Ready to Launch Your Airbnb? Here’s How Our Renovation Experts Can Help You Maximise Bookings
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Chadi
Over the years, I’ve worked with all sorts of homeowners looking to turn their property into an Airbnb. Some have a spare room they want to rent out, and others have bought an investment property they are hoping to list. Regardless of the setup, the one thing I always say is this: your success starts with your renovation.
You can have a great location, but if the space itself feels tired, awkward or cheap, guests will not stick around long. In fact, they might not even book in the first place.
In this post, I’ll share how a well-thought-out renovation can help you maximise bookings and income and what we do to ensure each project is tailored to suit your space, your goals, and today’s Airbnb guests.
Why Renovations Matter for Airbnb's Success
I have seen it time and again: A freshly renovated property attracts more attention and gets booked faster. It is not just about appearances, either. A better layout, quality fittings, and the right features all help to make a guest’s stay smoother.
According to Airbnb’s data, around 40% of hosts reinvest their earnings into renovations. It makes sense. The better your space looks and feels, the more likely guests are to leave glowing reviews and come back again.
What really stood out to me was a report by AirDNA, which found that listings with professional design can earn up to 59 per cent more. That is a huge return. I have had clients who made their renovation money back in under six months simply by charging more per night and filling their calendars faster.
What Today's Guests Are Looking For
If you want to run a successful Airbnb, you need to think like a guest. What would make you feel at home? What little touches would you appreciate? These are the things that make your place stand out.
In my experience, the following features tend to make the biggest impact:
1. Modern Kitchens and Bathrooms
These are the two areas that guests will always remember. A clean, well-lit kitchen with easy-to-use appliances goes a long way. In the bathroom, even small upgrades like new tapware or a larger mirror can make the space feel much more comfortable. When we renovate, we keep things simple and functional without cutting corners.
2. Open, Light-Filled Living Areas
People like to relax when they are away. I often open up older homes by removing unnecessary walls and bringing in more natural light. It creates a calm, open feel and makes the space much more inviting.
3. Smart Features for Convenience
Guests want to arrive and settle in quickly. Smart locks, fast Wi-Fi, good lighting and temperature control all make the experience smoother. These small upgrades also help you manage the property remotely.
4. Dedicated Work Zones
Remote workers are now a big part of the travel market. In fact, I have had clients specifically request a home office space or a desk near a window for their Airbnb. With so many people mixing travel and work, offering a quiet, well-lit work area is a great way to attract long-term bookings.
5. Sustainable Touches
Eco-friendly features like LED lighting, water-saving taps, and recycled timber are not just good for the environment. They appeal to eco-conscious travellers and can reduce running costs in the long term. As noted in SociosBNB’s trends guide, sustainability is no longer just a nice extra—it is something guests actively look for.
What Hosts Are Saying
“I did $16,000 of renovations and addition to my Airbnb room. I added a separate entrance, made the doorway between the Air room and mine into a closet space, added an ensuite bathroom and closet and put a front porch on my home. I did this without any need or expectation of recouping my investment. I did it to my personal home to improve my home for my use. Nevertheless, as a direct result I was able to triple my bookings, keep my price steady and get better reviews.”
This backs up what I see every day on the job—renovations make a real difference, not just in how a property looks but also in how it performs.
Building Value Beyond Looks
One of the most rewarding projects I worked on involved a coastal home that had been sitting empty for months. The owner was struggling to get bookings and was thinking of selling. We kept the layout mostly the same but updated the kitchen, improved the lighting and added some smart storage.
Within weeks of relisting, the home was booked solid. The photos looked great, the reviews started pouring in, and the owner went from breaking even to making a steady profit. It all came down to creating a space that felt clean, functional and inviting.
If you are in a similar situation or just starting out, you do not need to go over the top. A thoughtful renovation tailored to your goals can give you the best of both worlds. A beautiful home and a successful business.
Design Trends Guests Love (and That We Can Help You Achieve)
When it comes to Airbnb renovations, style matters as much as comfort. Guests are not just looking for a bed to sleep in. They want to stay somewhere that feels calm, inviting and a little bit special. Over the years, I have seen certain design features pop up again and again in homes that get five-star reviews. These are the trends that work, not just because they look good in photos but because they make people feel at ease.
Natural Materials and Warm Tones
Guests tend to connect with spaces that feel warm and natural. Think timber floors, stone benchtops, linen fabrics and soft, earthy colours. These elements add a sense of calm that instantly makes people feel more at home. I often use timber in kitchens and living rooms because it wears well and brings a relaxed, coastal feel that works beautifully in Airbnb settings.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow and Biophilic Design
Homes that blend indoor and outdoor spaces always do well, where guests want to enjoy the fresh air. A wide doorway opening onto a garden, deck or patio can make your space feel twice the size. Add a few plants, some outdoor furniture and soft lighting, and suddenly, you have a space that feels like a retreat.
Biophilic design, which is just a fancy way of saying “bringing the outdoors in,” is all about using natural light, plants and organic textures. It has a real impact on mood, and guests can feel the difference straight away.
Minimalist but Functional Decor
Less really is more. Clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and simple furniture help guests relax. They also make your listing photos look sharper and more professional. I always recommend sticking with a few quality pieces of furniture rather than trying to fill the room. Make sure there is space for suitcases, easy access to power points, and clear surfaces for guests to use.
Wellness Touches That Guests Appreciate
Today’s travellers are thinking more about wellness, and your Airbnb can reflect that in small but meaningful ways. Bright natural light, indoor plants, proper ventilation and quiet sleeping areas all make a big difference.
I have heard guests comment on things as simple as blackout curtains, quiet bedrooms and the feeling of “fresh air” indoors.
When we design and renovate Airbnb spaces, these are exactly the features we aim to include. Not only do they help your home feel more luxurious, but they also support better sleep, better relaxation and better reviews.
Let's Talk About Your Airbnb
Renovating for Airbnb is a different approach to renovating for everyday living. You want materials that can handle regular turnover, layouts that are easy to navigate, and finishes that photograph well.
We take care of the full process from start to finish — planning, building, styling and getting the property guest-ready. If you are thinking about launching your Airbnb and want to make sure it is done right, let’s chat.
You can also check out our renovation services to learn more about what we offer and how we can help bring your vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are several cost-effective ways to enhance the appearance of your garage. Painting the walls and floor with a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference. Adding decorative elements such as wall decals, artwork, or potted plants can also improve the aesthetics of the space. Updating the garage door with paint or decorative hardware can enhance curb appeal.
Converting a garage into a rental unit or Airbnb may come with challenges, such as significant upfront costs for renovations, potential regulatory hurdles, and ongoing management responsibilities. Additionally, there may be concerns about noise, privacy, and parking issues, depending on the location and layout of the property.
When hiring a contractor for your garage renovation, looking for someone with experience, expertise, and a solid reputation is essential. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours, and research potential contractors online. Check their credentials, licenses, and insurance coverage, and ask for references from past clients. Get multiple quotes and compare them carefully, considering factors such as cost, timeline, and quality of artistry.
Conclusion
Launching an Airbnb is exciting, but it is also competitive. A quality renovation is not just about making things look good — it is about creating a space that guests want to book, enjoy and recommend. From what I have seen, those who take the time to prepare their property properly see stronger bookings, better reviews and higher income.
If you are ready to get started, I would be happy to guide you through the process.
Ready to turn your property into a top-rated Airbnb? Contact us for a friendly, no-obligation chat.
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