Suggestions in finishing STR in my basement

[Robert Hansen]

Hi all, I just moved into a new construction house as my primary residence earlier this year in Weber county Utah. The basement is designed to be finished with all of the rough pluming, private walk-out stairs, and several egress windows and the finished portion will be roughly 1700 sq ft. This is my first STR and am wondering what are the things that other with more experience have done that have made their STRs more attractive and allow a higher rent?

Additionally, outside the tenant will have full access to a gazebo, grill, firepit built into the oversized patio and 2 parking spots dedicated to the tenants.  

[Chris Kor]

Is it a walkout basement or does the tenant have their own entrance up the stairs?  Will they have their own HVAC system or be able to control the temp?

Basements tend to be dark so I go with lighter paints and finishes.  And good lighting is important.

Many basements have high humidity so it's better to stay away from carpet and go with vinyl plank or another flooring that won't get moldy or musty smelling.  Make sure you run a dehumidifier if it does tend to get humid.