Owning a vacation condominium in the Tampa area means using it yourself sometimes and renting it out the rest of the year to other vacationers. It is vital to maintain the value of your investment and keep the income flowing in. So, follow the smartest remodeling tips to keep your condo attractive and also able to withstand the wear and tear of many vacationers.
Remodel to Handle Punishment and Traffic
There will be many people in and out, with their bulky luggage and different levels of care, across the entire year. Therefore, it is a must to remodel the following areas and features to ensure their longevity.
- Fixtures need to be hard wearing, so countertops of specialized concrete or granite in the bathrooms and kitchen are always a good investment. We all like to save money where we can, but in a place that is used by many people, ‘cheap’ means ‘easily damaged’.
- The tougher the flooring, the better. Engineered hardwood or laminate with wood appearance are good choices. Unlike carpet, they won’t absorb spills and won’t have dark smudges where people tread frequently. Use professionals for this job to ensure the moisture barrier under the new floor surface prevents mold and damage.
- Repaint and recover the walls. Dings, marks and scratches can make a condo look neglected and cheap.
While you’re at it with the walls, the decor and atmosphere throughout your condo should enhance the view of the Bay or Gulf. People come for a beach vacation, so ensure unity in the paintwork of all the rooms. Each room can have a slight variation or flavor, but a unified look is vital. First impressions are the key to winning repeat customers as well as enticing new ones who take the internet virtual tour of your condo.
Kitchen and Bathroom
A dated, tired or bland kitchen and bathroom could deter customers. A creative kitchen remodel will maximize the space available while still providing touches of comfort and style. Concrete or granite countertops will outlast many other surfaces, and concrete can be rendered into almost any texture or design pattern you like to complement the Gulf Coast feel. Concrete can even be customized with engraved welcome messages for your guests. Stainless steel, an island counter with stools and some upgraded cabinets will complete the new look.
Whatever your bathroom needs – from new tiles, to lighting, to new shower fixtures, to a matching new tub and toilet, to sinks and countertops and mirrors – it needs proper moisture protection above all else. Any water that gets under surfaces and behind walls will have your vacation condo out of action for a lengthy and expensive clean up and remodel. It can be easy for water to get behind tiles. Combine that with Tampa’s hot, moist air and you have ideal conditions for mold. So remember the mold-resistant and water-resistant sheathing behind your tile and shower walls.
While you’re at it, Venetian plastering in the bathroom looks amazing and luxurious while complementing a sandy beach theme beautifully.
Make the Most of Space
Vacation condos are often short of space, so remodel to enhance the sense of size. “Light and bright” is always good, but windows with views can’t do everything.
- Attach mirrors in well-chosen places to make the place feel larger.
- Light colored finishes and correctly scaled furniture will keep the space inviting.
- Some built-in seating in the kitchen and living room will maximize space and make it feel more cozy. It can also provide more storage.
You are not alone in thinking about remodeling your vacation condo. A simple chat with the pros will provide you with even more ideas as well as practical tips learned from experience.
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.
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