If you’re preparing an older Hampton rental property for new tenants, you may be looking for approaches and ways to renovate the home and, fingers crossed, appeal to a new generation of renters. But really, before you set about tearing out or painting over things, there are certain features in older homes that you shouldn’t be remodeling. Not only are these aspects that lend a home charm and character but, more so, trying to change them may end up being so 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 far too quick to clear out or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can appreciate the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even exceedingly 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 regard, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, seriously consider before ever removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be very popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or leave your rustic wood beams the way it is, offering a charming farmhouse feel that will uniquely distinguish your rental.
Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors
Older homes, precisely those put together before the turn of the twentieth century, often 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 people think that these features may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand all over again, which will only massively add to your rental property’s appeal.
Stained Glass
One other unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had ebbs and flows in popularity over the years, and while some people might not really like them, others find them definitely charming. Still, that doesn’t suggest you should tear it out.
Colored glass panes really help add light to dark spaces while preserving privacy. Also, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less evident place in the house, like a bathroom window. This will help preserve the home’s unique style and history while easily allowing you to appeal to a wide range of renters.
Banquettes and Butler Pantries
After many years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, demand and request for these valuable elements has come back stronger than ever before. 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 contemplate on keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike want the utility and convenience of built-ins, while a butler pantry makes a splendid coffee station, work, or storage area.
Planning a rental property renovation is always a definite challenge. But take note, it’s principal not to disregard the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to clear them out, working with them can be essential to 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 Seacoast New Hampshire. Make sure to call us at 603-343-2202 or contact us online.
Originally Published on October 29, 2021
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.