STR Firepit Amenity Payback Calculator

Outdoor firepits are a low-cost amenity with high marketing-photo value and modest ADR uplift.

Install cost

Annual maintenance

Current ADR

ADR uplift %

Annual booked nights

Payback

10 mo

Annual revenue uplift

$1,890

5-year net

$7,200

How the math works

Annual uplift = ADR × uplift × nights. Net = uplift − maintenance. Payback = install / net.

$180 × 5% × 210 = $1,890 − $150 = $1,740 net. $1,500 / $1,740 = 10 months payback.

How to Use

Enter install cost.
Enter annual maintenance.
Enter current adr.
Enter adr uplift %.
Enter annual booked nights.
Read payback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are firepits worth it?

Lowest-cost photo-driving amenity: $300–2,500 install. Wood-burning: $300–800 DIY ring or stone, requires storage/cleanup. Propane: $800–2,500, instant on/off, easier guest use. Local burn ban risk: California, Oregon, Washington in summer. Liability: fire safety placard required in many jurisdictions, distance from structures (10 ft min code typical). Marketing impact: photogenic listing image drives 5–15% conversion lift even if guest never uses it.

How does this fit STR underwriting?

Short-term rental investors stack this calculator with AirDNA market data, channel mix analysis, seasonal pricing, and HOA/regulatory review. Net contribution after PM, cleaning, supplies, utilities, taxes, insurance and platform fees should be the underwriting target — gross revenue alone is misleading. Always validate with at least 12 months of comp performance.

Airbnb vs VRBO vs Booking economics?

Airbnb: 3% host fee + 14% guest fee, strong urban demand, cancellation policies host-controlled. VRBO: 8% per booking, family/group oriented, longer stays. Booking.com: 15% commission, instant book required, more international. Direct booking: 0% but requires marketing investment. Most STRs use 2–3 channels for 15–30% lift.

Regulatory risk?

STR regulation is fragmenting fast: outright bans (NYC, Honolulu certain zones), licensing caps (SF, Boston, Santa Monica), occupancy taxes (most cities now), HOA bans (private). Always verify zoning, licensing, and HOA rules before underwriting. Insurance and liability waiver also critical. Owner-occupied vs investor STR rules differ materially in many jurisdictions.