Dwight Calwhite walks through converting a garage into a finished bedroom for Airbnb hosts. He covers insulation, drywall, flooring, climate control options like mini-splits, permitting requirements, and when to hire contractors. Adding a sleeping space increases revenue and guest capacity.
If you want to earn a high average daily rate with an Airbnb in Las Vegas, you need to provide as many sleeping spaces as reasonably possible. One of the best hidden opportunities is converting a garage into an extra bedroom. Garages are often underutilized. Short-term rental guests don't really need them for parking a car or working on projects, but when a garage is converted properly, it can add major value to the guest experience. The key is making sure the space is fully finished, furnished, and comfortable. That means insulated walls and ceilings, real flooring, and heating and cooling. For climate control, a mini-split ductless HVAC unit is the gold standard. It mounts on the wall, keeps the room comfortable year-round, and doesn't block the window. You can go the cheaper route with a window AC and space heater, but that doesn't exactly scream 5-star stay. And remember, lower ratings equals lower revenue. For flooring, carpet is the cheapest and coziest, but it stains easily. Go for a darker pattern and plan on professional cleaning every few months. Or upgrade to luxury vinyl plank and layer in a soft rug near the bed. If you're just adding drywall, paint, and flooring, you can save money using subcontractors or handymen. But if you're moving any electrical or plumbing, permits are required. So bring in a general contractor to handle that part of the process. So if you're searching for a house to use as a short-term rental, I recommend you look for ones with garages that can be converted into a bedroom or two. Even if you don't make the conversion happen right away, it's nice to have that option available to bump up your revenue when you're ready to best in the conversion.
