Prepare your vacation rental for a season of fun and safety! Spring is the time of year we shake off what the winter winds have left for us. We clean the windows to better see the budding flowers bloom, and we spray the pollen off our green-coated porches. Spring is also the time to prepare our rental properties for the upcoming rental season.
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We all know about deep cleaning our properties. We scrub all the cookware and dishes, we pull cushions off sofas and drapes off sliders. We dust all the hard to reach areas and clean ceiling to baseboard. But how much do we do to consider the safety of our guests?
Our guests trust us to provide a safe and secure environment for their family and friends. When they arrive at our homes, it’s often for the first time, and often after dark. If you don’t already provide it, you might consider adding motion sensor lighting to the entry area of your home (motion sensors are advisable versus lighting on switches, so the lights aren’t on when not in use—saving money, and reducing midges and light pollution). If you already provide outdoor lighting, check to make sure it is all working properly and replace burnt out bulbs.
It is reported in the vacation rental industry that most injuries in vacation homes result from slips, trips and falls. Consider removing any loose rugs from entry ways and hall ways. Ensure your stairway handrails and deck pickets are secure. Inspect your deck and outside walkways for loose boards or nail pops.
Pool safety is paramount at rental
properties. If you have a pool at your home, check to ensure all gates are secure and any doors leading directly into the pool area have working pool alarms. You might also consider providing a pool hook and life ring within arm’s reach of the pool. And replace any broken pool and deck furniture. The only thing worse than getting pinched by cracked pool chairs, is falling through broken ones.
The Outer Banks experienced a tragic fire last year that brought fire prevention to the forefront of everyone’s attention. Make sure you have smoke detectors properly placed throughout your home, and that they are tested and the batteries are changed regularly. Do you have an adequate number of fire extinguishers? Make sure they are located where guests can easily find and operate them in an emergency. Now is the time to check the pressure and expiration.
Consider inviting a new friend or neighbor to come to your home and walk around. See if they have difficulty finding what they need. Do they slip or trip on anything? It’s a good way to see how our guests might experience our homes. Or, of course, if your home is managed by a property manager,
ask for a pre-season inspection with any recommendations for making your home safer for your guests.
While we can’t possibly avoid every potential pitfall or accident that might occur in our homes, by taking some proactive steps, we can make sure our homes are as safe as can be for our guests. After all, our aim is to ensure our visitors have a wonderful time during their vacation. By creating a safe and enjoyable environment, we’ll leave them eager to return.
Pre-Season Safety Checklist
• Hammer-in raised nails on decks, walkways and step treads
• Secure loose deck pickets, railings and step treads
• Secure or remove loose throw rugs
• Remove or repair broken pool and deck furniture
• Remove open-flame candles or torches—replace with lanterns and flashlights in case of a power outage
• Clean your dryer for built-up lint
• Do you have the adequate number of smoke detectors in your home?
• Have you changed the batteries?
• Do you need a carbon monoxide detector?
• Do you have an anti-tip mechanism on your range/oven?
• Do you have an automatic shut-off mechanism on your coffee maker?
• Do you have an adequate number of fire extinguishers? Have they been inspected?
• Do all top bunk beds have railings? Are they too close to a ceiling fan?
We know so many people love to eat out on the Outer Banks, but it isn’t easy to decide where to go. There are so many great options to choose from, so we have offered our favorites for you to enjoy the next time you head out to eat!
Connie
I am a big fan of Woo Casa, a friendly, small neighborhood restaurant in Nags Head. It is a happy place and the food is always fresh and the menu creative. The french fries are spectacular and come with a special house sauce on the side. Their fish tacos are my favorite. If the weather is good I like to eat outside. Service is prompt but you can linger and enjoy your friends. Give it a try.
woocasakitchen.com
Jessica
My favorite restaurant on the Outer Banks has always been The Blue Point in Duck. I have loved the crabcakes since I was about 10 years old! The waterfront setting makes it extra special with unforgettable sunsets and even live music at the back bar in the summertime. I always recommend this restaurant to clients, and it never disappoints. My husband and I love
Sunday brunch in the off season. I would recommend making a reservation if you are planning to dine while on vacation as it fills up fast.
https://www.thebluepoint.com/
Randy
One of the great benefits of living on the OBX is the many fantastic restaurants to choose from. One of my favorites is Tortuga’s Lie Located on the Beach Road in Nags Head, it’s been the go-to restaurant for my wife and I for over 30 years. It offers a great beach vibe, a tasty food selection with a Caribbean flair and the best fish tacos and french fries found anywhere.
https://www.tortugaslie.com/
A close second favorite is the Blue Moon Beach Grill Since its opening in 2009, Blue Moon has become one of the most popular restaurants on the beach due to its delicious menu selections and a staff that offers first class southern hospitality. Their new location has a great indoor and outdoor bar to relax and socialize. I would definitely recommend getting advance reservations to avoid the customary wait.
https://www.bluemoonbeachgrill.com/
Vanessa
There are so many scrumptious restaurants on the Outer Banks it is difficult to select a favorite. For that reason, I’ll highlight two today! The Saltbox Café is located on Little Colington Island and serves lunch and dinner as well as a delicious Sunday brunch. The service in this charming cottage-like restaurant is impeccable! I love the crab cakes, the shrimp and grits and, for that matter, any of the fresh seafood on the menu! The specials are always delightful and the desserts mouthwatering! I usually make a reservation!
http://www.thesaltboxcafe.com/
Looking for a restaurant that specializes in Mexican but also Latin-American cuisine with a touch of Baja, Tex-Mex and good old Coastal Carolina while at the beach? Bad Bean Baja Grill in Kitty Hawk checks all those boxes! The fresh catch of the day, fish tacos, are my favorite but the pork belly tacos are heavenly as well. There are so many options from black bean burgers to quesadillas to salads, sandwiches, and wraps. The service is excellent and the salsa is amazing!
https://badbeanobx.com/
