If you’re preparing an older Hawthorne rental property for new tenants, you may be evaluating ways and means to renovate the home and, with anticipation and hope, appeal to a new generation of renters. But bear in mind, before you get going with tearing out or painting over things, there are particular features in older homes that you shouldn’t try to change or remodel. Not only are these components that lend a home beauty and character but, as a matter of fact, trying to change them may end up being immeasurably more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, think about considering the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be thinking only about the long-term maintenance. Don’t be so swift to take out or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can take delight in the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even actually help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can totally avoid after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
Similarly, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice before removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be really popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams as it stands, providing a charming farmhouse feel that will clearly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, in particular those developed before the turn of the twentieth century, frequently have unique design features for example distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. While you may think that these features may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand once more, which will only immensely add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
One more unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their peaks and valleys in popularity over the years, and while some people might not definitely like them, others find them very charming. Despite this, that doesn’t mean you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes normally help add light to dark spaces while protecting privacy. Besides that, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less visible place in the house, like a bathroom window. This will smoothly 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 several years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, need and demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than ever. Because of this, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should regard keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike take delight in the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a splendid coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a real challenge, even a headache. But take note that it’s really important not to neglect the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to take them out, working with them can be highly relevant 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 totally trust the local experts at Real Property Management California Coast. Just call us at 310-535-2150 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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