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Mar 14, 2022

Renovating a property is one of the best steps a landlord can take to improve the value of their investment and make it more attractive to prospective tenants. A rental property is a great investment due to the passive income it provides and, as such, it needs to be kept in great condition!


From time to time, renovations are required to improve a property’s value. These renovations may be conducted in preparation for a sale or as a means to raise your rental income and maximize returns. 


In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best renovations for landlords that will make their properties more
attractive to tenants while maximizing income!


Kitchen Upgrades


The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in a home as it’s where families spend much of their time cooking and sharing meals together. Therefore, it goes without saying that this area should be one of the most attractive rooms on the property!


It’s not always necessary to spend tons of money on kitchen upgrades! You can start off by assessing what needs to be repaired and what needs to be replaced. For example, kitchen cabinets might not require replacements. By simply sanding and repainting them, you can restore them to peak condition.

kitchen upgrades

In addition, you can install new countertops and a glass tile backsplash to give the room a clean, modern finish. Ensure that the materials used in the kitchen are easy to clean because this area is prone to accidents and spillage. You can also install new appliances and other inexpensive fixtures such as faucets to make the kitchen more appealing to prospective renters!


Bathroom Renovations


There are a few ways you can renovate a bathroom to improve its overall aesthetic. For instance, you could replace the bathtub with a walk-in shower. This helps create more space and reduces the risk of injury associated with bathtubs.


Installing new vanity and bathroom countertops can also give the space a contemporary finish. You can take your bathroom renovations a step further by replacing fixtures such as showerheads, faucets and toilets.


Low-flow faucets and low-flush toilets are recommended because of their significant water savings. Be sure to purchase fixtures of the same color and model in all your rental units for easier replacements!


For additional storage, you can also install some shelves. If bathroom space is limited, you should consider installing pocket doors to make the room look larger.


Floor Replacement


Hardwood floors and laminate have become increasingly popular when compared to carpeted floors. Many prospective tenants do not like carpets because they trap odors and require regular maintenance. Hardwood floors on the other hand provide a modern finish and are easier to clean.

install new floors

We recommend replacing the floors last so you can avoid damage during the renovation process. This approach should be used in the entire house except for the kitchen, where floor replacement should be conducted before installing new appliances.


Improve the Layout of Your Property


You can significantly improve the design of your property by creating an open floor plan. To do this, you first need to identify non-load-bearing walls before knocking any walls down. We recommend consulting a professional for this step.


An open floor plan helps to improve the aesthetic of your property by allowing additional light into the rental unit which makes it look significantly larger! This layout tends to attract renters because it provides more space for them to enjoy.


Fresh Paint and Additional Touch-Ups


A fresh coat of paint can significantly improve the interior of a property and make it look new! This is one of the renovation activities you can complete by yourself to cut down on costs.

rental unit renovations

We recommended that you use a neutral color, such as off-white, for all your rental units. This makes it much easier to maintain the property and reduces the costs in the long term. You can also replace old light fixtures with new ones to make the interior look modern and bright. Other changes you can make include replacing the blinds and doorknobs.


Renovations to the Exterior


Exterior renovations improve the curb appeal of a property. Curb appeal can be described as how attractive a property is when viewed from the outside. Curb appeal is important because it provides the first impression to prospective tenants and influences their expectations for the interior of the unit!


To improve the exterior of your property, you can take certain measures such as:

  • Cleaning external walls. You can use a pressure washer to get rid of any dirt that may have accumulated on these walls.
  • Painting the exterior door.
  • Painting the exterior walls. If a pressure washer does not adequately clean the walls, fresh paint can help you get the clean finish you desire.
  • Maintaining the greenery. This includes mowing the lawn, trimming any shrubs and bushes and conducting other landscaping activities.
curb appeal
  • Planting a garden. A garden can substantially improve the curb appeal of a property while also providing a view from the inside.


Provide Additional Amenities


Renters like to have some level of convenience in the properties they occupy. There are certain amenities you can provide that help to achieve this and make your property more attractive.


They include:

  • A washer and dryer. This is perhaps the most popular amenity that renters wish to find in a property. It provides the convenience of not having to visit the laundromat every few days.
  • A dishwasher. This also creates convenience for renters and makes the kitchen look modern.
  • Additional storage space. Renters tend to appreciate any extra storage space so they can easily fit all of their possessions on the property.
  • A fenced-in yard. This is a major bonus for renters with pets as it prevents animals from running away.
  • Outdoor living spaces. Providing an outdoor space such as a patio or a balcony can make your property feel larger which is attractive to prospective renters.


Conclusion


Renovating your property doesn’t necessarily have to be a costly affair. By making a few minor changes, you can substantially improve its appeal and attract more renters! However, when renovating your property, you should consider the needs and interests of the tenants above your own.


At MTD Property Management, we care about the condition of your property and take all the necessary steps to ensure its longevity! Contact us today to find out how we can maximize the return on your investment.

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