After six days of intense work, we’re wrapping up with some final touches to make the property shine for the upcoming photoshoot. Here’s a detailed look at Day 5 and Day 6, where every small detail counts.

Day 5: Final Preparations and Small Touches

With just one day before the photoshoot, it was crunch time to finish all pending tasks and set up each space for the best possible presentation.

Morning Tasks

• Finish the Mural and Stencils: Added the last layers to the mural in the backyard and completed the stencils in the living room and bedrooms.

• Furniture Arrangements: Set up chairs around the fire pit and arranged mini-golf accessories, creating a playful yet cohesive look.

• Garage and Fence Painting: TaskRabbit came back to help finish painting the garage and complete the colorful triangles on the poolside fence.

Afternoon Projects

1. Outdoor Projector Setup: Considering adding a projector screen by painting a screen on the house’s side wall.

2. Lighting and Decor: Installed lights and added decorative elements in various areas to enhance ambiance.

3. Final Landscaping Touches: Added vibrant flowers and plants, including Bougainvillea, for a lush and inviting look.

Day 6: Photoshoot Day – Bringing It All Together

Today was all about the photos! We focused on capturing the transformation and making sure every corner of the property was photo-ready.

Prepping for the Photoshoot

• Organizing Key Shots: Created a list of must-have shots to ensure we capture the most attractive aspects of the property. Focused on “hero shots” for the listing’s first photos, which will grab potential guests’ attention.

• Outdoor Kitchen Area: Added colorful yellow flags to the outdoor kitchen area for a unique touch, perfect for photos and enhancing the outdoor ambiance.

• Final Cleaning and Setup: Cleaners came in the morning, while the handyman and I made last-minute adjustments to ensure every space was spotless.

Last-Minute Details

1. Adding Hooks for Projector Screen: Made a final trip to Home Depot for hooks and other essentials to complete the projector setup.

2. Poolside Perfection: Despite some challenges with pool cleanliness, we ensured it looked great in photos.

Reflections on the Transformation

The last two days were filled with lessons and takeaways about managing a large DIY project:

• Prioritize Tasks: Not everything can be completed at once. It’s crucial to identify and focus on high-impact tasks that enhance the property’s appeal.

• Hiring Help: Realized the importance of hiring help early on. With three handymen over six days, their contributions were essential in finishing on time.

• Manage Expectations: Home makeovers are often glamorized, but they require hard work and commitment. It’s about finding joy in the process while accepting imperfections.

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Transforming this Airbnb was truly a labor of love. Here’s what I took away from the experience:

1. Balance DIY with Professional Help: Some tasks, like painting or landscaping, are best handled by professionals to save time and ensure quality.

2. Focus on Hero Shots for Airbnb Listings: Highlighting key areas, like the backyard mural and outdoor kitchen, will make the listing stand out.

3. Accept Imperfections: Done is often better than perfect. Prioritize what truly enhances the guest experience.