Owning a rental property requires constant upkeep and maintenance to ensure it holds its value and that tenants are interested in leasing it. One of the best ways to increase rental property value is by remodeling it.
Whether you’ve just purchased a fixer-upper or have owned your rental for decades, these are some of the biggest design mistakes in rental property remodels you’ll want to avoid.
It’s important to remember that investing in the remodeling of your rental property should bring higher tenant retention and increase your rental income. So, making the right design and renovation choices is super important!
Biggest Design Mistakes in Rental Property Remodels
When working with contractors and interior designers to remodel your rental property, always remember the tenant. While most landlords will be focused on the price tag, the quality of design and tenant comfort are of utmost value!
Ignoring Practical Layouts
Depending on the layout of the property, you may want to add an extra bedroom or bathroom to increase the value of the rental. However, sometimes the design just isn’t practical.
Consider how you would move throughout the property. How would you furnish the newly added room? Will tenants be able to move freely without feeling cramped?
Just because you could add an extra room, it may not always be the best idea for practical reasons.
Installing Carpets
Back to the investment cost of remodeling, many landlords opt for carpet installation because it is one of the most affordable flooring options. However, they may regret this decision later.
Carpets, especially in rentals, do not last very long. They become damaged with stains and normal wear and tear. Plus, if the tenants have pets, then the smell of cats or dogs can stick in the fibers.
Additionally, if you don’t want to deal with pet-smelling carpets, you could lose a major portion of the rental market by not allowing animals in the property!
Instead, opt for tile, laminate, or luxury vinyl flooring as affordable and durable options for your rental.
Overlooking Storage Solutions
Tenants absolutely love storage. When they tour potential new homes, storage is one of the top features they look for. During your rental property remodel, consider adding or expanding closets and optimizing cabinet space in the kitchen and bathroom. The more storage, the better!
Choosing Hard-to-Clean Surfaces
Opting for surfaces that are difficult to clean, such as grout-heavy tile, glossy floors, and textured walls, can be unappealing to tenants who appreciate a clean home. While they may not notice right away during their tour, this could become a factor in their decision not to renew their lease.
Using Bold Color Palettes
While you may be tempted to bring your Pinterest board to life and use the designated “paint colors of the year,” it is always safer to stay with neutral color palettes when remodeling your rental property.
Avoid painting the walls bright colors or adding bold details throughout the property that may turn off some potential tenants from signing a lease. You want to create a blank canvas with your rental that tenants feel they can turn into a home.
Poor Kitchen Layout
The kitchen is the heart of the home… but it’s also one of the most important features tenants look at when deciding which property to rent. If you are remodeling the kitchen, consider optimizing the layout, especially if working in a tight space.
Consider the movement around the kitchen. Place cabinets, refrigerators, dishwashers, and ovens strategically so that opening the doors is not difficult or blocks other parts of the kitchen. Practicality is key when it comes to kitchen layouts.
Ignoring Soundproofing Features
If your rental property is made up of units or has buildings on either side, it’s important to consider adding some soundproofing features. This will prevent your tenants from hearing their neighbors on the other side of the wall and create a sense of privacy.
Consider insulating walls and windows to create a comforting and quiet space in your rental. Your tenants will greatly appreciate it!
Skipping Bathroom Ventilation
Since 2022, California has required bathrooms to have an exhaust that leads to the outside of the house. So, skipping bathroom ventilation is a big no-no, especially if your rental property is located in California!
Adding a ventilation fan or a window in the bathroom will not only make it more comfortable for your tenant but also prevent damage down the road. Improperly ventilated bathrooms can become subject to mold and peeling paint, which you’ll eventually have to deal with.
Mismatched Design Elements
Combining different design styles, such as modern and rustic, may not be the best decision when it comes to remodeling your rental property. While you may have a great vision of contrasting design elements, tenants may not share your taste.
Try to stay in line with the architecture of the property. If you’re working with an old Victorian home, then it’s great to lean into the antique designs. But if you’re designing a recently built, fairly standard modern building, then keeping it simple and contemporary might be more suitable.
Oversized Appliances
Bigger isn’t always better, especially when working with tight spaces like kitchens and bathrooms. While a full-size refrigerator or dishwasher may initially seem appealing to tenants, they will resent it after moving in.
Instead, optimize the space in these smaller rooms and install smaller appliances. They still get the job done and free up some valuable storage space!
Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Functionality
When investing in remodeling your rental property, you will likely prioritize what looks good over how well the space works for your tenants. Try not to get carried away by impractical design aesthetics that could make your tenants feel uncomfortable in your rental.
For example, while open shelving in the kitchen may look nice, it invites dust to settle and makes the space look untidy once your tenant moves in. Another example is installing glass bowl sinks in the bathroom, which can leave hard-to-wash water spots and make the space look dirty.
Consult with Lotus Property Services About Maximizing Your Rental Property Value and ROI
Are you ready to increase your rental property value and rental income? Then, it’s time to speak with the area’s leading property management company, Lotus Property Services!
We’re more than just your day-to-day property manager. We’re experts in the California rental market and can advise on rental property improvements and remodels to help you increase tenant retention and rental income.
Our team of real estate professionals is ready to make owning a rental property in California much more lucrative for your wallet. Contact us to get started today!
If you enjoyed this article, make sure to read How to Maximize Rental Property Income next!