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Remodeling? Don’t Alter These 5 Unique Features

Living Room with Stained Glass Windo in Older Columbia Heights RentalIf you’re preparing an older Columbia Heights rental property for new tenants, it would do you well to have it renovated for the new generation of tenants to come. Before you decide on anything, however, you have to know that there are a few features in older homes worth keeping. There are things that you shouldn’t remodel. Not only do these features add to the character of the home, but they might also end up being more expensive to change. Before you tweak any unique features of your property, maybe you can consider the benefits of keeping them, as well.

Hardwood Floors

Perhaps long-term maintenance is the only thing you’re thinking of. Don’t be so quick to remove or cover up hardwood flooring. The beauty of a hardwood floor can be what attracts tenants, as well as boost your property values. Imagine how much you can save from carpet cleaning alone.

Exposed Beams and Mantels

Comparably, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, you might want to really think hard before removing or painting over them. There are a lot of homeowners and renters who go for the natural wood features because of the warm beauty it gives. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams as-is, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will distinguish your rental from others.

Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors

Older homes, especially those built before the turn of the twentieth century, often have unique design features like distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. So what if these features aren’t the typical style of modern architecture? They can be their own thing, for sure! Still, these unique details are back to being trendy and in-demand, adding to your rental property’s appeal.

Stained Glass

Something else that makes older homes very special is stained glass. Even though there are people who find them unattractive, stained glass windows have always been a classic throughout history. Nonetheless, you can make good use of them. Colored glass panes help add light to dark spaces while preserving privacy. If you prefer, you could also rehouse the stained glass panes into another window in another part of a house, like a bathroom. Doing this can keep the home’s unique style and history while making it attractive to new renters.

Banquettes and Butler Pantries

For years, homes have been built without utility rooms and built-in features. Now, the demand for these useful elements is finally back. Because of this, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), keeping them might be a good idea. Homeowners and renters can enjoy the convenience of having built-ins while being able to utilize a butler pantry for whatever they see fit.

Thinking of renovating a rental property? It will come with its own challenges. And yet, you should remember to notice the property’s unique details. Use these details to raise the value of your property, instead. Make the charm work on new potential renters.

 

Would you like to learn more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Trust the local experts at Real Property Management DC Metro. You can call us at 202-269-03033 or contact us online.

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