A Thorough Self-Inspection Checklist For Airbnb and vacation rental owners
As the summer sun sets on another busy season in Montana, it’s time for vacation rental and Airbnb hosts to catch their breath. But before you completely relax, there’s one more important task on your to-do list: the end-of-season transition. This “shoulder season”—that sweet spot between the summer rush and the winter holiday season—is the perfect time to not only deep-clean your property but also to ensure it’s in top condition for what’s to come.
Your DIY Checklist for a Smooth Transition
A great way to start is with a thorough self-inspection. This helps you get a firsthand look at how your property held up under heavy summer use and prepare it for the cooler months. Here are some actionable tasks to get you started:
Do a Deep Clean: Go beyond the typical guest turnover clean. Focus on areas that get neglected, like cleaning behind the fridge, wiping down baseboards, and dusting high-up light fixtures.
Store Outdoor Furniture: Bring in or cover patio furniture, store cushions, and put away summer décor. This protects your investment from the changing weather and keeps your property looking tidy.
Prepare to Drain Water Features: October often brings snow. So prepare to empty hot tubs, pools, and fountains. This prevents costly damage from freezing pipes or equipment when the cold weather arrives.
Service the Grill: Turn off the propane and give your grill a good cleaning. This ensures it’s ready for those crisp autumn evenings and prevents any issues when you fire it up again next spring.
Take Inventory: Walk through your property and take stock of what you have. This is a good opportunity to replace any missing items or damaged linens.
The Professional Upgrade: Why an Inspection is a Critical Next Step
Your DIY checklist is a great start, but it can only take you so far.
During a busy rental season, it’s easy for minor issues to go unnoticed. That’s where a professional home inspection comes in. We can spot the hidden problems that might have occurred from a summer full of guests.
A professional home inspector looks at your property with an expert eye, checking for:
Foundation Issues: Heavy foot traffic on decks or patios, and overall wear and tear on older properties, can sometimes lead to new cracks or shifts, which can cause tripping.
Roof and Siding Damage: Summer storms and high winds can cause subtle damage that might lead to a major leak later.
Appliance Wear and Tear: Constant use of dishwashers, washing machines, and HVAC systems can result in a breakdown just when you —or your guests need them most!
An inspection is an investment in your property’s long-term health and your peace of mind. It’s a way to prepare for long-term rentals or holiday guests without the surprise of a major system failing on Christmas Day. For anyone renting on Big Mountain or Blacktail, you certainly don’t want your holiday guests to arrive to frozen pipes or a broken heater.
And once again, thank you for voting us Best of the Flathead for the fifth year in a row! At 406 Home Inspection Professionals, we’re grateful to be a part of the local business community here in Montana. We love supporting our local hosts by helping them maintain safe and welcoming homes. We believe that when local businesses thrive, our whole community benefits!
If you have questions, would like to schedule a presentation to your team, or want to schedule an inspection, give us a call or send us a text: 406-201-1573