If you’re preparing an older Moorhead rental property for new tenants, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few renovations here and there, especially because of the newer generation of tenants. But, before you initiate the process, take note of a few things that shouldn’t be remodeled in older homes. While these features may contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home, trying to remodel them might prove to be expensive, too. Before you transform any unique features of your property, try weighing the benefits of keeping the features first.
Hardwood Floors
If long-term maintenance is something you are looking at, this might be for you. Don’t be so quick to remove or cover up hardwood flooring. Even your tenants can surely appreciate the beauty of a hardwood floor. This will surely give your property values a boost! Think about all of the carpet cleanings you can save on!
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In the same way, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, removing or painting over them might not be the best idea. Because of the warm beauty of natural wood features, many homeowners and renters prefer this aesthetic. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams as-is, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, especially those built before the turn of the twentieth century, often have unique design features like distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Despite these features not being hip with modern architecture, they have their own style to them! But, lo and behold, these unique details are on their way back to being trendy and in-demand, which means that your rental property’s appeal will gain momentum.
Stained Glass
The stained glass found in older homes is something that adds so much charm to the house. Despite being found unattractive by many, stained glass windows have always found their own place in many homes throughout history. So, don’t tear them out! Keep them and find a good use for them. Colored glass panes help add light to dark spaces while preserving privacy. If feasible, you can also move the stained glass panes to another part of the house such as a bathroom window. This ensures that the home’s unique style and history are kept without turning off new, potential renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After so long of homes being built without utility rooms and built-in features, these useful elements are now seeing a return in demand. So, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), don’t remove them. Built-ins can be enjoyed by homeowners and renters alike — they can also make good use of a butler pantry for whatever needs they might have for their storage.
Deciding on renovating a rental property can be quite the task, to be honest. However, don’t forget to work with what you have — the unique details that are already part of your property. It is these details that will eventually be the key to raising the value of your property because of the character they give your rental.
Would you like to learn more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Trust the local experts at Real Property Management Optimum. You can call us at 320-289-4649 or contact us online.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
