Hardwood Floors
You may be thinking solely in reference to the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be too fast to take off or cover hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can admire the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it will even help give your property values a boost. Just take into account all the carpet cleaning you can truly avoid after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In the same vein, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think again before removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be very popular with homeowners and renters and easily add a wonderful charm and beauty to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams as seen, giving a nice farmhouse feel that will truly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, exactly those built before the turn of the twentieth century, oftentimes have unique design features like unusual crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Conceding that such features may not appear to have any place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in-demand once again, which will only magnify your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
Another one-of-a-kind component usually seen in older homes is stained glass. The popularity of stained glass windows has come and gone over the decades, and some people will, indeed, always find it horrible. Although that doesn’t mean you should pull it out. Colored glass panes help enhance light in dark spaces while retaining privacy. Anyhow, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less prominent place in the house, such as a bathroom window. This will support in preserving the home’s unique style and history while letting you appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After decades of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, demand for these useful elements has come back stronger than ever. Consequently, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should think about keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike want the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a great coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is oftentimes a challenge. But take note, it’s necessary not to neglect the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to get rid of them, working with them can count a lot to effectively add character, charm, and value to your property.
Want to learn more about creating a rental property that tenants will prefer? Trust the local experts at Real Property Management Wasatch. You can call us at 801-889-1517 or contact us online.