*Collaborative post*
There are several things you can do to prepare and make your home the best Air BnB possible and ensure that guests will want to come back time and time again.
Admin and Insurance
Before jumping in with the home improvements and preparation, you will need to do some research. Firstly, investigate whether there is a demand for short-term rentals in your area and what properties are already available. This will also help you determine how much you should charge, based on potential competitors nearby.
Once you have established that it is viable to operate as an Air BnB where you live, it is now time to research the necessary rules and regulations. You must ensure that you follow these and have adequate insurance and a mortgage that allows you to rent out your home.
You will also need to consider how you are going to manage check-ins. If you are going to be renting out your home whilst you are on holiday yourself, then it could be useful to install a lockbox on your property for easy contactless check-ins.
Additional storage
If you are planning on renting out the home in which you currently live, it is highly advisable to install some additional built in storage so that guests have adequate room to put their things. This will reduce the need for guests to put their bags in areas where you keep personal belongings. If you are cautious about keeping your things at home while guests are staying, consider adding locks to certain cupboards for safety.
Stock up on essentials
The last thing any guest wants is to stay somewhere that doesn’t feel well equipped. A good way to avoid this is by stocking up on all the essentials guests may need. This should include toilet rolls, tea and coffee, and handwash. Take some time to think about what you would personally want from an Air BnB, and implement this in your own home.
As well as physical amenities, be sure you also have reliable Wi-Fi, and that the password is readily available for guests.
Consider damages
In an ideal world, no damages would occur from hosting your home as an Air BnB, however, this is unfortunately unlikely. General wear and tear and accidents are bound to occur, no matter how careful your guests are. Consider this when preparing your home and put some protective measures in place. Move any breakables out of the way, and invest in some cheaper soft furnishings that you wouldn’t be upset about if they got damaged. It is also a good idea to purchase some mattress protectors too.
