Downtime is the real cost
A month out of service in peak season usually costs more than the difference between a mid and a high specification. So the work is scheduled against the booking calendar, materials are on site before demolition starts, and the scope is fixed in advance because a mid-project change order costs nights as well as money.
Specify for abuse
Everything gets used harder than in a family home and nobody treats it like their own. Porcelain rather than soft flooring, solid-surface counters, commercial-grade hardware, and finishes that can be touched up rather than needing full replacement. Light colours photograph well and show every mark.
How a vacation rental renovation is scheduled
Against the booking calendar, not against the trades. Materials land before demolition starts, the scope is fixed in advance because a mid-project change order costs nights as well as money, and the work is staged so the property can come back online in one piece rather than in stages. A month lost in peak season usually costs more than the entire specification upgrade being argued about.
What guests actually notice
Bathrooms and the kitchen, in that order, plus how the outdoor space photographs. See outdoor living.