If you’re preparing an older Milford rental property for new tenants, you may be giving thought to methods and ways to renovate the home and, hopefully, appeal to a new generation of renters. But, however, before you get cracking with tearing out or painting over things, there are some features in older homes that you shouldn’t remodel at all. Not only are these essentials that lend a home taste, beauty, and character but, as a matter of fact, trying to change them may end up being much more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, look into the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be looking into only the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be too fast to tear down or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can love the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even help greatly boost your property values. Just consider all the carpet cleaning you can evade after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
Likewise, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice before ever removing or painting them. Natural wood features continue to be extremely popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty and comfort to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams at its present state, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will highly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, specifically those designed and built before the turn of the twentieth century, largely have unique design features, for example distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Though such details may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand again these days, which will only add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
Another notably unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their peaks and troughs in popularity throughout the years, and while some people might certainly not appreciate them, others find them quite charming. Having said that, that doesn’t imply you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes certainly help add light to dark spaces while preserving privacy. Also, aside from that, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less obvious place in the house, like a bathroom window. This will help preserve the home’s unique style and history while totally allowing you to appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After several years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, interest and demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than ever. Therefore, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should look into keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike just love the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a perfect coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a challenge, even a tough one. But bear in mind, it’s essential not to disregard the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to eliminate them, working with them can be essential to adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to actually know more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Do trust the local experts at Real Property Management Thrive. You can call us at 603-255-4100 or contact us online.
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