If you’re preparing an older Columbia Heights rental property for new tenants, you may be taking into account ways to renovate the home and, hoping to appeal to a new generation of renters. But, however, before you get started tearing out or painting over things, there are a handful of features in older homes that you shouldn’t enhance or remodel. Not only are these characteristics that lend to a home’s exquisiteness and character but, as a matter of fact, trying to change them may end up being noticeably more expensive than it’s worth. Before you try to alter any unique features of your property, examine the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be thinking only about the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be totally hasty to get rid of or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can be happy with the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even easily help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can happily avoid after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
In the same manner, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice prior to removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be quite popular with homeowners and renters and greatly add a warm beauty to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams in its present condition, giving off a charming farmhouse feel that will positively distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, absolutely those drafted before the turn of the twentieth century, usually have unique design features such as distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Even though people may think such features 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 greatly add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
One more unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their peaks and troughs in popularity over the years, and while some people might not appreciate them, others find them absolutely charming. Although, that doesn’t signify you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes help add light to dark spaces while protecting privacy. Besides that, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less noticeable place in the house, by way of example a bathroom window. This will hugely help preserve the home’s unique style and history while enabling 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, the requests for these valuable elements has come back real 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 examine keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike appreciate 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 substantial challenge. But keep in mind, it’s key not to forget the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to remove them, working with them can have major significance in adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to discover more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? You can count on the local experts at Real Property Management DC Metro. Make certain to call us at 202-269-0303 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
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