If you’re preparing an older Oklahoma City rental property for new tenants, you may be mulling over endeavors to renovate the home and, possibly, appeal to a new generation of renters. Be that as it may, before you begin tearing out or painting over things, there are specific features in older homes that you shouldn’t remodel or change. Not only are these features that lend a home magnificence and character but, aside from that, trying to change them may end up being a whole lot more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, mull over the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be evaluating only the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be as quick to strip or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can fancy the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even tremendously help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can get away from after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In this same vein, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice before determining to remove or paint over them. Natural wood features continue to be highly popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty and appeal to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams just as it is, offering a charming farmhouse feel that will certainly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, more importantly those built before the turn of the twentieth century, generallly have unique design features including distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. While such details may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand once again, which will only, without a doubt, add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
Another exceptionally unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their peaks and valleys in popularity throughout the years, and while some people might not fancy them, others find them definitely charming. But, certainly, that doesn’t mean you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes immensely help add light to dark spaces while properly keeping privacy. Anyhow, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less notable place in the house, in particular a bathroom window. This will help preserve the home’s unique style and history while properly allowing you to appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After many, many years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, interest and demand for these valuable elements has returned 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 mull over keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike fancy the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a really good coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a complex challenge. But always keep in mind, it’s vital to never neglect the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to strip them away, working with them can make a major difference in adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you want more information about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can totally trust the local experts at Real Property Management Elevate. Feel free to call us at 405-876-7611 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
