Does your rental property need a kitchen update? This one change could boost the value of the property itself and allow you to take in significantly more rental income. But the key to a successful rental kitchen renovation is to install what future renters are looking for. What are some of these things? Here are five of the most important ones.
1. Extra Storage
Rental units are notorious for rarely having sufficient storage. Therefore, the more storage you can add during this remodel, the more you will appeal to future tenants. The most common place to add storage is through clever cabinet designs.
Don't waste space where you might add cabinets. For example, you can add toe kick drawers at the base of lower cabinets or with corner shelving. You might also consider taking cabinets all the way to the ceiling to maximize their storage potential.
2. Sturdy Materials
While the aesthetics of the rental unit's kitchen are important to entice new tenants, don't overlook the importance of durability. This helps you as the property owner and helps the renters who will use this kitchen on a daily basis.
Granite, quartz, and a variety of acrylic materials are proven to be highly resilient countertop materials. Additionally, you might opt for plywood over particleboard cabinets to reduce moisture and heat damage. Your renovation contractor can help steer you toward budget-friendly but durable choices.
3. Simple Design
When remodeling their home kitchen, many homeowners want to add lots of fun details that make them happy. These could be fancy cabinet doors, overly-customized shelving, beautiful hardware, or cool appliance garages. But the purpose of a rental kitchen design is to appeal to the most amount of future tenants as possible. Since you don't know their style, going simpler is usually better.
Keep your designs simple as you select things like cabinet doors, hardware, cabinet shapes, and customization. Don't embellish when a more simple, easy-to-use, or easy-to-clean design would work just as well. However, don't make the mistake of thinking that simple means cheap. Renters can often spot cheap materials a mile away.
4. Good Lighting
The lighting in a kitchen can make or break it. Dark kitchens are unappealing when touring a potential rental, and they may cause people to think your kitchen is old or even dirty. Include a good lighting plan when designing your renovation.
Most good kitchen lighting plans include three types of lighting: task lighting for specific work locations, overhead lighting to keep everything bright, and decorative lighting elements to give the kitchen a bit of flair. Even the most modest rental kitchen can generally support at least one of each type of lighting element to make things functional and attractive.
5. Modern Appliances
If you are updating the kitchen, pay attention to the age and appearance of appliances. Failure to update old appliances while improving the things around them can ruin the renovation. These old appliances will often stick out and become all that touring renters will see.
While few potential renters expect their unit to come with top-of-the-line, high-end appliances, they do expect modern appliances that look good and work well. So don't underestimate the appeal of that new refrigerator or stove as a client walks in. And if you opt for energy-efficient versions, you save money both for yourself and for the tenants.
Where to Learn More
Want more ideas to tailor your rental unit's kitchen upgrades to what future tenants want? Start by meeting with a kitchen remodeling specialist today.
Luther Falls Kitchen & Bath is ready to help. We provide a wide array of services ranging from targeted updates of individual elements to full kitchen remodels. Call and make an appointment to discuss your particular units and how we can help you become the landlord that people are excited to rent from.
Champaign
Address: 2706A N Mattis Ave Champaign, IL
Phone: (217) 356-4060
Email: lutherfalls@lutherfalls.com
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