Home Fixes
5 Renovation Tips and Upgrades for Your Bend Vacation Rental
From the sparkling waters of the Deschutes River to the nearby Mt. Bachelor and Smith Rock, Bend, Oregon, attracts nature and adventure lovers from around the world, and with a few upgrades, your Bend vacation rental can spark just as much excitement for visitors as our city itself.
Autumn and spring are Bend’s shoulder seasons, which make them the perfect time to improve your rental’s living spaces and add long-term value to the property. We’ve compiled five renovation tips and upgrades to refresh your Bend vacation rental and keep your guests coming back.
Upgrades for Your Bend, OR Vacation Rental
-
Refresh Your Home’s Curb Appeal
First impressions are everything, and the importance of curb appeal can’t be overstated when it comes to vacation rentals. A worn or run-down exterior shouldn’t be what sets the tone for your guests’ getaway. A fresh coat of paint on the siding, trim, or front door can make a big impact, along with refreshed landscaping. Consider adding an outdoor living space, from porch chairs to a pergola, so your guests can enjoy our beautiful Bend scenery.
-
Update Your Kitchen
Just as the kitchen is the heart of any home, it’s also central to the guest experience at your vacation rental. While many guests will choose to explore local restaurants during their stay, those staying for several days often opt to cook for themselves at their accommodations, creating memories as they prepare meals and socialize.
Kitchen updates that renters will appreciate include:
- Replacing old or worn-out cabinets, making special consideration for soft-close doors and drawers, and convenient storage solutions.
- A new granite, quartz(ite), or butcher block countertop
- Sleek and sturdy plumbing and electrical fixtures.
- Replacing outdated linoleum or rolled vinyl flooring with higher quality materials like hardwood, engineered hardwood, tile, slate, laminate, LVP, LVT, or even just new linoleum, which is eco-friendly and making a comeback.
-
Consider Updating Your Appliances
While a vacation rental doesn’t need the newest, trendiest appliances available, staying up to date with appliances tends to keep guests happy. Updated refrigerators, air conditioning units, and washing machines can all be listed as amenities in your listing, while choosing energy-efficient appliances will help your bottom line.
-
Create a Spa-Like Bathroom
If your vacation rental’s bathroom is dingy and outdated, you may want to consider a bathroom remodel. But if your flooring and tile are in good condition, simple upgrades like adding a new shower head for improved water pressure can make a big difference in your guests’ experience. Upgrading your faucets, changing out light fixtures, and adding additional storage are cosmetic changes that can go a long way, while choosing white towels evokes a hotel or spa-like feeling.
See how Neil Kelly design consultants transformed the kitchen and bath of this Bend home to highlight its unique architectural details.
-
Update Your Home’s Temperature Control
Comfort is key to a great guest experience, and keeping your Bend vacation rental at the right temperature is essential. Make sure your HVAC system is up to date and repair any issues with heating, cooling, or insulation to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment year-round.
Upgrading to smart technology, especially a smart thermostat, can make a huge difference. Guests will appreciate being able to easily adjust the temperature. Plus, as a homeowner, you can remotely lower or raise settings when the property is unoccupied, saving on energy use and overall costs.
Rely on Neil Kelly to Keep Your Bend Rental Home Maintained
As Central Oregon’s most trusted remodeler, Neil Kelly brings decades of design/build expertise to every project with our proven process and industry-leading warranty. From custom remodels to handyman services, our Bend-based team will be your trusted partner for remodeling your vacation rental property.