Tips and remodeling advice for Property Owners in Worcester Ma. Smart Property Management is so important.
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Remodeling a rental property in Worcester County Ma may seem similar to remodeling a personal residence in many regards, but there are key differences that should be taken into account with your design decisions. This is a property that may be used by kids, pets and more, so durability as well as style are key to making thoughtful design decisions.
Flooring
When remodeling your rental property, you likely will replace the floors. At first glance, you may opt to put in affordable carpeting, and some landlords do plan to replace the carpeting with renter’s grade materials every year or two. Another idea that may be more cost-effective in the long run is to use vinyl adhesive tiles or even ceramic or porcelain tiles. If the ceramic or porcelain tiles become chipped, you only have to replace the broken ones rather than the entire floor. Choose darker grout, and seal the floor for the best results.
Paint Options
The paint colors and type that you select should also be taken into consideration. Most homes use a flat paint color on the walls, but this is hard to keep clean. Eggshell or semi-gloss on the walls is easier to wipe dirt off with. Choose a taupe, beige or other neutral color for the best results as these will hide some of the dirt and are appealing to most prospective renters.
Cabinetry
If you have decided to redo your cabinetry as part of your remodel, you may be wondering if veneer or real wood is a better option. A veneer or laminate material may seem better at first glance because of the price as well as the easy cleaning requirements. However, if these get wet, the wood will warp, and they generally will fall apart much faster. More durable options, such as hardwoods are a better solution even though they are more costly. These can also be wiped clean and may be more resistant to water damage, dents and dings.
Counter Tops
Laminate is the most affordable counter top solution, but it can burn, scratch and dent. If you want your counter tops to continue to look amazing in the space, granite may be a better option. This is because granite will not scratch, dent or burn. It is susceptible to damage from acidic items and harsh chemical cleansers, however. Because of this, you will need to educate your renters about how to care for the granite counter tops.
When remodeling a rental property, you may be inclined to choose cheaper features because you know that renters will be hard on the property and the features will need to be replaced quickly. However, some of the upgraded options are far more durable and may be a better option for a rental property.