If you’re preparing an older Spring rental property for new tenants, you may be weighing on ways and means to renovate the home and, optimistically, appeal to a new generation of renters. Although, before you start tearing out or painting over things, there are particular aspects of older homes that you shouldn’t remodel or atler in any way. Not only are these aspects that lend a home attractiveness and character but, more than that, trying to change them may end up being considerably more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, contemplate on the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be considering only the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be too fast to take out or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can like the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even immensely help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can eliminate after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In the same way, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice before you choose removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be extremely popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty and elegance to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your wooden mantel in its present state, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will undoubtedly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, basically those developed before the turn of the twentieth century, normally have unique design features, example distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. While such components may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand these days, which will only, without question, add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
Another exceptionally unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their highs and lows in popularity in the couse of time, and while some people might not find value in them, others find them remakably charming. Although that doesn’t say you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes hugely help add light to dark spaces while conserving privacy. Moreover, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less seen place in the house, such as a bathroom window. This will easily help preserve the home’s unique style and history while letting you appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After years and years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, the allure and demand for these valuable elements has returned stronger than ever. On that account, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should certainly think about keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike love the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a very nice coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a challenge, and a demanding one at that. But take note, it’s beneficial not to skip the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to remove them, working with them can play an important role in adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to explore more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can put your confidence in the local experts at Real Property Management Republic. Feel free to call us at 281-362-5001 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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