If you’re preparing an older Oconomowoc rental property for new tenants, you may be seriously contemplating on ways to renovate the home and, with the hope to appeal to a new generation of renters. But you should know, before you set in motion tearing out or painting over things, there are a few important features in older homes that you shouldn’t recondition or alter. Not only are these features that lend a home elegance and character but, aside from that, trying to change them may end up being vastly more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, weigh on the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be contemplating only the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be too quick to removet or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can appreciate the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even immensely help boost your property values Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can cheerfully avoid after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In this connection, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice initially before removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be exceedingly 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, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will surely distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, more particularly those built before the turn of the twentieth century, oftentimes have unique design features for illustration distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Even while such features 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 substantially add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
Another one unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their ebbs and flows in popularity through the years, and while some people might not appreciate them at all, others find them absolutely charming. But on the other hand, that doesn’t mean you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes greatly help add light to dark spaces while establishing privacy. Aside from that, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less observable place in the house, like for example bathroom window. This will help surely preserve the home’s unique style and history while enabling you to appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After many years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, want and demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than ever. Because of this, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should truly consider keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike take delight in the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes the best coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always real achallenge. But bear in mind, it’s critical not to disregard the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to totally remove them, working with them can certainly make a huge difference toward adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to find out more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can totally trust the local experts at Real Property Management Greater Milwaukee. Feel free to call us at 262-309-6961 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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