Improvements - how much is too much?

[Nick1866]

Hi guys,

Not sure if this is ever a debate had among hosts on Airbnb, but I was wondering how much is too much home improvement when it comes to Airbnb? At what point does it become economically unviable?

I live in an apartment and it's been suggested (by friends) that I make a few changes here and there. Replacing some posters with framed pictures, that kind of thing, nothing major. But still with a price tag.

But it's my home, and I'm comfortable with it. And from the reviews I have got, it appears many of the guests have few complaints.

I price my home in order to get the most guests, so margins are always quite tight, and I don't want to change my home to where it loses its sense of my character.

Was wondering what y'all thought about how far it's worth going to improve matters when I am still getting regular bookings?

There is a wish among some guests to get Ritz Carlton conditions at Ryanair prices, but ultimately, I get the impression people book with my because the price is right, and perhaps overlook the imperfections.

Not sure if that makes any bit of sense, but would love your thoughts.

Nick

[Brian2036]

It sounds like you’re doing OK with your apartment as it is now.

Our rentals are not luxurious but we do add some decorative items when we find things at thrift stores or auctions that are not expensive and will not cause us to be upset if they are broken or stolen.

If you do spend significant money on improvements you should be prepared to raise your prices to amortize your costs. 

[Sarah977]

@Nick1866  The whole thing about a home share is that guests are staying in your home and that it looks the way you like it to. And it seems your guests don't have complaints about it, nor is it a high-end listing where they can expect some slick, modern, trendy decor. So no, don't feel it's necessary to change it.

However, if some of your friends have made some suggestions, it's worth considering that things might look dated or stale and maybe make a few inexpensive upgrades. Or not.

But I certainly wouldn't change my wall art, or anything in the common spaces, if those are things I enjoyed looking at or that held good memories for me. 

We can get so used to the way something looks, if it's been there for years, that we don't even see it anymore, and sometimes it's good to have a fresh pair of eyes take stock. I would agree with your friends that you could do with something different in the guest room, though. A bunch of unframed photos and posters just stuck on the wall in no particular order, as I see in your listing photos, looks a bit tacky to me. 2 or 3 nice framed prints or photos, instead of what you have there now, would be an improvement, IMO. I don't know what the second hand stores are like where you live, but you may be able to find some interesting stuff that doesn't cost much.