If you’re preparing an older Novi rental property for new tenants, you may be considering various means and ways to renovate the home and, hopefully, appeal to a new generation of renters. But, on the other hand, before you get underway with tearing out or painting over things, there are certain features in older homes that you shouldn’t remodel. Not only are these attributes that lend a home loveliness and character but, in actuality, trying to change them may end up being very much more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, contemplate on the benefits of keeping the features on our list.
Hardwood Floors
You may be mulling over only about the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be too quick to take out or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can really appreciate the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even help significantly boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can prevent after each move-out.
Exposed Beams and Mantels
in the same way, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice about removing or painting them. Natural wood features continue to be exceedingly 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 the way they are, lending a charming farmhouse feel that will undoubtedly distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, precisely those built before the turn of the twentieth century, generally have unique design features for instance distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. While indeed such elements may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand once more these days, which will only significantly add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
One other particularly unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their high and low moments in popularity over the years, and while some people might certainly not like them, others find them quite charming. Still, that doesn’t suggest you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes definitely help add light to dark spaces while securing privacy. Then, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less visible place in the house, like a bathroom window. This will help preserve the home’s unique style and history while actually 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 returned stronger than ever. So, 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 desire the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes an amazing coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a tough challenge. But, bear in mind, it’s salient not to disregard the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to destroy them, working with them can significantly contribute toward adding character, charm, and value to your property.
Would you like to ascertain more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Count on the local experts at Real Property Management Synergy. You can call us at 248-764-3119 or contact us online.
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