Checklist for a Purpose Built Vacation Rental

[Melissa Wesling]

Hi Bigger Pockets! I am a new member here and am excited to get advice from experts. We began investing in short-term vacation rentals back in 2007 and now own and manage 2 STRs in southwest Michigan. We rent primarily to families but occasionally to ladies trips as well. We feel like we know the market well enough to construct a purpose-built STR and we have drawn up construction plans. The house will have a basement with a game area and a bedroom/bathroom. The main floor will have the master bed/bath plus a half bath and the second floor will include 4 more beds/baths (one is a bunk room). There are 2 laundry rooms (main floor and upstairs) for quick turn over. There is an indoor fireplace and we are debating a gas firepit outside. We originally had a screened in back porch, but took it off the plans to make the front porch (double decker) larger since there are water views from the front.

Things we are debating: firepit, beverage fridge vs. full size in the basement game area, and what should be put in the game area. Please let me know your list of must haves for an STR so I don't miss anything! Thank you!