Construction design for a Short Term Lakehouse rental

[Jeffrey Allen]

So ... if I'm building a lakehouse with an eye toward using it as a short-term rental, what features should be different than a typical SFR?

I'm thinking:

1.  Invest less space in closets, particularly coat closets and the like.

2.  More emphasis on window alignment with views over the lake.

3.  Open kitchen, larger common areas, larger deck.

4.  Smaller investment in bedroom size.

5. Full bathrooms where a SFR might get away with a 1/2.

I'm sure this about 25% of what I need to be thinking about.  Any other thoughts?  I'll hang up and listen.

[Julie McCoy]

I agree with all your points except possibly bedroom size - consider what size group you're targeting, and if it will require more than one bed per room, and adjust accordingly.  If one bed (or two twins) per room is fine, there's not much call for additional space.  Go for king-size beds if you can.

That said, don't hamstring yourself by making it unattractive to a possible buyer down the road - while an STR won't need tons of storage, you WILL need some (a locking "owner's closet" to store additional linens, cleaning supplies, etc.), and a future buyer most likely will want some.

Full bathrooms vs. half are a big plus, and agreed re: large common spaces, emphasis on view, etc.  

Sounds like you're on the right track!  I'll add that you should make sure to have an appropriate amount of off-street parking.  

Good luck!