If you’re preparing an older Apex rental property for new tenants, you may be thinking of procedures and ways to renovate the home and, optimistically, appeal to a new generation of renters. But take note, before you begin tearing out or painting over things, there are various aspects in older homes that you shouldn’t refurbish. Not only are these factors that lend a home charm and character but trying to change them may end up being way more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, think of the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be considering only about the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be so fast to eliminate or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can really like the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even greatly help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can steer clear of after each move-out..
Exposed Beams and Mantels
Likewise, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice prior to removing or painting them. Natural wood features continue to be popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams as-is, offering a charming farmhouse feel that will distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, particularly those produced before the turn of the twentieth century, mostly have unique design features namely distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Although such components may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand once again, which will only 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 fame over the years, and while some people might not like it, others find them really quite charming. But certainly, that doesn’t signify you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes greatly help add light to dark spaces while keeping privacy. In addition, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less conspicuous place in the house, such as a bathroom window. This will help preserve the home’s unique style and history while giving you a chance 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 want and demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than ever. This is exactly why, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should think of keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike adore the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a marvelous coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a real challenge. However, it’s significant not to miss the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to eliminate them, working with them can make a big difference in adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to know more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Trust the local experts at Real Property Management Excellence. You can call us at 919-827-1107 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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