As the vacation rental industry continues to gain popularity among travelers hoping to enjoy more customized getaway experiences and accommodations, property owners are faced with questions of when to upgrade and renovate their homes. Over time, it’s normal for a vacation rental to experience wear and tear, but the details matter most when it comes to standing out in a competitive marketplace, and an upgrade can make a huge difference in boosting your occupancy rates year-round. That said, you don’t necessarily have to plan on breaking the bank to infuse some much-needed finishing touches into your home that are sure to delight guests. In fact, it’s entirely possible to renovate your 30A vacation home on a budget when you know where to focus your time and efforts and make successful changes that are sure to provide the most value for your money in the long run.
Renovate Your 30A Vacation Home On A Budget
Just because the seasonal trends might be making you feel like you need to invest in a full home remodel at your vacation rental, it doesn’t mean you have to spend every last dime trying upgrade every single appliance, furnish, finish, and amenity. In fact, a much more money-savvy way to approach vacation home renovating on a budget is to take time to closely evaluate who you’re hoping your home appeals to once your upgrades are in place. Identifying your target market can make it easier to eliminate projects that don’t necessarily fall in line with your goals for the year. Different demographics of travelers are going to be looking for very different amenities, so figuring out who your guests are ideally can go a long way toward keeping you on track with a clear, concise, and budget-friendly renovation plan. For example, if you’re hoping your vacation rental catches the eye of more families in the year to come, it might be a good idea to focus your renovation efforts specifically on child-friendly bedrooms, play areas, and kitchens that are family-friendly too. Alternatively, if you’re aiming to attract more remote workers to your property, you’ll want to invest in upgrades more focused on dedicated workspaces, smart technology, and features like lighting that are vital to a work/life balance far from home.
Set a Plan and Budget, Then Stick to It
With your target audience in mind, the next step in vacation home renovating on a budget is to set a plan of action in place, create a budget, and stick to it. Nothing will have you overspending more quickly than attempting to tackle a home renovation without a clear understanding of just what your financial parameters are from the start. Begin by breaking your renovation plans down into smaller steps whether that has to do with purchasing new décor, upgrading furniture, or sourcing materials for new countertops. Once you have those steps established, you can begin to price out everything you’ll need at local stores. Note if there’s anything you can take care of in the plan on your own instead of having to outsource for help and identify top priority projects that you don’t want to leave off your must-do list. The overall idea is to minimize your work and spending while elevating the impact of the changes you make in your property. It’s important to remember that even small changes go a long way with guests, and sticking to your budget will allow you to save money for future projects you have in mind as well.
Keep the Kitchen Looking Great Without Overspending
Much as it is in a personal residence, the kitchen in a vacation rental has a way of quickly becoming a central social hub among guests who book a stay in your property. Whether they’re spending time in conversation, celebrating, or serving up a savory meal, it’s a space that inevitably sees a lot of foot traffic throughout the year. As a result, it’s typically one of the rooms in the home you’re going to want to pay a lot of attention to when it’s time to upgrade because many guests will be looking for the finishes and extras that stand out in this space. Cabinets tend to be a focal point of a kitchen and if you don’t have it in your budget to replace the worn variety you currently have installed, adding a fresh coat of paint is a much more budget-friendly way to approach a kitchen renovation that keeps you on track financially and can provide some truly beautiful results. A pop of color on the backsplash is always a nice way to brighten up a kitchen that might otherwise be designed around neutral tones. If you don’t have the funds to invest in brand-new tile, you can look into more cost-friendly removable decals that work just as well and are easy to swap out when you’re inspired to switch up the aesthetic down the road. Don’t overlook the effectiveness of simply adding lighting to the kitchen as well, which is an easy and non-expensive way to brighten up the room and make the kitchen even more warm and welcoming for guests. The place you’re going to likely want to invest the most in the kitchen is in upgrading appliances to stainless steel and swapping out any vinyl countertops for something more durable and long-lasting like granite, quartz, wood, or soapstone. While this cost is certainly a bit more upfront, these are materials that you won’t have to replace so frequently down the road because they’re designed to keep up with significantly more use over time.
Transform the Living Room into a Showpiece Without Breaking the Bank
Yet another room in your vacation rental that prospective guests are likely to put a lot of emphasis on is the living room. Whether guests are in your property for a few days or making the most of an extended stay, you want the living room to be a place where they can hang out, relax, socialize, spend time together, and truly make memories that last a lifetime. Achieving that goal with some investment in renovation doesn’t have to be overwhelming on your budget to be impactful. If you don’t have the funds to upgrade all the furniture to a collection of new and modern additions, consider the more cost-effective route of having the furnishings in place refinished instead. Picking some eye-catching fabric is a great way to set a new vibe in the living room, and it’s easy to compliment with some fun wall art, a beautiful area rug, or some new innovative lighting features too. Even the inclusion of a smart television can go a long way with prospective guests who are interested in streaming their favorite shows and films from the comfort of your living room while they’re in town.
Small Changes Throughout That Make All the Difference
When it’s financially not the best time to invest in a full home renovation, keep in mind just how much of a difference the small changes make too. Upgrading the showerheads in your bathrooms can elevate the vibe from casual to elegant and swapping out standard doorknobs for something in a brass finish can give guests the impression that they’re stepping into a luxury retreat without you ever going over budget. Decorative touches throughout your vacation rental like easy-to-care-for plants, hanging chairs, and bookcases full of literary favorites, have a way of impressing guests with a feeling of being right at home upon arrival. Don’t underestimate the value of investing in strategically placed mirrors throughout your rental as well when you don’t have the funds to remove that pesky wall that makes the layout feel blocked in. Mirrors on large walls can effectively reflect the light and make a space feel larger, brighter, and more inviting overall. When you want to invest in renovation projects that might even save you money over the long term, it’s good to not overlook features like smart thermostats, smart locks, and energy-efficient appliances throughout the home. From upgrading mattresses in master suites and guest rooms to adding a desk to create a dedicated workspace without designing an entirely new office, there are always options to be strategic with your renovation budget while still providing guests with the world-class getaway experiences they deserve.
Reach Out Today to Learn More
When you’re ready to take steps towards renovating your vacation rental in 30A, the team at Dune Vacation Rentals has a dedicated renovations and project management team ready and waiting to help make it happen. We work with every budget and can assist with interior and exterior painting as well as kitchen and bath remodels, flooring installation, custom-built-ins, window and door replacement, outdoor living space design, landscaping, and full home renovations as well. Reach out today to learn more about our services and how we can help you get more for your money when it comes to upgrading your property this year.
