If you’re preparing an older Henrico rental property for new tenants, you may be considering various ways to renovate the home and, indeed hoping to appeal to a new generation of renters. However, before you embark on tearing out or painting over things, there are some features in older homes that you shouldn’t try to change or remodel. Not only are these pieces that lend a home it’s attractiveness and character but, more so, 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, carefully consider the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be pondering only about the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be too swift in removing or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can find pleasure in the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even unquestionably help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can gleefully avoid after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
Also, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice before deciding on removing or painting over them. Natural wood features remain certainly 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 in its current state, giving off a charming farmhouse feel that will significantly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, especially those made before the turn of the twentieth century, usually have unique design features like for example distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Though conceding such features may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand nowadays, which will only positively add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
One other unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their highs and lows in popularity over the years, and while some people might not certainly be fans, others find them so charming. Anyhow, that doesn’t conclude you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes easily help add light to dark spaces while keeping your privacy. Aside from that, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less noticeable place in the house, like a bathroom window. This will definitely help preserve the home’s unique style and history while permitting you to appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After years and years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, the demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than before. Thus, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should carefully think of keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike find pleasure in the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a magnificent coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a real challenge, even a tough one. But it’s crucial not to neglect the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to remove them, working with them can go far toward adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to ascertain more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can count on the local experts at Real Property Management Presidential. Don’t hesitate to call us at 434-422-5591 or contact us online.
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