If you’re preparing an older Orem rental property for new tenants, you may be envisioning operations to renovate the home and, hoping to appeal to a new generation of renters. Although, before you get cracking on tearing out or painting over things, there are a number of features in older homes that you shouldn’t remodel at all. Not only are these features that lend a home its attractiveness and character but trying to change them may end up being a lot 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 the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be as fast to discard or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can appreciate the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even help significantly boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can steer away from after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
By the same token, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice before you go removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be very popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams in its present condition, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will effectively distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, primarily those developed before the turn of the twentieth century, customarily 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 sections 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 considerably 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 highs and lows in popularity over the years, and while some people might not reall like them, others find them rather charming. Yet, that doesn’t denote you should tear it out. Colored glass panes help add light to dark spaces while retaining privacy. Having said that, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less noticeable place in the house, as an illustration, a bathroom window. This will exceedingly help preserve the home’s unique style and history while 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, demand for these valuable elements has now 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 appreciate the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a suitable coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a tough challenge. But really it’s imperative not to fail to neglect the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to discard them, working with them can be of great importance to adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to hear more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can completely trust the local experts at Real Property Management Utah County. Just call us at 801-224-0033 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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