Maintaining and upgrading your vacation rental is important to keep it looking nice and fresh for potential renters and ensure its technology is up to date. Many young people today are into technology and like to have the latest and greatest gadgets and devices. If you want to appeal to this demographic, having a rental equipped with the latest technology can be a major selling point. If your rental isn’t up to date, you may find that you’re losing potential business to competitors who are.
Moreover, suppose your rental already offers amenities such as a pool, hot tub, or game room. In that case, you can add even more value by installing technology that enhances these features. For example, you could add a poolside entertainment system with weatherproof speakers and a TV. Or, you could install a gaming system in the game room for guests to enjoy.
Adding new home features will make your rental stand out from the competition and more likely to attract younger renters. Here are ideas for some home technologies you can add to your rental:
Installing a Security System
A security system can provide guests peace of mind and help protect their belongings. For example, you can install CCTV cameras around your property’s yard and in common indoor areas such as the living room and kitchen. This will not only give your guests peace of mind but also for you, especially if you install new technologies in these areas.
There are also security alarms you can install on doors and windows. You must ensure that all the sensors are working correctly and that the system is properly configured. It’s also important to ensure guests know how to use the security system. You can do this by giving them written instructions or a tour of the system.
Smart Thermostats
Thermostats are an important part of any home and can be even more important in a vacation rental. A smart thermostat can help to make guests feel more comfortable and can help to save energy. They can adjust the temperature to their liking and monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures. It can also be programmed to save energy and can be controlled remotely. This provides further convenience for your guests. So you just have to make sure you leave a manual for your guests’ reference so they won’t accidentally break your thermostat.
There are various brands of smart thermostats on the market today. Here are some of them:
1. The Nest Learning Thermostat: This is a learning thermostat that can be programmed to save energy. It also has a feature called “Away Mode” that will turn off all the home’s electronics when no one is home. This can help to save even more energy.
2. The Ecobee: Its built-in sensor can detect whether or not someone is home. This helps the thermostat to adjust the temperature accordingly.
3. The Honeywell Lyric: Controlled remotely using the smartphone, the Honeywell Lyric is convenient for guests who may want to adjust the temperature while they’re away from home.
Putting in a Home Cinema
Having a home cinema in your vacation rental can give your guests a place to relax and watch their favorite movies or TV shows. It can also provide a place for them to gather with friends and family. Additionally, a home cinema can add value to your rental and make it more appealing to guests. By adding a home cinema, you’ll be providing guests with an extra amenity that they can enjoy during their stay.
Here’s what you need to create a home cinema in your rental:
Projector
There are various factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a projector for your home cinema. You’ll want to choose a projector with a brightness of at least 1,000 lumens and a resolution of at least 720p.
Screen
You can either choose a fixed frame screen or an inflatable screen. The size of the screen you’ll need will depend on the room size and the projector’s distance from the screen. For example, if you’re using a 1080p projector, you’ll need a screen at least 9 feet wide for a room that’s 16 feet long.
Sound System
A good sound system should have enough speakers to provide surround sound for a large room. You can choose from three types of speakers: satellite, center, and subwoofer. Satellite speakers are the smallest type and are best for smaller rooms. Center speakers provide dialog clarity and should be placed in the middle of the room, while subwoofers provide deep bass sounds and should be placed in a corner or against a wall.
Adding a Karaoke Machine and Speakers
Adding a karaoke machine and speakers is a great way to keep your guests entertained. It can provide hours of fun for people of all ages. And it’s especially useful if your guests are planning a party. They can use the karaoke machine to sing their favorite songs and dance the night away.
Karaoke machines are not very expensive and are easy to set up. You just need to make sure you have enough space for it and enough power outlets to plug it in. You might also want to consider getting a karaoke machine with a built-in screen so guests can clearly see the lyrics. However, it’s important to set rules such as not using it too late at night so the neighbors won’t be disturbed.
Improving Your Pool Maintenance System
Maintaining your rental’s pool will keep it appealing to new tenants. A pristine saltwater pool with crystal-clear water is one of the most significant selling points for vacation rental properties. You can keep your pool clean by regularly removing debris, replacing the water every two to three years, and balancing the pH levels. You can also improve on this amenity by improving how you control the water’s pH levels. You can do this by installing a system that can naturally lower pool pH without chemicals. Instead of using chemicals, this system uses carbon dioxide (CO2), making the water feel more natural for your tenants.
Updating your rental’s technology can be a costly endeavor, so it’s important to weigh the benefits against the costs. But in most cases, the benefits will outweigh the costs, especially if you’re looking to attract long-term renters. Updating your rental’s technology can help you make your property more appealing and inviting.