The goal of any home improvement is to breathe life back into a space and to make it feel new again. As you consider your renovations, Katriona Alice Designs is here to guide you through a few do’s and don’ts.
Renovating a rental property can be a daunting – and sometimes an expensive challenge. However, you can reap the rewards; your property becomes more attractive to potential renters, your updated amenities keep your maintenance costs down meaning the rental income is maximised, which is always good news for the owner.
When deciding which renovations to take on first, try to start with the oldest, or shabbiest area of your property. Begin with the project that will help to make the space feel brand-new again and give special attention to what will wear the best over the life of the rental.
It may sound simple, but always try to repair before you replace. Consider cleaning your carpets and curtains before buying new ones. Does the ceiling really need repainting? Could you get the property professionally cleaned instead? Will a lick of paint help to freshen the place up? Are there small things you could repair that will change the experience in the property: sticky door handles, old lighting and broken blinds? There are a plethora of options to consider before deciding on major renovation works.
Kitchens and bathrooms are key to a rental property experience, and the good news? You can spruce up these rooms without spending a heap of money. You could resurface the cabinets, add new fixtures or update the paintwork to give each room a completely different feel. It’s worth spending a little bit of money on easy-clean and durable options – this will make all the difference when it comes to change over of tenants.
If you’ve decided on investing in new flooring, make sure it’s durable. Consider hardwood flooring: not only is it more universally appealing, but it cleans better than carpets and relieves tenants from the risk of losing their deposit if they stain the carpet. Parquet flooring is a sturdy and long lasting solution without having to buy solid wood floors.
Finally, built in furniture works a treat in a rental property because often tenants come without furniture. Don’t be daunted by the idea of built in furniture: built in wardrobes maximise functional space and bookshelves and cabinets can be created to match the style of the room they are in. Ultimately built in can provide convenience for your renters so it’s worth considering.
There are a few things we’d also suggest avoiding. Don’t follow the latest design trends in your rental property – remember many things date quickly and can be off putting to tenants with specific taste and style. Don’t waste money on complicated details and don’t fit materials that won’t wear well. A soft natural stone counter-top might look fab, but it stains easily – save it for your own home!
At Katriona Alice Designs, we’re always here to help and we have experience in rental property renovations. We specialise in providing a bespoke service with exceptional design solutions and take pride in getting to know our clients individually to help with any kind of project – large or small. Some renovations will improve the value of your rental value and some won’t. Consider your options carefully and if you’re thinking about rental property renovation, and you would like some advice, do get in touch. We’d love to help!
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