Guest house staging can really help to reinforce the value of any multiple structure property. A guest house is always a nice addition to any piece of real estate, since it allows dedicated and separate quarters for out-of-town visitors, as well as the possibility of rental income when used as an apartment or cottage.
A few simple home staging techniques will really highlight the guest house, making it a huge asset to your property marketing campaign. This discussion centers on enhancing dedicated guest quarters, in order to increase the overall home value during the sales process.
Guest House Staging Techniques
Home staging strategies used for guest houses should revolve around setting up the structure as a luxury accommodation for valued visitors. Most guest houses have a bedroom or two, a living area, a bathroom and a eat-in kitchen or kitchenette. Make sure to address each area, just as you would for the main home.
The bedroom(s) should be kept simple, uncluttered and comfy, with the bed being the centerpiece of the room. Detailed advice on staging the bedroom can be found on my guest room staging page.
The bathroom should feature a spa-like setting and must be incredibly clean and fresh. Please see my bathroom staging resource section for detailed information.
The living space should be relaxing, open and vibrant. Exact methods of setting up the main space can be found on my living room staging page.
The kitchen area should be stocked with utensils, dishes and all the fixtures a working kitchen would require. You can get lots of nice tips for preparing this room in my kitchen staging section.
Guest Cottage Home Staging
A guest house should never be used as extra storage for the main home. Doing so will only make your primary living area seem too small and cluttered, so as to spill over into the guest quarters. This is a big liability when selling a home. It is far better to remove extra personal items completely from the property and sell them, donate them or place them in storage until the house is sold.
If you choose to set up the guest house as an alternative use space, make it an excellent example of whatever purpose you choose. Guest houses can make excellent home gyms, media rooms and home offices. However, unless perfectly executed, none of these applications will preserve the value of the structure as much as if it was left a guest residence, or better yet, staged as a profitable rental unit.
Guest House Staging Editorial
Whenever staging a cottage as guest quarters, make sure to make the presentation convincing. Provide your guests will all the comforts of home, from color-coordinated towels, linens and throw pillows to bathrobes, slippers and even a coffee-maker. These amenities will not cost much, but will set the tone for an idyllic setting for overnight entertaining.
Always play-up guest quarters, since they add tremendous value to the property and might make or break a real estate deal, especially if the prospective buyer entertains regularly, desires a rental income or might need lodging for a parent, adult child or domestic worker.
