If there’s one incentive for anyone to rent or stay on your property, it’s low cost. Now, a lower rental rate is sure to get someone’s attention, but so are the amenities and features that your property offers.
Whether you offer short-term or long-term rentals, there are advantages to going green.
Sustainable hosting is a highly attractive option in today’s vacation rental market. In fact, according to several recent studies (especially over the last decade), more and more people are adopting an Eco-friendly lifestyle.
Modern consumers have become discerning in what they demand. It’s not enough to offer them an incredible place; they are also interested in sustainability. This is especially true of “woke” millennials and Gen Zs, who care deeply about protecting Earth.
Additionally, the more Eco-friendly features your property has, the more attractive it will be to prospective tenants or guests.
To get started going green in the real estate marketplace, you won’t have to break the bank. Fortunately, many modifications can be done without professional installation, and they’re all relatively cheap solutions for living in a more environmentally conscientious way.
Fix Problems First
Just as you have to comply with local ordinances and, in some cases, with short-term rental rules by city, you’ll also want to comply with building and rental codes.
Complying with these rules isn’t as big of a hassle as it seems. Fixing problems not only makes your property more valuable but also makes it more attractive to tenants or guests.
Start by surveying any problem areas that you come across. Some things to look for in earnest of going green are as follows:
- Insulation
- Water Leaks
- Air Leaks
- Paint
- Hot Spots (areas lacking shade)
- Interiors
While things listed above, such as air and water leaks, would be obvious problem areas to fix, things like paint and interiors usually go unchecked.
Exterior paint should have a high albedo. This basically means that the lighter the color, the more reflective it will be. The darker the color, the more heat it will absorb. With a higher albedo color, this results in your home staying cooler in summer, and it will also translate into cheaper energy spending.
Additionally, interiors should have proper blinds and drapes for each window or space where light can enter. In turn, when properly executed, interiors can also reduce the heat inside the home during warmer months.
Water Usage
Water is essential for life. Just about every human being knows this. But, despite our knowledge of this, water is also one of the most highly wasted resources we use.
Reducing water usage is one way to not only help reduce environmental strain but can also become a cost-effective practice. This is also a great feature that makes for an attractive rental option. Having a reduced water cost is not only great for your wallet, but it’s also better for the planet and all life on it.
Installing low-flow nozzles and shower heads reduces the outflow of water over time. Basically, a standard showerhead will allow for 2.5 to 3 gallons of water to pass through each minute. If you take a 10-minute shower, that amounts to 25 to 30 gallons of water for one shower.
With low-flow shower heads installed, you’ll only use 15 to 20 gallons.
Now, a 5 to 10-gallon decrease per day might not seem like a significant amount. But add it up over a month’s time and see how much water you’ll save.
Appliances
In addition to the aforementioned, installing smart, energy-efficient appliances not only enhances the attractiveness of your home but can also save you money every year, as there are numerous tax incentives for purchasing these environmentally friendly products.
Items such as refrigerators and washing machines, and dryers are now made to be much more energy-efficient than ever before. These appliances generally come with smart settings, enabling you to use less energy to operate them than you would with traditional appliances.
Next time you’re out looking for energy-efficient upgrades, ask your local vendor about their Eco-friendly options. Today, they’re just as plentiful as traditional appliances.
Conclusion
Today, going green has become a lifestyle. But this is more than a style; it’s a life choice. If we’re to continue living on this planet, it becomes necessary for us to make the right choice and care for it.
Making purchases and choices that enable us to reduce our environmental footprints is not only wise for ethical reasons but can translate into saving money as well.
If you’re in the market to rent out your vacation property, going as green as possible will not only be an attractive feature for today’s environmentally conscious culture, it will also save you money in the long run.
