Floorplans for STRs vs LTRs

[Brian Ross]

Hi all, 

I'm starting to look at designs for a new build in a small college town, but with a reasonably large student body that drives a lot of traffic in/out of town throughout the year. My family has been in student rentals for a long time, but there are very few short-term rentals in town, and I'm confident that there would be a great market given the continuing growth of the university. I've started researching floorplans, but thought to ask if anyone would have thoughts on designing floorplans specifically for STRs versus standard LTR units. Any experience or insight into this?

Thanks,

Brian

[Julie McCoy]

I agree with @Jon Crosby that the emphasis should be on common spaces (and designed in such a way to shield neighbors from noise), and also about creating technology-friendly spaces!  @Paul Sandhu's point is well taken re: dining rooms being unnecessary, but an open floorplan or large living rooms would allow for big sofas and good gathering spaces.

I also want to add that closets are essential in a LTR, but arguably unnecessary in a STR. You'll want to have some anyway, to preserve the possibility of using it as an LTR and to store household goods, linens, etc. but things such as walk-in closets would be wasted in a STR.

In-unit laundry facilities are another thing that aren't necessary.  If you're building a multi-unit building, I'd suggest a common laundry facility, as your renters won't need to use it frequently.

The kitchens can also be kept somewhat minimal - you'll want them big enough to provide all the appliances (including dishwashers!), but you don't need much in the way of food prep space or a lot of cabinet storage... or even full-size appliances.

If you want to get as many bodies in there as you can, plan the bedrooms big enough to comfortably hold two queen beds, or bunks - and like Paul noted, make sure the guest/bathroom ratio is a reasonable one!  

It sounds like a fun project, good luck!