Designing and Renovating for Short-Term Rentals in Quebec

A Guide for Airbnb & Seasonal Property Owners | Plans Xpert

The short-term rental market is booming in Quebec—and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. Whether you’re in Montreal, Laval, the Laurentians, or a lakeside village, platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and other seasonal rental services have opened the door to new income opportunities for property owners.

But turning a regular home or cottage into a successful short-term rental takes more than just fresh linens and good lighting—it takes smart design, legal planning, and the right visual presentation.

At Plans Xpert, we help homeowners, investors, and property managers plan, renovate, and showcase their properties for the short-term rental market. In this blog, we’ll explore how to prepare your property, what to consider legally and architecturally, and how our services can help you stand out and succeed.

Why Invest in Short-Term Rentals?

The demand for unique, private, and well-located short-term rentals continues to rise—especially in post-pandemic Quebec, where local tourism, remote work, and weekend getaways have become lifestyle norms.

Benefits of owning a short-term rental property include:

Higher revenue potential compared to long-term renting
Flexibility—you choose your booking dates
Tax deductions on renovation and operational expenses
Asset appreciation through upgrades and increased market value
Multi-use potential: a vacation property for you, income when you’re not using it

But to tap into these benefits, your space needs to be functional, code-compliant, visually appealing, and guest-friendly—and that’s where professional planning comes in.

Step 1: Planning Your Short-Term Rental Space

Before investing in furniture or hiring cleaners, start with a solid architectural plan. Whether you’re converting a portion of your home or renovating a full property, a custom plan ensures the space is:

Efficiently laid out
Code-compliant
Attractive to your target guest market
Ready for legal registration or permit approval (if required)

At Plans Xpert, we offer custom plans for:

✔️ Full-home conversions for Airbnb
✔️ Garden units or secondary suites
✔️ Basement apartments with private access
✔️ Tiny homes or modular guesthouses
✔️ Renovations for cottages, chalets, or cabins
✔️ Layout optimization for existing rentals

Our plans include full measurements, layouts, building code considerations, and preparation for permit applications when needed.

Renovations That Boost Bookings

A few strategic renovations can make your short-term rental not just livable—but unforgettable. Here are top improvements that we regularly help clients plan:

1. Private Entrances and Self-Check-in Features
Guests value privacy and independence. If your unit shares space with your home, creating a separate entry and clear division improves the guest experience—and increases your booking rate.

2. Bathroom & Kitchen Upgrades
Modern, stylish, and clean bathrooms and kitchens are major booking drivers. We provide detailed plans for compact yet luxurious spaces that meet modern expectations, especially in small units.

3. Open-Concept Living Spaces
An open layout makes a small space feel bigger. We design optimized living areas that are multi-functional and perfect for entertaining or relaxing after a day of exploring Quebec.

4. Storage, Lighting & Accessibility
Smart storage, proper lighting, and easy access for all guests (including seniors or families) are often overlooked, but essential for top-tier guest reviews.

5. Outdoor Features
In tourist destinations, patios, decks, spas, or firepits are serious guest magnets. We create rendering visuals so you can picture your outdoor layout before investing.

Is Your Property Legal for Short-Term Rental?

Municipal laws in Quebec are strictly enforced for short-term rentals. In many cities—especially Montreal, Quebec City, and resort towns—hosts need to:

Register with Revenu Québec
Obtain a CITQ classification (Tourist Accommodation certificate)
Comply with local zoning bylaws
Meet fire, safety, and building code standards
Include insurance and proper emergency exits

Our team at Plans Xpert can help you navigate this legal landscape by providing:

Zoning and compliance research
Permit-ready renovation and conversion plans
Documentation for city approval and insurance providers

This ensures your rental is not only beautiful—but 100% legal and secure.

3D Renderings: Your Secret Weapon for Bookings

Today’s renters don’t just browse listings—they book based on visuals. A professionally staged 3D rendering of your short-term rental can:

Increase booking conversion by showing the potential of your space
Help secure investor or contractor buy-in for upgrades
Create marketing materials for your listing, website, or social media

We specialize in photo-realistic 3D visualizations that bring your space to life before construction or renovation starts—saving time and money while boosting impact.

Plans Xpert Services for Short-Term Rentals

Whether you’re starting fresh or upgrading an existing property, Plans Xpert is your one-stop solution for professional design and consulting:

✔️ Custom architectural plans for new or converted rental units
✔️ Full renovation and layout planning
✔️ 3D rendering for interior and exterior design
✔️ Permit support and municipal compliance
✔️ Personalized consultation tailored to your location and goals

With over a decade of experience in residential planning and visualization, we understand what makes a property functional, legal, and profitable.

Ready to Launch Your Rental?

Whether you’re setting up a cozy studio in downtown Montreal or modernizing a lakeside chalet in the Laurentians, Plans Xpert is here to guide you every step of the way. From concept to permit, from floor plan to final image—we help you make smart decisions and unlock the full potential of your property.

📍 Based in Quebec | 💻 Serving All of Canada | 🏡 Experts in Planning, Design & 3D Rendering

Contact Plans Xpert today to schedule a consultation or request a quote. Your dream home

starts with a vision—and we’re here to build it.

+1 514 518 6830
info@plansxpert.com
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