in a row, you can get down to serious business. So, here are 7 luxurious DIY projects to transform your old house, starting with an amenity that’s having a renaissance, especially in the short-term rental market.
1. The Scando Swag of a Sauna
The Scandinavians know how to live. From Denmark’s “hygge” to Finland’s health-enhancing sauna, the gifts of Scandinavia go well beyond IKEA. And the sauna is making a comeback! This trend of home saunas began during the pandemic and its mandated cocooning shows no sign of slowing down. Consumer demand for experiencing spa-like amenities as part of their Airbnb stay makes installing a sauna the ideal DIY project.
And a sauna installation isn’t as expensive as you think! You can build out an affordable sauna as a detached, outdoor space, adding it to an al fresco entertaining and relaxation area, or in the master bedroom. Add a floor-to-ceiling window to create a unique experience guests are guaranteed to love. A private sauna adds a touch of Scandinavian tradition and healthy, spa-like luxury to your property. The sauna renaissance is relatively new, so be an Airbnb first mover and offer this sought-after amenity.
2. Crisp, Clean, and Bright – the Welcoming Kitchen
Because your house is older, leverage its period characteristics. Airbnb guests delight in heritage buildings, so leave those architectural details as they are, even older kitchen cupboards can be salvaged with the crisp, clean finish provided by white paint. Switch out tired countertops for a fresh, durable finish. Keep the look crisp, clean, and bright with white paint, accented by either varnished wood or contrasting paint color.
The sink is a focal point (especially if located under a window, which is often the case in older homes), so add a farmhouse fireclay sink. A heritage-inspired detail, fireclay is a durable material that’s resistant to high traffic and extreme heat. It will serve your property for many years while adding to its vintage appeal. Best of all, fireclay sinks are inexpensive!
And don’t forget that no matter how glamorously you update your kitchen, your guests won’t be happy unless it’s well-equipped for their stay. So, fill that kitchen with all the cooking utensils they’ll need. While most guests are excited to experience local restaurants, they’ll also want to cook sometimes, so make it a pleasure.
Don’t forget staples like coffee, tea, sugar, salt, bottled water, milk, and maybe a half dozen eggs. A welcome basket containing some local treats (jam, honey, crackers, energy bars, seasonal fruit) is also a highly-appreciated gesture. The kitchen is the home’s heart, so engineer its embrace of your guests to be big and warm.
3. A Grand Entrance
First impressions are lasting impressions, so a grand entrance is in order. The approach to your property should be:
- A preview of what guests will experience inside
- Well-lit and safe (no loose pavers on the front walk)
- A first impression that will last
Whether your old house is a colonnaded extravaganza or a modest rancher, its entrance sets the tone. Some targeted landscaping provides a needed facelift but much depends on where you live. Native, low-maintenance vegetation is key to success, making the appearance of your property consistent from visit to visit. Try lining the walkway with plant beds inhabited by low-slung coniferous shrubs or grasses and succulents growing between strategically placed rocks.
One simple but impactful change you can make is painting your front door. Paint it a bright, standout color. Red is the classic but any color will do in a rich lacquer that distinguishes it from the rest of the house. Symbolic of hospitality, your front door sends a welcoming message when painted to stand out. Groups of attractive plants on the landing increase crucial eye appeal. And make sure your exteriors are maintained to the standards your guests expect, with windows sparkling and fresh, clean paint.
To illuminate your walkway for night check-ins, try either solar or LED lighting. Flexible LED ropes can be wound through your plant beds for an almost ethereal effect that still provides sufficient light for guests to find their way to your brightly-colored front door. Then, add keyless entry to make your guest check-in experience utterly seamless!
4. Create Bathroom Bliss
Just as the sauna answers guest demand for a spa-like experience, the bathroom provides an opportunity to add luxurious, over-the-top comfort. If you haven’t replaced your fixtures in a while, now’s your shining moment to get it done. Choose well. Make sure the new toilet is low-flush and that your bathtub and sinks are made from a durable material, like acrylic.
Like the kitchen, a crisp, clean look is valued in the bathroom but an air of serenity (following the “spa” theme) is also highly preferred. As our theme is DIY, we’re going to stay within the realm of possibility. But if you’re knocking out a wall to put in a large tub with jacuzzi jets or a massive tiled shower with an adjustable water pressure shower head, please hire a contractor to get it just right.
Focusing again on DIY solutions, heated bathroom flooring is a pleasant surprise for your guests. There’s nothing more delicious than standing on a warm, cozy floor while performing your morning hygiene rituals. And it’s easier than you think to install a heated floor. Combine this sterling amenity with double sinks on a vanity that extends across one wall.
Over your double sinks, position decor mirrors. Choose mirrors made specifically for bathrooms, so they’ll withstand the heat and humidity. LED lighting installed behind each mirror creates a luxe, modern effect. Choose a warm, gold-toned lighting color, greeting your guests each morning with a satisfyingly flattering reflection of themselves! And please don’t forget to spoil your visitors with fine toiletries that tell them you care. A generous supply of fluffy, white towels is also in order!
5. Sweet Dreams: Security & Luxe Comfort
You guessed it! We’re going to talk about the bedroom. But before we do, we need to have a word about guest security. Anyone who’s ever traveled knows that falling asleep in a strange bed can be difficult. That’s even more the case if you’re worried about security.
Your old house and the guests who stay in it will be much more secure with the addition of motion detector lighting, an alarm system, and external security cameras. If you already have systems in place, manage them intelligently. If you don’t, it’s time to install, as security is a major concern for many Airbnb guests.
With security covered, the next most important consideration is the quality of your bed. Some people like firm beds. Others, soft beds. They say you can’t make everyone happy but when it comes to beds, you can get pretty close with some of today’s high-performance mattresses. Mattress comfort is a huge consideration for short-term rental guests, so spring for a mattress that’s comfortable and durable.
Finally, choose quality linens in high thread count cotton. Always choose white bed linens. White is a universal hallmark of fine hospitality. Add bolsters, throw cushions, and soft throws to your guest bed to signal the comforts of home sought by all Airbnb guests.
6. Get Smart
Technological amenities are surging in Airbnb rentals, so don’t get left behind. We’ve already covered features like keyless entry, motion detectors, and security cameras, but adding some of the following technologies to your Airbnb rental will set it apart from the competition:
- Smart speakers: These are now available in economical versions that give your guests access to the ever-popular “Alexa” for information about your property, restaurants in the area, and other nearby amenities.
- Smart thermostat: Save time and energy costs with a thermostat that does the work for you. Instead of running back and forth before guests arrive/leave, install one of these babies. They make hosting easier!
- Media streamer: A long day of sightseeing demands a little chill time, and with a media streaming service like Roku Express, you have the technology! As with smart speakers, the new, more affordable versions are ideal for your purposes, making potential theft less of a concern.
7. Chilling in Luxury
With all that smart technology in your newly transformed house, you’ll want to reinvent the property’s living room as a luxurious chill space, featuring a range of amenities and luxurious touches that will keep your guests coming back.
- Wifi: The strongest, most reliable wifi you can have is the only wifi guests want. This amenity is so crucial to your hosting success. People work remotely now, so wifi that facilitates their efforts is a necessity.
- Large flatscreen TV: With Roku or any other streaming service, guests expect the ubiquitous big, black screen. While many younger people may no longer own them, they want one in their Airbnb and so do most others. Anecdotal evidence – my recent getaway with a friend to a remote beach resort and the horror expressed by my travel buddy when there was no TV in the room.
- Room for Fido: Pet-friendly policies are surging in importance for short-term accommodation providers. Many people travel with their pets now but only a small percentage of Airbnbs allow pets. So make Fido welcome. You can even add some dog treats to your welcome basket and metal food and water bowls.
- Soothing decor touches: Never underestimate the power of art and decor. Vacations are important to your guests, so make your guests’ vacations memorable with luxurious flourishes of art on the walls and pleasing decor. Crystal home accessories add a homespun, caring touch. You can even leave a thoughtful card explaining the types of crystal employed in your decor.
- Embracingly comfortable furniture: A couch your guests can snuggle into to recover from their touristic exertions is a necessity. Covered in a durable hospitality fabric, your property’s couch might be distinguished by down-filled or memory foam cushions. Dress your comfy couch with soft, colorful throws and overstuffed cushions to up the “plush” factor.
- Books: A selection of books is always a welcome addition to any Airbnb. You might even want to establish a “take one, leave one” policy, inviting guests to exchange books they’ve read for one from your Airbnb library. This keeps your collection rotating and creates a charming literary connection with your guests.
Becoming the Airbnb Host With the Most
These 7 luxurious DIY projects to transform your old horse into a stellar Airbnb property can help to make your property one guests prefer. But to really pull out the stops, superior customer service and hyper-responsiveness to guest questions are what will get you to Superhost status.
So, get those regulatory ducks in a row, hire a contractor if you’re not dead sure about any given DIY project, and add the amenities that mean year-round guests. Start racking up those glowing reviews and before you know it, you’ll be a Superhost with a successful Airbnb!