Worth it to Hire a Short-Term Rental Designer?

Question

Hello everyone,

I am currently renovating an old home in upstate NY (Catskills Region) for use as an STR. This is my first deal. I am wondering if it is worth it to hire a designer to pick out flooring, wall colors, layout of kitchen, furniture, etc. What are your thoughts? What kind of prices can I expect to pay for this service?

Thanks in advance.

Michael Baum · Answer

You know, people never know if they have a good eye until they try.

So far we have been able to design based on the area. More of a down home feel rather than high end. We have a specific demographic so easy living with comfort in mind seems to work.

Zach Edelman · Answer

Depends on cost. I'd recommend looking at the highest performing properties in your area and getting inspiration there.

Michael Lipari · Answer

Thank you for saying this, I think that I can do alot more with 4-5 figures on actual renovations. If you don't mind please share your designers name with me in a PM.

Jon Martin · Answer

Keep in mind that if they do everything, they will charge you accordingly. I personally don't think it's worth paying mid 4-5 figures for someone to pick out couches, wall art etc. That's a lot of bookings to make that money back before you even start paying down the furniture, let alone the mortgage.

I hired a designer and it costed me around $1000. I had no idea what I was doing and she made some great suggestions and talked me off the cliff from some that would've been awful. Well worth it . . . But spending $5-10K+ would've been excessive and unneeded. She basically gave me some direction and I picked stuff out based on her suggestions. With future properties I will probably pay for an hour of her time to fly some things by her and then take it from there.

Look at what the best performing properties are doing and add your own spin. You will also see some common themes:

-Decor that is appropriate to the theme of the area

-Mix of nice wall hangings and hard objects without being cluttered (again- place appropriate; don't hang an anchor and ship wheel in a mountain cabin)

-Items that provide a "Pop" of color in photos; can be throw pillows, bed skirts, tile backsplash, bar stools, back side of front door etc

-Some coordination of color scheme throughout. The human brain is wired to find and be attracted to patterns

Like I said, a designer can be great but better as a consultant than a full service IMO

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Im not an expert in the Catskills market but I assume there is significant competition.  With the increased competition/supply it is super important to employ all best practices such as hiring a designer, maximizing capacity, pro photos, etc.  Good luck!

Carlos Pelegrina · Answer

Hi Michael, absolutely you will need a good level of design. On flips, long and short term, design calls the type of buyers or tenants you want in your place. It makes always a difference compared with the competition. I am an architect and designer with experience in the short term and I know the Catskills area. contact me if you need some help, I will be happy to help.

Chai Xiong · Answer

I just go to ashley furniture and if i like the design i just buy how they design it

Melissa Nash · Answer

yes~ people book based on photos. Design it to look like the area style and your guest avatar.

Michael Lipari · Answer

Thank You this looks promising, I sent her a message.

Worth it to Hire a Short-Term Rental Designer?

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