STR related questions

[Tomoko Hale]

My house has a basement with one bedroom, a bathroom (without a shower), and a good-sized laundry/office space between the bedroom and living room. There’s no kitchen in the basement. We mainly use it for laundry but don’t use it much otherwise.

I wonder possibilities of doing STR for winter since I live very close to ski resorts. Please share your advise/opinion on a possibility to utilizing the space.

I’m also thinking about upgrading the basement but not sure where to start. Should I begin by looking for a contractor? Who else should I consult?

Thank you for your advise!

[Lauren Kormylo]

Make sure the bedroom has legal egress in case of a fire, either a legal sized window to the outside or a door.  If you don't want or are not allowed a full kitchen in the basement, you may be able to have a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave, but without a stove. It will be inconvenient for you to use the laundry down there when guests are present.  They are not going to feel comfortable if you are going into "their space" while they're there.  I stayed in a rental this summer like that, but where the washer and dryer were in our basement bedroom.  The hosts did not do their laundry while we were there, they planned around us.