If you’re preparing an older Moorhead rental property for new tenants, you may be considering ways and means to renovate the home and, probably hoping to appeal to a new generation of renters. But, on the other hand, before you start tearing out or painting over things, there are some details in older homes that you shouldn’t alter or remodel. Not only are these elements that lend a home elegance and character, but, as a matter of fact, trying to change them may end up being rather more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, study the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be taking into account only the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be so hasty to take out or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can delight in the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even easily help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can elude after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
Likewise, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, reconsider before removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be massively popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty and charm to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams in its present state, offering a charming farmhouse feel that will easily distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, notably those made before the turn of the twentieth century, usually have unique design features, for example distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Though people may think such features may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand again, which will only add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
One other unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their fluctuations in popularity over the years, and while some people might not really appreciate them, others find them certainly charming. But really, that doesn’t actually mean you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes typically help add light to dark spaces while keeping privacy. Furthermore, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less perceptible place in the house, for example a bathroom window. This will easily help preserve the home’s unique style and history while permitting you to appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After many years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, the need and demand for these valuable elements has come back so much stronger than ever. Due to this, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should study about keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike delight in the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a wonderful coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a complex challenge. But it’s salient not to ignore the desirability of the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to take them out, working with them can be a significant element to adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to find out more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can depend on the local experts at Real Property Management Optimum. Be sure to call us at 320-289-4649 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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