A vacation property is the perfect place to relax and chill. Owning one gives your family and guests plenty of privacy and a great spot to gather. You definitely want to create a stylish and functional space for your vacation home whether you are renting it out or using it for yourself. Here are a few features we recommend to add to your vacation property.
1. A Hot Tub
A hot tub can elevate your space and is excellent for entertaining. Also, it can warm you up after a dip in the chilly ocean, river, or lake. Just be prepared for the maintenance and installation price as it can cost around $156 – $524 to install a hot tub.
Additionally, you’ll need to test and adjust the water balance and clean the filter as part of keeping your hot tub in top-top shape. Use test strips to check the chemical and mineral levels to ensure it’s safe to lounge in. Also, if you and your crew like swimming but don’t love getting salty or dirty from natural waters, install a pool. Depending on your budget and location, you could even have both!
2. A Game Room
Games are perfect for rainy days or unwinding after a long day outdoors. They make an ideal after-dinner activity, especially if you have a large group of guests. First, decide where you want to have the game room. You can use a basement, den, or even take it outside. The outdoor game area should have a protective covering, such as a canopy or awning. Decorate with comfortable seating and light fixtures. Bring energy into the space by having fun with the decor and using colors, we’re partial to yellow!
When deciding which games to include, consider a wide audience. Store a mix of board games, video games, and even classic arcade machines. Pool tables and darts are also fun bar-style games that bring people together for fun competition. Make sure you have plenty of storage to keep the room as organized as possible. Since there are often small pieces involved with games, consider installing floating shelves with decorative bins for extra storage space.
3. Add an Outdoor Kitchen
There’s nothing like grilling outside on a warm, sunny day. These provide an excellent place for your family to enjoy meals and soak up some Vitamin D. Plus, it gives you a beautiful view when cooking. Outdoor kitchens even add resale value to your home in case you plan on selling in the future.
To create the space, add comfortable patio furniture, tables, outdoor rugs, and lighting. String lights and lanterns can brighten up your backyard and add a vacation-like ambiance. Add a television or pizza oven if you want to elevate the area even more.
4. Home Bar
Sometimes parents and adults need a little break, especially on vacation. It’s nice to step away from the kids and the stress of life to unwind and a home bar saves the hassle and cost of going out. Stock your bar with all your favorite liquor, wine, and beer.
Ensure the bar area has plenty of drawers and cabinets for drinks and extra supplies, such as lemons and limes. Place your seating facing each other to encourage conversation and plenty of laughs. Pro tip: Go for granite countertops for a sophisticated appearance and additional resale value.
5. A Virtual Reality (VR) Space
Virtual reality (VR) is an exciting new technology that transforms your environment to whatever you desire! VR is slowly being introduced into entertainment, fitness, and other industries. It’s found in video games and sports and even creates a three-dimensional world for role play-style games.
Here are a few fun VR games to add to your space:
- Beat Saber
- Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-Ality
- Cloudlands VR Minigolf
- Moss
- Wipeout Omega Collection
6. Speakers
Blasting your favorite tunes sets the mood for any party or hanging out at the house. Having a high-quality speaker system enhances this experience. A smart speaker allows you to adjust the volume from anywhere and some even have voice assistance, for hand-free control.
Another option is to get surround sound for the perfect movie night. Then all you need is the popcorn and snacks! Place the speaker in your living room or bedroom and make sure your television has enough built-in connectivity options. Smart TVs are usually easy to link.
7. High-Speed Internet
High-speed internet is essential to stream all your favorite Netflix shows and surf the web. With multiple family members connecting, you want fast uploads. Also, if people need to work remotely, you need Wi-Fi that can handle all the devices at once. You probably want a plan with at least 200 Mbps or one gigabit for larger families.
To find good internet, compare multiple carriers and plans. Look for plans with fast download speeds at an affordable price. You could even see if friends or neighbors recommend a particular company in the area to consider when you shop for deals to lower costs.
8. Install a Tennis Court
If you have a higher budget, a tennis court is fun to get the family active. It’s also an easy sport for family members to play when they visit. Plus, it gives something for your kids to do around the house if they’re bored.
When installing the court, consider using concrete. It has better drainage and is not as affected by weather, offering a more uniform playing surface. Before installing the court, ensure your landscape is suitable for installation and review local HOA regulations. Have a professional examine your sloping, drainage, and soil conditions.
9. Stainless Steel Appliances
Stainless steel appliances create a sleek and modern appearance for any vacation rental. Plus, stainless steel is a durable material and easy to clean. They’re also resistant to heat and corrosion and increase your home’s resale value; it’s a win all around.
So, it’s a no-brainer to add stainless steel refrigerators, dishwashers, and ranges. When you’re buying appliances, look for Energy-Star-rated pieces. These can reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills. In fact, the average homeowner can save $450 on their bills with these appliances!
10. Smart Technology
Smart devices are popular in many homes and provide convenience by allowing you to control the appliance from anywhere. Also, some devices, like smart thermostats save energy and reduce monthly expenses by adjusting to your ideal temperature. Some even track your energy usage so you can make beneficial changes.
Here are a few smart devices to add to your vacation property:
- Doorbell
- Security Camera
- Lights
- Plugs
- Locks
How to Update Your Vacation Property
With summer holidays coming and going, it’s time to start heading out of town! You want your vacation property to be the best with entertainment and relaxation features. Consider adding a few of these to elevate your space and generate more income (& happiness)!
If you’re interested in investing in real estate, let’s chat about your loan options and get you on the track to diversifying your assets, gaining equity, and having a blast this summer!
