Small Kitchen: 1 Bedroom AirBnB

[Michael Herr]

Getting ready to move into the dreamhouse on a small lake in a few weeks.

Decided to convert the basement (seperate entrance already) into a 1 bedroom apartment. It will probably be a airbnb/VRBO type rental.

The area for the kitchen is small, and I don't want it taking up too much room anyway because someday we will take the basement back.

I have plenty of experience in full-sized kitchen rehabs. What are some items to skimp on size, and some I shouldn't. 

I was thinking 18" dishwasher, large toaster oven, 2 burner cooktop, single-basin sink, barstool seating

[Account Closed]

Originally posted by @Michael Herr:

Based on lack of tourism in the area, I'm thinking It will attract 10 day-6month corporate type people.

Of those, I'm sure some will dine out literally every meal, but I also think some wouldn't stay with a dishwasherless kitchen.

I wouldn't consider this as an investment if it wasn't basement of my primary residence: Worst-case scenario, it flops as a rental and I have a great space for entertaining and guests crashing.

Thanks for all the suggestions everybody.

@patrick diamond

I was thinking about induction cooktop and jumbo toaster-oven: I like that idea.

I'll look into the website you suggested on short-term rental data.

@michael paris

I have enough space that I don't think I need to go that small.

I did not know those existed. Those look like they would be great for converting something into effeciency apts. or tiny houses.

I think you're just guessing on the dishwasher.  My daughter and I have a shared apt in the Bay Area that we've rented 50+ times on airbnb and also had a few 3 month guests.  It gets $125 night with the original unremodeled kitchen:  no dishwasher, no counters and tiny 1950s apt stove.  And no tub (shower only).  Vacation and short term rentals have a specific demographic that pays for location and the convenience of a furnished unit.  Find out what the specific needs in your area are.  Don't assume anything.  And most importantly, don't assume your guests need a dishwasher because you do.  :)