Making improvements to rental properties doesn't necessarily mean undertaking extensive and costly renovations. There are several ways to upgrade a property over the course of a single weekend that can make it more appealing to current and future tenants. Making minor improvements by oneself can save money in the long run. Property owners that know what to do can make a property nicer without inconveniencing anyone or breaking the renovation budget.
Make Walls More Appealing with Paint
The easiest way to update a rental property is to repaint it. Simple colors like white, grey, or beige will give the property a fresh and welcoming appeal that most renters will find desirable. A new coat of paint will also cover any unsightly blemishes that accumulate over the course of a property's lifespan. Simply repainting will instantly improve the value and comfort of a property.
Preparation is key to achieving desirable results, and using the right equipment goes a long way. Tools like paint rollers, brushes, painters tape, and sanding blocks should be acquired before beginning the project. Taking proper steps to prepare the painting surface will help yield superior results that will endure for multiple repaints. In the end, the owner will get the most out of the renovation budget by doing most of the work themselves with minimal disruption to the renter's life.
Update Kitchen Hardware
Making minor modifications to the kitchen can have a major impact on the appeal of a rental property. By replacing old cabinet pulls and handles with new options, owners can transform the look of the room without spending too much money on an entire kitchen redesign. Updating drawer pulls and cabinet handles also allows the furniture to stand out more than it would have otherwise.
Another helpful, inexpensive improvement for the kitchen is to replace old faucet fixtures or install a peel and stick backsplash. These modifications also can be made within the span of a single weekend. These two improvements help to give the kitchen a more put-together look while also being helpful and appealing to renters.
Upgrade Bathroom Fixtures
As with any other heavily used part of the home, the bathroom can see many small improvements that make it more desirable to renters. Upgrading towel bars, toilet paper holders, showerheads, and sink lights can be very rewarding to the property owner. Making improvements to these fixtures can be done with minimal effort and cost while helping the bathroom feel fresh and updated when a new tenant arrives.
The caulk that lines the bathtub, sinks, and showers should also be replaced when it begins to yellow or crack. This will make the bathrooms look better overall while preventing potentially expensive water damage that can occur when caulk fails.
Consider Making Minor Floor Improvements
While completely replacing the floor covering in a home can be a costly and time-consuming process, there are still ways to make improvements to the floor without spending too much money or time. Simple modifications include replacing damaged transition strips between rooms and updating baseboards in the home. These minor modifications help add to the overall appeal of the house while also ensuring that the home looks nice to any potential renters.
If some of the floor covering has minor imperfections, homeowners and landlords should think about repairing the damage rather than completely replacing the covering. Vinyl plank flooring is especially helpful in these instances since individual planks tend to be relatively inexpensive. Landlords can make minor measurements and repairs in order to fix the appearance of the floor without having to replace too much of the covering.
Add More Lighting and Safety Features
Properly functioning and attractive lights are some of the best ways to improve the value of a property. Replacing lights with new modern ones will boost the value and overall desirability of the property. Additionally, upgrading to newer, brighter bulbs will keep the property well-lit for less electricity while reducing the hassle of constantly having to replace burned out bulbs.
When making minor improvements to a property over the weekend, safety should also be considered especially when using power tools. Smoke detectors should be replaced, outlet covers should be replaced, handrails should be tightened, and door deadbolts should be replaced when needed. Upgrading safety features can be done with minimal effort while also helping the property owner avoid potential liability in the event that someone is injured on their property.
Think About Making Improvements to the Curb Appeal
The overall appeal of a home’s exterior is crucial in attracting renters. Pressure washing driveways, sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces helps to make the home look nicer without having to spend too much money on deep cleaning. Landlords should also consider trimming shrubs or other foliage around the home in order to make it look more presentable. Adding fresh mulch to flower beds around the house is another inexpensive way to improve the appearance of the property.
Painting the front door of the house, updating house number signs and upgrading lighting outside the home are all other simple modifications that can really make the home stand out. By improving the first impression of the home, landlords can help attract more renters while also helping them maintain the property.
Conclusion
Many minor improvements can be made over the course of a weekend in order to improve the value and appeal of a rental property. Upgrading interior walls, floors, lighting and other aspects of the home can really make the difference in attracting new renters. By spending time and effort on relatively inexpensive modifications, landlords and owners can greatly improve the overall appearance of the property without spending too much time or money.
