Owning a home is a rite of passage for many of us. And if you love to play host or hostess, you might see your home as a means to entertain friends and family on a regular basis. When you welcome loved ones from every corner of the globe, you know your home needs to be in tip-top shape. However, you might not see your home as your guests do. You may have already become accustomed to your property’s quirks, but visitors might feel these shortcomings translate to a lack of hospitality.
If you really want to knock the socks off your guests and make an incredible impression, you need to pay attention to the areas that really matter to visitors. Whether you’ve invited your in-laws to stay for a week or you’re making your guest room available for one night, here’s what your visitors will notice — and what you should discuss with your design build remodeling contractor.
Privacy
Privacy is an important factor for permanent members of your household and for short-term guests. Even if you have a close relationship with those who come to visit, you still need to have some physical barriers to ensure they feel comfortable in your home. If they feel like every movement or sound can be readily observed by everyone else in the house, they won’t be able to enjoy themselves during their stay.
You may want to talk to your home addition contractor about creating a separate space for guests, particularly if you have visitors who will be staying for a longer period. You might be able to create something like an in-law suite that allows for a separate entrance. Of course, you don’t have to pursue whole home renovations to create a sense of privacy. Installing a new shower curtain, adding window privacy film, or adding a sliding barn door can work wonders.
Lighting
No one wants to stay in a place that feels like a dark cave! If your home has a lack of natural lighting, especially in spaces like the bathroom and kitchen, your guests might feel frustrated. In some cases, this could even pose a safety hazard.
Those who are in the position to add some natural light in the form of windows (or even skylights) might want to talk to their renovation team about this possibility. Otherwise, you’ll need to supplement with additional lighting fixtures throughout the home. Make sure that your guests will be able to comfortably see in front of the bathroom mirror, in the cooking and dining areas, and in the guest bedroom.
Amenities
No one expects you to have the same perks as a five-star hotel, but anything you can do to add more convenience to your guests’ stay can win you some brownie points.
For instance, you might want to talk to your home addition contractor about adding an extra washer and dryer to your basement renovation or second-story addition. Since the average U.S. family does eight to 10 loads of laundry each week, this is a feature that can benefit both your family and your guests. Even a simple set of bathroom toiletries, fresh towels or linens, or an extra bathrobe can make your guests feel right at home.
Storage
If your home is lacking in storage, your family might already be short on space. But you need to make sure you have enough storage for your guests, as well. If all of your closets are overflowing, the guest room is doubling as a home office, and your basement is functioning as a large storage warehouse, your guests are going to feel cramped.
If you simply don’t have enough room for your basic needs, you should discuss a plan with your home addition contractor to create additional spaces for both your family and your guests. And if you’re renovating the bathroom, kitchen, or guest room, make sure to factor lots of built-in storage into the design!
Want to make your home even more welcoming for guests? We can take your space to the next level. Contact us today to learn more.
