Beat the Rush: Prepping Your Traverse City Short-Term Rental for Summer

The snow is finally melting, the days are getting longer, and here in Traverse City, that means one thing: the summer tourist season is right around the corner.

If you own an Airbnb, VRBO, or vacation rental in Northern Michigan, you already know that summer is your most critical window for revenue. But before the Cherry Festival crowds arrive and the beaches fill up, you have a brief window right now in the spring to get your property in top shape.

Vacationers can be incredibly tough on a house, and standard residential finishes simply won't cut it. You need a space that photographs beautifully to attract top-tier bookings, but is tough enough to withstand a revolving door of guests, sandy feet, and wet beach towels.

Here is how to upgrade your Traverse City rental property this spring for maximum durability and return on investment.

1. Flooring That Survives the Sand

This is the single most important upgrade you can make before summer hits. Between tracked-in sand from Sleeping Bear Dunes and wet gear from days spent on the bay, your floors take a beating.

• Ditch the Carpet: Carpet traps sand, stains easily, and holds onto odors. If you must have carpet in the bedrooms, opt for low-pile, commercial-grade options.

• Embrace Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): LVP is the undisputed king of short-term rental flooring. It beautifully mimics the look of natural hardwood, but it is 100% waterproof and highly scratch-resistant (perfect for guests traveling with dogs). Getting this installed now means your floors will look pristine for your summer listing photos.

2. Indestructible Walls and Finishes

Luggage rolling down hallways and suitcases banging against corners will quickly leave your drywall looking battered. A spring refresh makes a huge difference in how clean your property feels.

• Upgraded Paint: Don't skimp here. Use high-quality, scuff-resistant paint in an eggshell or satin finish so your cleaning crew can easily wipe away summer smudge marks without taking the paint off.

• Wainscoting or Shiplap: Adding wainscoting, beadboard, or shiplap to high-traffic areas like entryways and mudrooms isn’t just a great way to add that desirable "Up North" charm—it physically protects your drywall from dings and dents.

3. Low-Maintenance Kitchens and Baths

Your guests expect a clean, modern aesthetic, but your cleaning crew needs surfaces that are quick and easy to sanitize during those tight, few-hour turnaround windows in July.

• Countertops: Skip the porous natural stones like marble or high-maintenance granite. Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant (even against spilled local wine), and looks incredibly high-end in photos.

• Bathrooms: Avoid tiny mosaic tiles with heavy grout lines on shower floors—grout is notoriously difficult to keep bright white. Opt for large-format tiles or sleek, high-quality fiberglass surrounds. Most importantly, ensure you have high-powered exhaust fans to prevent mold and mildew from guests taking back-to-back showers.

4. The "Owner’s Closet" and Smart Storage

If you also use the property for your own family summer vacations, dedicated storage is a must.

• Lock-Offs: Have us frame out a dedicated owner’s closet with a solid-core door and a heavy-duty deadbolt so you can safely leave your own beach chairs, paddleboards, and supplies on-site.

• Built-in Organization: Guests rarely fully unpack. Instead of taking up space with bulky dressers, build in custom luggage racks, abundant wall hooks for wet towels and swimsuits, and open shelving.

Get Your Upgrades Done Before the Summer Rush!

Spring is the time to act. As the weather warms up, contractors' schedules fill up fast.

If you want to command top dollar for your rental this summer, you need these upgrades finished, cleaned up, and ready so you can get fresh, professional photos up on your listing before the booking frenzy reaches its peak.

Don't wait until May to start thinking about property improvements. Whether you need to replace your flooring, update a dated bathroom, or add custom storage, Traverse City Building Repair is here to help you get your investment property ready for the season.

Give us a call at 231-995-9984 or schedule a consultation today to get your project on the books!