If you’re preparing an older Hollywood Park rental property for new tenants, you may be thinking about all the ways to renovate the home and actually hoping to appeal to a new generation of renters. Although, before you get rolling on tearing out or painting over things, there are a number of features in older homes that you shouldn’t enhance or remodel. Not only are these elements that lend a home its stylishness, beauty, and character but, as a matter of fact, trying to change them may end up being way more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, take into consideration the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be taking into consideration only about the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be real quick to do away with or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can take delight in the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can keep away from after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In this same way, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice before ever removing or painting over them. Natural wood features remain very popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty and coziness to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams just the way it is, giving a charming farmhouse feel that will certainly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, primarily those developed before the turn of the twentieth century, most commonly have unique design features particularly distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Even if such details may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand again these days, which will only add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
Another specially unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their moments in popularity over the years, and while some people might not certainly like them, others find them quite charming. Yet, that doesn’t denote you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes help add light to dark spaces while keeping your privacy. Still, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less obvious place in the house, like for example a bathroom window. This will help preserve the home’s unique style and history while certainly allowing 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, appeal and demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than ever. Hence, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should take into consideration keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike will be so happy with the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a perfect coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always an issue and a real challenge. But don’t forget, it’s critical not to leave neglected the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to remove them, working with them can be of great value toward adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to glean more understanding about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Count on the local experts at Real Property Management First Class. You can call us at 210-444-2070 or contact us online.
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