here’s a distinct satisfaction in opening your home to guests—whether you’re hosting friends for the weekend or managing a short-term rental that fuels your side hustle. But long before the welcome basket is filled with maple candies and the Wi-Fi password is printed in cursive, there’s a more critical question that often goes unasked: Is your home truly ready for guests?
Not Instagram ready. Not “clean enough.” But safe, functional, and able to deliver the kind of experience that earns glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
As a professional home inspector—and someone who has seen what’s behind the curtain—I’ve come to appreciate that guest readiness has less to do with throw pillows and everything to do with systems, safety, and foresight.
Let’s walk through a few essential tips that will help ensure your vacation property or Airbnb isn’t just beautiful, but truly guest-ready.
1. Prioritize Safety First (And Mean It)
The quickest way to a one-star review—or worse, a liability issue—is to overlook safety.
Start with the basics:
- Smoke and CO Detectors: These should be installed on every level, in hallways near sleeping areas, and tested regularly.
- Handrails and Staircases: Loose railings, uneven steps, and poor lighting can turn a relaxing getaway into a trip to urgent care.
- GFCI Protection: Kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor areas need outlets with ground fault protection. It’s not just a good idea—it’s a standard.
Pro tip: Test everything yourself as if you were the guest. Would you trust this outlet? This railing? This lock?
2. Don’t Assume It Works—Verify It
Vacation properties often sit vacant between visits or seasons. That downtime allows plumbing traps to dry out, batteries to die, and critters to move in.
Before guests arrive:
- Run every fixture: Toilets, sinks, showers. Look for leaks or slow drains.
- Check HVAC systems: Is the A/C blowing cold? Does the heat respond? Any odd smells?
- Test appliances: From the microwave to the coffee maker, ensure all amenities work as advertised.
If anything’s borderline, don’t roll the dice. Fix it now, not after the guest messages you at 9 p.m.
3. Pay Attention to Hidden Hazards
A home inspection can reveal what’s happening behind the scenes—where mold creeps in, wiring degrades, or moisture collects.
Some lesser-seen issues that often arise in vacation homes:
- Rodent activity in attics or crawlspaces
- Water damage under sinks or around windows
- Improper venting of dryers, bathrooms, or water heaters
- Aging decks with hidden rot or loose connections
These don’t just affect guest experience; they threaten your investment.
4. Think Like a Traveler
Your guests aren’t you. They don’t know the quirks, the switches, or the shortcut to reset the hot water heater.
This is where preparation meets hospitality:
- Label breakers and switches clearly.
- Leave a laminated home guide with instructions for thermostats, alarms, or quirks.
- Ensure exterior lighting works—especially around stairs and entryways.
Inspect not just for code compliance, but for clarity. Confused guests become frustrated guests.
5. Consider a Pre-Season Inspection
If your home is a seasonal rental—especially in Vermont where freeze/thaw cycles can be brutal—it’s wise to schedule a professional home inspection before the season starts.
Think of it as preventive medicine for your property:
- Catch deferred maintenance before it costs you.
- Get ahead of guest complaints.
- Protect your liability and insurance standing.
An inspector won’t just spot issues—they’ll give you the documentation and peace of mind to welcome guests confidently.
Final Thought: Guest-Ready Means More Than Clean Sheets
You only get one chance to make a first impression. And in the world of short-term rentals, that impression can follow you online forever.
Whether you manage a lakeside cottage, a mountain cabin, or a studio over the garage, readiness begins with safety and ends with thoughtful detail.
At Green Mountain Property Inspections, we believe homes should not only look good—they should function well, operate safely, and deliver peace of mind to owners and guests alike.
Before your next booking, ask yourself: Is this home truly ready for guests?
If the answer isn’t a resounding yes, we’re here to help.
Looking for a seasonal home inspection or rental-readiness walkthrough? Get in touch with us at Lucian@GreenMountainPropertyInspections.com or 802-310-3897.
The Inspector's Notebook 
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