If you’re preparing an older Troy rental property for new tenants, you may be deliberating on processes and ways to renovate the home and, if all goes well, appeal to a new generation of renters. But on the other hand, before you get going with tearing out or painting over things, there are some elements in older homes that you shouldn’t alter or remodel. Not only are these features that lend a home some polish, beauty and character, but trying to change them may end up being considerably more expensive than it’s worth. Before you try to alter any unique features of your property, look into the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be looking into only the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be too fast to clear or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can like and admire the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even hugely help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can evade after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In the same way, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice prior to removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be well-known and 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 greatly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, specifically those designed before the turn of the twentieth century, in general, have unique design features for instance distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Though such parts may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think twice! Such unique details are really trendy and in demand again, which will only positively add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
Another unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their ups and downs in renown throughout time, and while some people might not actually like them, others find them quite charming. But actually, that doesn’t indicate you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes 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 to a bathroom window. This will positively help preserve the home’s unique style and history while enabling you to appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After decades of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, the need and demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than ever. Therefore, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should look into keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike like the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a nice coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a concern and challenge. Hence, it’s vital not to neglect the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to tear them down, working with them can be of great value in adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to discover more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can trust the local experts at Real Property Management Metro Detroit. Just freely call us at 248-808-6550 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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