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Top Airbnb Upgrades in Boulder Before the Sundance Film Festival

With the Sundance Film Festival moving to Boulder, Colorado beginning in 2027, demand for comfortable, well-finished short-term rentals is expected to rise. Guests will book quickly, compare listings closely, and leave reviews based on the details that impact comfort, cleanliness, and convenience.

If you want your home to stand out during Sundance Film Festival season, focus on upgrades that photograph well, function smoothly, and hold value long after the festival endsOfficial announcement: https://www.sundance.org/new-sundance-film-festival-home/

1) Bathroom upgrades that look great and stay easy to maintain

Bathrooms are a major decision point for Airbnb guests, especially during high-demand events like the Sundance Film Festival. A clean, modern bath helps your listing feel premium and keeps hosting simpler between turnovers.

High-impact improvements:

  • Frameless glass and simple tile layouts
  • Better ventilation and humidity control
  • Layered lighting (task lighting plus soft ambient)
  • Practical storage that keeps counters clear

2) Bedroom comfort that leads to better reviews

Festival guests want a quiet place to recharge. Sleep quality shows up immediately in reviews, and it can be the difference between “good stay” and “would book again.”

Consider:

  • Sound control where feasible (door seals, insulation upgrades, solid-core doors)
  • Blackout window coverings
  • Layout tweaks that improve privacy and flow
  • Balanced heating and cooling across rooms

3) Kitchen functionality that feels effortless

During the Sundance Film Festival, guests often snack, host friends, and rely on the kitchen more than a typical vacation stay. A kitchen that works well earns better feedback even if it is not oversized.

Smart upgrades:

  • Storage improvements (deep drawers, pull-outs, pantry solutions)
  • Strong lighting and durable, easy-clean surfaces
  • Layout adjustments that reduce bottlenecks
  • A backsplash that cleans up fast and looks great in photos

4) Entry and storage upgrades for Boulder winter arrivals

Boulder winter weather can mean snow, grit, and wet boots. A well-planned entry makes check-in smoother and protects the rest of the home.

Helpful additions:

  • Bench, hooks, and shoe storage
  • Durable flooring at the entry
  • Better exterior lighting for late arrivals
  • A clean drop zone that keeps clutter contained

5) Work-ready spaces that book well

Many travelers combine events with remote work. Airbnb listings with a functional workspace and reliable WiFi often stand out during busy booking windows.

Quick wins:

  • A dedicated desk area with good lighting
  • Convenient outlets and charging access
  • Strong, consistent WiFi coverage throughout the home

6) Safety and peace of mind

Safety upgrades build trust and reduce risk during peak hosting seasons like the Sundance Film Festival.

Examples:

  • Updated smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
  • Secure locks and well-lit paths
  • Code-compliant handrails and steps
  • GFCI protection where required

7) Fix the “review killers” before you remodel big

Guests will tolerate personal style preferences. They rarely forgive functional issues. Before you take on major remodeling, fix the problems that create complaints.

Common issues to solve:

  • Drafty windows and cold zones
  • Low water pressure or inconsistent hot water
  • Loud fans or poor airflow
  • Doors that stick, rattle, or do not latch properly

A quick note on Boulder permitting and short-term rental rules

Short-term rental rules and permit requirements can vary depending on your location and project scope. Confirming requirements early helps keep your timeline realistic, especially if you are aiming to be ready for the Sundance Film Festival in Boulder.

How Elton R Construction can help Boulder homeowners prepare

As a Boulder general contractor, Elton R Construction helps homeowners prioritize upgrades that improve daily living and short-term rental performance. We are build-focused and often partner with architects and designers to execute plans with a high level of craftsmanship, clear project communication, and strong attention to finish details.

Final thought

The move of the Sundance Film Festival to Boulder is a major opportunity for homeowners who plan ahead. The best upgrades are the ones that elevate comfort now, strengthen Airbnb booking appeal during festival season, and increase long-term property value well beyond the event.

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Jason H.

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With over 25 years of residential construction management experience, Jason Hauck brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. His broad experience includes building homes from the ground up, remodeling and converting apartment complexes into condos and even running his own residential GC company for 10 years. Jason’s interest in construction started early as he helped his father on projects back in Dedham, MA. Jason studied Construction Management at CSU. He has a lovely wife and two sons and, outside of family time, enjoys hunting and fishing.

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Sadie brought a ready wag and calm disposition to the office every day. She happily greeted anyone who walked through our doors and she was great at keeping us all centered, even when things got hectic.  On the personal side, Sadie was a tireless advocate for workplace siestas punctuated by brisk walks around the block. We miss her dearly and cherish our precious memories of her. She will live on forever in our hearts.

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Amy, originally from Michigan, moved to Colorado in 2001. A love of numbers, order and accuracy has carried her through years of accounting experience. She has recently returned to the workforce after being a stay at home and homeschooling mother. When she isn’t making sure our accounts are in order, planning curriculum and being an unofficial Uber driver for her children, Amy loves working with herbs, cooking and gardening.

 
 

Matt A.

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Matt is a custom residential remodeling specialist. He got his start remodeling residential homes in Centennial and moved his way up to high-end custom remodeling while running his own operation for over a decade. Matt, much like his brother Mikey, has a broad range of experience and understands all aspects of residential remodeling with high quality finishes. Born and raised in Colorado he spends most of his time off work with friends and family making music, playing guitar, seeing live music, playing video games, working on his cars, backpacking, and fishing.

 

Mike A.

Project Manager

Mike (Mikey) is a specialist in custom residential construction. He began as a carpenter, remodeling full apartment buildings in Denver and then moved to high-end custom homes. Mikey is a skilled craftsman who owned his own construction company prior to becoming a husband and father and joining us at ERC. With his vast experience, he is knowledgeable about all aspects of residential construction. Colorado born and raised, he spends most of his time away form work with his family and is an avid camper, flyfisher, backpacker, snowboarder, cat and dog lover

Tim E.

Project Manager

Tim is a highly skilled Craftsman who brings 4 decades of construction experience to the team.    

He got started in the business 40 years ago Painting and Remodeling houses with his father in California.

Tim moved to Colorado in 1991 along with his wife and son. He worked as a Lead Finish Carpenter on High -End Custom Homes in the Denver area for nearly a decade, before opening his own Painting & Remodeling Company.   

Tim enjoys spending family time with his wife, 3 sons and 2 granddaughters enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors. Tim’s hobbies include restoring his classic 1953 Chevy, attending car shows and racing cars.

 

Mike L.

Senior Project Manager

Michael moved to Colorado 25 years ago. Previously, he owned and operated a successful residential construction company for 12 years. He also has experience designing and building commercial facilities which gives him a wealth of experience in overseeing building operations. When not working, Mike pursues his creative side, building lights and other creations from from repurposed material. He also enjoys spending time with his family taking advantage of all Colorado has to offer.

Conor L.

Estimator & Project Manager

Conor joined a roofing team at age 15 in Upstate New York and quickly graduated to building houses. In 2014, he moved out to Boulder.  Conor enjoys helping clients make their home dreams into reality. When not at work, he loves snowboarding, dirt biking, and charging the mountain with his dog.

Rhiannon P.

Controller

Rhiannon was born and raised in Southern California, before moving to Colorado to raise her family. She brings a wealth of experience from property management, hospitality, and construction accounting. She devotes time outside of work to animal rescue and organ donation, as well as spending time with her family and dogs.

Matt O.

Vice President

Matt leads the sales team and collaborates with clients and trade partners in developing project budgets and taking designs from concept to reality. He’s a Colorado native and CU Alumni with a degree in Architectural Engineering, Matt enjoys cheering on the Buffaloes and attempting to keep up with his two young boys.

Beau Beck

Owner and President

Beau came to Elton R Construction from the Bay Area after a 25-year career in tech helping launch and grow venture-backed companies. He graduated with a degree in Economics from Stanford University and holds an MBA with Distinction from Kellogg at Northwestern University. When not working, he loves to ski, golf, play tennis and hike with his dog.