10 ways to improve your space

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10 ways to improve your space

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From easy, affordable upgrades to larger renovations, there are so many ways to give your space a refresh. Here, we share some home improvement ideas from hosts like you. Whether you’re ready to tackle your to-do list now or planning something down the road, get ready to get inspired!

 

1. Remember that small updates can have a big impact

Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh coat of paint or some everyday cleaning products to breathe new life into a room. Superhost Harold from Montreal, Canada, is planning a few “light renovations.” He’ll be “washing walls in high-traffic areas and painting the guest room and bathroom,” he says. “Painting is the best way to spruce up a space!” For an even simpler refresh, try changing out bed linens, adding new throw pillows, or just replacing the shower curtain.

2. Make the most of your slow season

Got larger upgrades in mind? Once you’ve identified your low-demand season, take advantage of it to make updates, especially if they’ll require your space to be unoccupied for a few days or weeks. “Winter here is a slow time, so it’s perfect for larger projects,” says host Martin of Proendos, Spain. Superhosts Delfina and Jorge from Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, notice that fewer guests check in during November, January, and February, which is when they “had all the furniture in the kitchen painted, changed the vacuum cleaner for a wireless one, and bought a new duvet.”

 3. Take a second look at your guests’ first impression

When guests arrive at your door, what’s the first thing they notice? If it’s peeling paint or a badly lit walkway, you might be missing a chance to wow them right from the start. “As the weather gets better, we start with painting our front door,” says host Maria from Athens, Greece. And Superhost Markus of Dornbirn, Austria, is installing “new LED outdoor lights with motion detectors in the entrance area to our apartments.”

4. Make changes that can help you save time on cleaning

From furniture to fixtures, some changes can make cleaning your space faster (and more cost-efficient!). Superhost Beth from Flagstaff, Arizona, replaced her high-maintenance bed frame with a more streamlined "platform bed that does not require polishing.” And Superhost Beatriz of São Paulo, Brazil, has a neat trick for making hard-to-reach spots more accessible: “I'm going to put little wheels under some furniture to speed up the cleaning process.”

5. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Reducing the energy use in your space isn’t just better for the planet—it can also help you save on your bills. Host Markus from Dornbirn, Austria, plans to try out a smart thermostat: “I’m hoping this will reduce my heating costs, as I will be able to reduce the heating output [when the space is] unoccupied.” And Superhost Pete from Los Angeles “just added countdown timers for the bathroom ceiling heater and fan” to help his guests be more energy-conscious.

6. Keep up with preventative maintenance

Whether it’s replacing your HVAC filters, changing out lightbulbs, or dusting and resetting modems and routers, there are certain tasks you can do on a set schedule to keep everything in your space running smoothly. Depending on where you live, the local climate can add to your to-do list. “I replaced the toilet flapper chain with a piece of nylon cord, and I oil hinges on a regular basis,” says Superhost Sarah from Sayulita, Mexico, where humidity and salt in the air can erode metal fixtures.

7. Double-check your space’s safety preparedness   

Updating your space for safety is always a worthwhile investment. “Smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and signage for guests to follow in case of, heaven forbid, an accident or incident” are a good place to start, says Superhost Bryan from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain. For peace of mind, stock your space with a fire extinguisher and first-aid kit. You should also familiarize yourself with any rules and regulations specific to your region.

8. Create a welcoming outdoor area

Guests love a nice green space, and you don’t need a sprawling backyard to create one. Superhost Lawrence of Parkville, Australia, is setting his sights high and “planning a potted garden on the roof deck. I will use indigenous coastal plants.” And Superhost Irwing from Panama City, Panama, is inspiring guests to enjoy a little time outside. “I want to make a garden on the balcony and add a patio furniture set to create a space where guests can connect with nature.”

9. Stay in your space to anticipate guests’ needs

If you’re not sure where to start, try putting yourself in your guests’ shoes. “Before you jump into a renovation or upgrade, pack a bag and stay in your own space for a couple of nights,” says Superhost Sarah of South Charleston, Ohio. “Then make a list of things you needed, missed, or that didn’t work quite as you imagined.” Be sure to go in through the guest entrance to get the full experience.

10. And don’t forget to update your listing!

Every improvement to your space is a chance to make your listing more compelling, so be sure to update your description, list of amenities, and photos. If you can, consider investing in professional photography like Superhost Jacqui from Worcester, U.K., did. “It was worth it,” she says. “Bookings went up.”

 

We hope these ideas get you thinking about all the ways you can improve your space now and in the months and years to come.

 

39 Replies 39

I would suggest adding grab bars for older guests if you aren’t already planning on them.

We had a beautiful slipper tub that was very romantic but we opted to tear it out for a nice shower. Used a Moen glass model that bows out so it is more spacious and added rainfall shower head with hand held adjustable shower head and grab bar. We won a heated towel rack so we added that to the bathroom. These additional things we added really wow our guests.  

Hello, I pray for this disease of covid19 to go in Jesus's name. We have no more flights in most countries. God have mercy upon us

Suzanne204
Level 2
Brenham, TX

My contractor is doing a brilliant job raising the roof and extending the back wall out 5 feet. A brand new kitchen and adding another bath while renovating the other baths as well. 
I cannot wait to post the finished kitchen and three sparkling bathrooms. We are on schedule to be open for the Round Top Texas Antique Festival in March 2020!

Deb44
Level 2
Belgrade, MT

We have blindly done most of the 9 out of 10 things listed about. I also have a sweet husband who is always trying to keep my Airbnb space lit well, painted and even clean; he is a big help, but the biggest project is putting barn-looking tile up to the top of the stairs to the rooms, around corners and through the hallway where suitcases have been hitting the walls for 8 years. It will be easy to clean, and now, I don’t mind the carpet as much. Looks good together.  Can’t wait until it is done so we can post new pictures.

Lots of good ideas for renovations and upgrades on this page. My wife suggested boxing in all the beds to prevent lost items or having to vacuum under the beds. I'm currently working on this and it will be a huge time saver.

Menavia0
Level 2
New Jersey, United States

I recently added three units to my existing one. Now I have four apartments. It a little more challenging, but it's working out nicely. 

Menavia0
Level 2
New Jersey, United States

I recently completed Three apartments with all brand new modern kitchen. The yard. It was a massive renovation. I'm happy I did it. Now I can host bigger group.

Conor47
Level 2
Dublin, IE

Whats the best way to post images of renovations. Im having my living room completely redone and would love to share the process

Stephanie1115
Level 2
Wilmington, NC

My space looks completely different from when I started.  From just adding a TV to completely remodeling and painting the bedroom.  I've also tried to incorporate guest feedback into what I re-do.  Having a space I can rent out has really helped pull my entire house together. 

Judi48
Level 3
Brunswick, ME

Idiot on a ladder.... 😉

 

Penelope13
Level 2
Decatur, GA

I have blocked January and February for maintenance.  Usually December booking are for people who want to party on the lake, and I am not in favor of that kind of booking.  Getting all my house repairs done in the winter is what I do routinely.

Kara1
Level 6
Valley City, ND

I have several different sets of bedding for each room for different seasons or just for guys (hunters or construction workers) or gals (girlfriend/sister weekend, bridal or baby shower) and have photos of all in the listings.  Then if something happens that I have to, for example, send a bedspread away to the cleaners for stain treatment or repairs (only have weekly service to our small rural town), the room still looks like one of the posted photos for the

next guests.  

We have completed a major remodel on our property In December only to find out that Airbnb Plus currently can not and will not update the listing photos. Not only am I not able to showcase our beautiful remodel, but I am also marketing an outdated listing, which is borderline false advertising. That was a $25000.00 mistake. 

Kym6
Level 4
Auckland, New Zealand

Well, I don't know where I went wrong. 2018 we were back to back with guests for the whole year. March 2019 I blocked off so we could freshen up our guesthouse. A new coat of paint throughout, new cabinet doors in the kitchen, light fittings and bathroom vanity. Since 1 April 2019, we have been very quiet. I have updated everything (and I mean everything) on the Airbnb platform