Storm door preference for STR & MTR
Hey Y'all,
I recently installed a storm door at my primary and enjoy it so much I am looking at installing these at my short and medium term rentals.
I found some discussions on general tradeoffs for having a storm door at traditional rentals and potential for damage and replacement. For a STR or MTR that is already furnished I believe the risk of tenant damage from moving furniture is reduced and the added benefit for my guests to enjoy the breeze on a pleasant day is worth the risk.
I've selected the same door I put on my primary. The Larson Tradewinds that I purchased through Lowes. It closes securely and has a gas piston at both the top and bottom to maintain a smooth closure but the feature that really appeals to me is that the storm window remains permanently inside the door frame and slides down to open the screen. I'll probably have to make a short instruction for my guests because there is a locking tab in the middle of the door that needs to be released to open the screen.
There is also a risk of creating a lock out situation from the storm door. I may disable the storm door lock.
Looking for some feedback from other hosts if the guest benefit of having a storm door is work it. I don't have these installed now and have yet to get a review or feedback asking for a storm door so I may just be creating more trouble for myself.
Appreciate it and looking forward to your feedback.
Ryan
#5 All Forums Contributor
- Investor
- Greer, SC
I would not install one. It is something else to maintain that could also break.
People may have the heat or AC on while the screen is open on the storm door. They aren't paying the electric bill so they won't care.
I only have a full glass Anderson storm door because the house came with it. Because of the tension from the dual closers, it makes moving suitcases in and out harder for guests. It has a full screen panel that I could switch the glass out for, but I don't want to do that for the same reason John said above - guests will run up the electric bill. The only benefit from mine now is protecting the smart lock on the main door from the weather.
#4 All Forums Contributor
- Olympia, WA
Hey @Ryan Richmond, I have found that some features I like in my primary, just don't translate well over to the STR.
We have whole house A/C so I don't want them enjoying a nice fresh breeze while running it at 65 degrees when it is 90 outside.
Have you ever had a guest say, "Gee, I wish it had storm door where we could open the screen and get fresh air."? I am guessing not, so unless you see a need or hole in your amenities, I wouldn't do it.
#4 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
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#4 Short-Term & Vacation Rental Discussions Contributor
- Real Estate Consultant
- Ohio
And whatever you do don't put them in a southern home unless you want the A/C to freeze up because it's running with a door/screen open!
@Lauren Kormylo that is a great point about the closures actually making it more difficult to move luggage and personal belongings!
@Michael Baum and @Sarah Kensinger Great point about running the AC while the door is open.
Seems like I can fund a better use for the resources than storm doors. I appreciate the feedback!
Ryan
@Ryan Richmond depending on where you are and if you get wind when they fail to latch the door you can have an issue. We got damage to 2 storm doors due to wind.
No you don't need it, won't actually add anything to the rental income. Try and focus on amenities you can check off on the amenity section of the listing which will help you rank. Look at the amenity list like a shopping list and see what you can do for sub 500 that will improve your ranking.