This post is a guest post from popular fix-it guy Kevin from Plain Help. I reached out to Kevin because Karen and I are creating an attic bedroom for a short-term rental client to maximize guest accommodation and I wanted an expert to give subscribers the scoop on what to think about when attempting such a project.
Airbnb has become one of the most popular types of accommodation for all sorts of travel needs. After all, it’s always pleasant and relaxing to stay in an actual home instead of a hotel, not to mention more affordable. Consequently, more and more people are considering transforming unused portions of their homes to Airbnb accommodation to take advantage of this hospitality opportunity. Just as noteworthy are the people who already own a short-term rental and looking to add another bedroom to improve their nightly rate and their overall ROI.
One overlooked space is the attic. Did you know that the attic is one of the most common spaces that can become a short-term rental unit? With some modifications, your unused attic space might yield some serious earnings in the long term and also improve the value of your vacation rental at the same time. The following attic renovation tips could turn out to be very useful and profitable.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Make a Proper Plan and Organise the Layout
You need to come up with a thorough plan before you start any renovation project. For starters, it’s important to assess the current condition of your attic. Do you need to put up new flooring? Will you need skylights to bring light into the space? Is it necessary to add insulation? What about water and electricity? Finally, what are you going to do about the layout? For a small bedroom for Airbnb guests, just a bed is not enough; they also need adequate storage as well as a small bathroom.
Skylights are often critical in bringing lights into otherwise dark attics.
One thing to consider if you can afford it and your house has the structural potential is to add a terrace, thereby increasing the square footage of the attic rental. These are all things that you need to consider first in order to calculate your budget and take the necessary steps in the right order.
This VRBO listed attic space has the bonus of a terrace on which guests can enjoy some sunshine and a chat at the same time. Rent it here.
2. New Floors and Walls
Most attics can benefit from new walls and floors, especially when you’re trying to transform this room for a comfortable stay for your Airbnb guests. In that respect, wood or wood-like flooring would definitely fare best for durability as well as aesthetic appeal. But don’t forget to add the acoustic underlayment so people downstairs don’t hear footsteps.
Furthermore, make sure that the insulation level is satisfactory, deal with the plaster and trimming, and opt for a pleasant and warm shade for the wall colors. Actually, a very popular trick to make the room feel homier and more comfortable is to leave the beams exposed and/or to use timber cladding for the interior. This creates more texture and a cosy cabin feel.
Wood cladding was put on the ceiling to give a cozy feeling to this short-term rental. A skylight was installed to give the room more light as well. Rent it here.
3. Don’t Forget about the Bathroom
Regardless of how small your attic is, it still needs a bathroom, even a tiny one. This isn’t just a simple bedroom for one of your family members but a proper Airbnb bedroom for a paying guest. A toilet, shower, and sink are absolute must-haves for your attic bathroom. Obviously, some type of storage would be appropriate, at least in the form of a wall shelf if there’s no room for cabinets. Walk-in showers seem to be a very popular solution in smaller bathrooms, so keep that in mind.
Even tiny bathrooms are appreciated in attics. After all, who wants to trudge down a flight of stairs in the middle of the night? VRBO in Paris
4. Focus on the Practical Things
Obviously, the bed will be the focal point of your attic bedroom. Therefore, it should be supremely comfortable, with white bedding and a 5-star mattress. However, there are other things that you’d need to include as well, such as quick and easy to access Wi-Fi, extra blankets, good reading lights by the bed, an iron, a hairdryer, proper space to unpack and hang some of your things (even if it’s just a built-in shelf), luggage racks, a bottle opener and a couple of glasses.
This Amsterdam Airbnb attic features great reading lights, a convenient clothes rack, a small desk and chair for business travelers, and a set of chairs and a coffee table for comfortable relaxation.
5. What about the Kitchenette?
If you are lucky and your attic has room for a kitchenette, putting one in will attract more guests and make their stay more enjoyable. As mentioned, a bottle opener and a couple of glasses may be more than enough if you advertise your accommodation as such. But, you can still boost the level of comfort and practicality with a portable electric burner, an Instapot, or a microwave. Shelves are key for adding storage.
People looking into renovated attics for their Airbnb stay often don’t expect to find these commodities in the offer, which can set you apart from other hosts.
This kitchenette, designed by Karin Montgomery Spath, is seamlessly incorporated into the rest of the attic room. Remodelista.
6. Get Rid of Clutter and Personal Items
When decorating your attic bedroom for your short-term rental guests, you want to make sure that they have enough room to move around and put their stuff. In that respect, minimal décor is sufficient. You don’t want to clutter up the space with trinkets that serve no real purpose apart from making a mess. So, a plant, decorative bedding and cushions, black-out curtains, a rug, and art are plenty for this kind of space. Also, remove all personal items. Guests can’t feel comfortable and relaxed if your family photos and keepsakes abound.
7. Sleep in Your Attic Bedroom BEFORE You Rent it Out
To make sure your new Airbnb room is perfect for your guests, it’s important that you sleep in it before your guests do; you’ll be able to spot whether there’s any room for improvement. You’d be surprised at what you notice when you sleep in a space designed for others, as your senses will be on high alert for anything missing and can quickly remedy it before renting.
Kevin has gone through an extensive home renovation with his son, which he has both thoroughly enjoyed, and dreaded every morning. He is now the proud owner of half his dream house (the other half has been waiting for spring). You can read more of Kevin’s work at PlainHelp.