In short-term rentals, the most effective upgrades are often the most overlooked. Full remodels aren’t always necessary. A few well-placed changes to layout, lighting, and material can have a big impact on how guests experience your space and how well it performs over time. Some of these are DIY-friendly. Others are worth doing once, and doing right.

1. Tile Baseboards Instead of Painted Trim

Why it matters:
Wood baseboards swell, chip, and collect dirt, especially near bathrooms and kitchens.

DIY? Not really

Why bring in a pro:
A clean tile baseboard looks effortless, but getting it right takes precision. Corners must align, grout lines need to read consistently, and transitions have to feel deliberate. We treat it as part of the wall finish, not an afterthought.

2. Floating Vanities and Built-In Seating

Why it matters:
Floating pieces make the floor easier to clean and help the room feel more open.

DIY? Rarely

Why bring in a pro:
Floating elements depend on thoughtful framing and strong wall backing. They need to be perfectly level and securely mounted to last through daily use. We integrate these into the structure so they feel light, but hold firm.

3. Open Storage for Everyday Items

Why it matters:
Guests want to see what’s available. Open shelving removes guesswork and improves the guest experience.

DIY? Yes, especially if you’re confident in your layout and finishes.

What we offer: We help design storage that works with the architecture and stays visually balanced. It’s a small detail that changes how the space feels.

4. Outlets Where People Actually Use Them

Why it matters:
If guests can’t charge a phone or plug in a hair dryer without unplugging a lamp, it becomes a point of frustration.

DIY? Sometimes

Why bring in a pro:
Good electrical placement is about anticipating real behavior. We install outlets where people actually charge devices, prep food, or plug in essentials. It’s subtle, but it changes how a space feels.

5. Showers Without Doors or Frames

Why it matters:
Framed glass breaks down quickly, fogs up, and adds cleaning time. Open showers are easier to maintain and more durable.

DIY? No

Why bring in a pro:
Doorless showers only work when slope, drainage, and waterproofing are coordinated. We shape the floor and select the right finishes so the water stays where it should, and the space stays dry and guest-ready.

6. Recessed Niches for Storage

Why it matters:

Hooks fall. Shampoo caddies rust. Recessed niches create clarity without clutter.

DIY? Sometimes

Why bring in a pro:
A well-executed niche blends into the wall. That only happens when it’s framed early and finished with care. We coordinate framing, waterproofing, and finish work so it feels like part of the architecture.

7. Layered Lighting With Warm Dimming

Why it matters:
Overhead lights alone tend to feel cold and cast shadows. Guests want lighting that is flexible, calm, and flattering.

DIY? Sometimes

Why bring in a pro:
Lighting affects how a space feels and how it photographs. We think in layers: task, ambient, and accent, and use materials and placement to create lighting that’s functional without feeling harsh.

8. Finishes That Hold Up Over Time

Why it matters:
Shiny paint shows every flaw. Laminate peels. Cheap surfaces require constant maintenance.

DIY? Not easily

Why bring in a pro:
Natural materials like lime plaster and microcement require experience to apply well. We know how to work with texture and variation to create finishes that wear in, not out.

9. Layout That Works for Both Guests and Photos

Why it matters:
Good flow improves guest comfort and makes a property easier to photograph. Bookings often come down to how well a space reads at a glance.

DIY? Not really
Why bring in a pro:
We align sightlines, lighting, and built-in elements so the space feels calm, open, and considered. When layout and material are in sync, both guests and photographers notice.

10. Tile Backsplashes, Wall Accents, and Mirror Surrounds

Why it matters:
These features do double duty. They protect your walls and elevate your space visually. A well-placed tile accent draws the eye, adds texture, and makes a small space feel custom.

DIY? Occasionally
Why bring in a pro:
Layout matters. We help choose the right scale, placement, and material so the tile works with your space — not against it. Whether it's a kitchen backsplash, a bathroom wall feature, or a tiled mirror surround, we install it cleanly and with purpose.

Final Thought

The best STRs feel intentional without being overdone. These details don’t cost a fortune, but they make a real difference in reviews, maintenance, and overall value. Some updates are easy to do yourself. Others are worth investing in the right way.

If you’re ready to make smart improvements that last, we’d be happy to help.

Upwell Builders
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