If you’re preparing an older Suwanee rental property for new tenants, it wouldn’t hurt to have a few renovations here and there, especially because of the newer generation of tenants. In older homes, though, there are a few features that should be kept as is and should not be remodeled. While these features may contribute to the overall aesthetic of your home, trying to remodel them might prove to be expensive, too. Before you remodel any unique features of your property, contemplate how you can preserve them for their character, instead.
Hardwood Floors
Perhaps long-term maintenance is the only thing you’re thinking of. Don’t be so quick to remove or cover up hardwood flooring. You and your tenants can witness the valuable beauty of a hardwood floor that gives your property values a boost. Imagine how much you can save from carpet cleaning alone.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
Also, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, take some time to really weigh things out before removing or painting over them. There are a lot of homeowners and renters who go for the natural wood features because of the warm beauty it gives. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams as-is, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, especially those built before the turn of the twentieth century, often have unique design features like distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Even though such features aren’t evident in modern architecture, they are still very much relevant! Their unique details are once again trendy and in-demand, making your rental property’s appeal even more attractive.
Stained Glass
Something else that makes older homes very special is stained glass. All throughout history, stained glass windows have always been sought after — even when there are those who find them unattractive. So, don’t tear them out! Keep them and find a good use for them. Colored glass panes help add light to dark spaces while preserving privacy. Those stained glass panes can also be moved to a bathroom window if ever you so choose. This helps retain the home’s unique style and history while keeping it charming for new renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After so long of homes being built without utility rooms and built-in features, these useful elements are now seeing a return in demand. Because of this, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), keeping them might be a good idea. A butler pantry and built-ins will certainly prove to be useful and convenient for homeowners and renters alike — these are added areas of storage and utility for them, after all.
Thinking of renovating a rental property? It will come with its own challenges. However, don’t forget to work with what you have — the unique details that are already part of your property. It is these details that will eventually be the key to raising the value of your property because of the character they give your rental.
Would you like to learn more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Trust the local experts at Real Property Management Executives Greater Atlanta. You can call us at 678-765-8383 or contact us online.
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