Should I Paint the Interior of STR?

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Should I Paint the Interior of STR?

Bryan S.
Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes

Hi Everyone,

I recently purchased a 4bed-2.5bath pool home close to the beach on Florida's Gulf Coast.

The current decision I'm working on is should I paint the interior of the house. It is currently a bunch of various bright / florida-ish colors. Similar airbnbs do well with grey colors. But I'm thinking of keeping it the bright colors to stand out.

The paint is in good condition - just unique colors. Also if I do paint it I've read keeping it all the same color can be boring.

Also debating going with professionals at $4.5K or taskrabbits which would come out to $1.5k-$2k.


Thanks!

Bryan

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Scott K.
Member since 2020 · 223 posts · 233 votes
5y

If you're new to renting out airbnbs, you should probably find a contractor and work with him on a consistent basis. Should be cheaper than professionals, more expensive than taskrabbit, but you need a good handyman relationship to deal with problems.

As for painting - it could help you stand out, or it could make people gag. Usually you want to offend as few people as possible with an airbnb. Bright colors and looking strange won't make you earn more money. Perhaps your location could see it as a benefit, maybe some coastal, beach area, but in most areas it won't do you any favors to stand out.

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  • Scott K.
    Member since 2020 · 223 posts · 233 votes
    5y

    If you're new to renting out airbnbs, you should probably find a contractor and work with him on a consistent basis. Should be cheaper than professionals, more expensive than taskrabbit, but you need a good handyman relationship to deal with problems.

    As for painting - it could help you stand out, or it could make people gag. Usually you want to offend as few people as possible with an airbnb. Bright colors and looking strange won't make you earn more money. Perhaps your location could see it as a benefit, maybe some coastal, beach area, but in most areas it won't do you any favors to stand out.

    9Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y

    Thanks @Scott K. - excellent point.  If it wasn't this area it would be 100% paint it and start fresh.  Thanks for the input!

    0Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y
    0Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y
    0Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    5y

    Look at other STR and see if there are others with bright colours. I actually like a few of them. Once you add furniture that can really tone down the colour. Remember you are seeing a big block of blue, put some book cases, couches and chairs in and it blocks a lot of that.

    3Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y

    Thanks @Theresa Harris - I didn't consider that about the furniture! Thank you! Great point - I'll take a look at more comps and see if any have bright colors and see how they do. Thank you!

    1Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    5y

    If in good shape. I'd leave it and see how it does. 

    8Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y

    Thanks @John Underwood. That was a thought I was thinking - could always paint it after the fact too if it doesn't do well. Keep the thousands in my pocket for a while for now hah

    0Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y

    Quick Update - doing research in the area - I could only find one in the area that had even crazier colors.  They had a 4.98 rating. Not one of the 66 reviews mentioned the colors.  It did have a lower price point that others though

    0Reply
  • Dan Travieso
    Investor · Fayetteville, NC · Member since 2018 · 263 posts · 216 votes
    5y

    Neutral colors are always best for rentals otherwise you risk losing potential tenants because they don't like the colors or because their furniture doesn't match it. 

    3Reply
  • Lorraine Patterson
    Rental Property Investor · Queens, NY · Member since 2019 · 94 posts · 27 votes
    5y

    Hello Bryan, off topic. I'm curious to know what County in Florida did you purchase your home. I'm planning to move to Florida early next year, looking to invest in STR's. Any restrictions or zoning laws?

    1Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y

    ok thank you @Dan Travieso!

    0Reply
  • Grey Stone
    Investor · Palmdale · Member since 2016 · 112 posts · 80 votes
    5y

    Paint it! Paint is very inexpensive and can provide a dramatic refresh. Bright colors should work well, but I would choose different colors....except the blue. I really like the blue. Look at pictures of the most popular hotel rooms and airbnb's in your area. Look to see if there's a theme or if you can find a way to stand out. I really like the idea of Agreeable Gray with accent walls or decorative pops of color. All of my traditional rentals are painted Agreeable Gray, but for airbnb and by being on the coast I think adding coastal colors would be nice. Good luck!

    4Reply
  • Bryan S.
    OP
    Member since 2011 · 92 posts · 40 votes
    5y

    @Lorraine Patterson - tons and tons of calls to local state/city/county officials and tons reading to find out where you can and cannot do STR. It is like a checkerboard where you are allowed to do it or not. Originally I was thinking Tampa but Hillsborough County has a rule that allows STR but a minimum of seven days and that rings true for Tampa proper as well. A lot of people break this rule but I'm not willing to take that risk.

    Biggest take away I learned with City rules override County rules (in most cases, but definitely verify).  State rules apply to all. Florida state laws were super easy though. I got my license in two business days from the state.  

    2Reply
  • Lorraine Patterson
    Rental Property Investor · Queens, NY · Member since 2019 · 94 posts · 27 votes
    5y

    Tampa is where I’ll be moving, but does not necessarily mean I will invest there. Thanks for the info. I will definitely do lots of research before purchasing. Good luck with your investment!!! Happy Halloween! 

    1Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    If you're going to keep the paint colors, go with all white furniture and picture frames, which looks beachy with the bright colors.  Some examples:

    https://www.zillow.com/homedet...

    https://www.zillow.com/homedet...

    https://www.zillow.com/homedet...

    1Reply
  • Maria Bakaj
    Real Estate Agent · Denver, CO · Member since 2020 · 103 posts · 65 votes
    5y

    @Bryan S. Paint!  I like tropical colors in a tropical airbnb but not the colors you currently have. Lighter, more neutral tropical colors with white furniture and linens would be nice. Or white walls with wood tones to help warm the room up would also be nice.  Outside of looking at what others in your area are doing, google "luxury tropical rooms".  I recommend trying to go classy rather than kitschy. You don't have to spend a lot to achieve a timeless look.

    5Reply
  • Lori Agajanian
    Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2017 · 32 posts · 4 votes
    5y

    Hi Bryan, That's a great place for a STR! I'd love to get one out there! I would keep the colors to stand out from the other rentals, go with a coastal /tropical them on the walls, seashells , birds, ocean scenes, positive affirmations and beach sayings on the walls. It looks so fun to decorate your space.

    I know when I travel, it’s unique and interesting to stay somewhere that inspires me.   Something different from the ordinary.

    I’m sure it’s going to look great!  

    Lori Agajanian 

    1Reply
  • Raymond Mathews
    Real Estate Agent · Houston, TX · Member since 2019 · 11 posts · 2 votes
    5y

    @John Underwood I truly agree

    0Reply
  • Mike Lee
    Investor · Tampa, FL · Member since 2017 · 123 posts · 109 votes
    5y

    Paint It, you won't regret it.

    1Reply
  • Aigo Pyles
    Flipper/Rehabber · Memphis, TN · Member since 2020 · 758 posts · 285 votes
    5y

    I think you should paint it. 

    1Reply
  • Taylor Davis
    Real Estate Agent · Norman, OK · Member since 2017 · 6 posts · 4 votes
    5y

    @Bryan Senker

    It all depends on your target demographic and strategy. In my experience there are two types of str guests. 1.) looking for value 2.) looking for experience.

    We’ve been able to charge more in our area and still stay 85-90% occupied because we have targeted the second group. They are on vacation and will pay more for a better experience.

    It’s a little like deciding if your going for the motel 6 crowd or the Hyatt crowd. The down side of the upfront cost but the cash flow can pay off fast.

    0Reply
  • Jim K.
    Handyman · Pittsburgh, PA · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    5y

    @Bryan S.

    Some people have a deep aversion to bright, deep colors used in interior housepainting. I am one of them. I feel colors like that in wall paint are just tacky as hell. I realize it's a prejudice, but it still bothers me. Especially the baby-puke green in the john.

    0Reply
  • Curt WortmanPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2020 · 10 posts · 8 votes
    5y

    Painting it to the latest trend colors will draw more demand for the rental. I would go for the cheaper labor assuming they are experience and will do a good job. Getting references or using referrals is best. A contractor would likely hire out to subs...

    0Reply
  • William Walker
    Investor · Wilmington, NC · Member since 2016 · 211 posts · 262 votes
    5y

    I’d paint it. Looks outdated/ugly

    0Reply
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