Performing upgrades should already be a part of your rental property investment plan. It’s how you maintain the home’s overall value and desirability to current tenants. But when was the last time you actually performed one of your planned upgrades?
This guide will give you some of the best and most affordable Arlington home upgrades so you can attract more renters.
Upgrade the Plumbing and Electrical Fixtures
Budget plumbing and lighting fixtures are ugly. There, we said it. Even if you have slightly nicer fixtures, plumbing fixtures get a ton of use and can look dingy and outdated quickly. If your rental home’s fixtures are ten years old or older, then you should replace them no matter what they look like.
Shiny chrome will immediately signal to tenants that you went with the budget option. So skip them and opt for something slightly nicer, like a brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze.
Update the Backsplash
This small area on the wall can make a big impact. What’s nice about this upgrade is that you don’t have to spend a fortune redoing the whole kitchen or bathroom. Choose something that has timeless and classic style, this will ensure it stays attractive to tenants for many years to come.
You should also focus on choosing something that’s easy to clean and durable. Your tenants will appreciate this, since they are the ones who will care for it.
Replace the Floor
If your rental home has carpet, it’s time to rip it out. Carpets are hard to keep clean, show wear and tear easily, and aren't the most popular when it comes to tenant desires. Plus there’s the added benefit of increasing your rental home’s value by replacing the carpet with something nicer.
Tile, stone, hardwood, and laminate can all look lovely and modern. They’re also easier to care for, so you and your tenants will have an easier time keeping it clean.
Increase Storage
How many storage options does your home have? This is one of the top priorities for renters, yet many homes lack adequate storage solutions. You can address this in your rental home no matter the size of your budget.
If you have a smaller budget to work with, try adding hooks to key areas, such as an additional towel hook in the bathroom. Install better or upgraded closet and pantry organizational systems. Look for places you can add additional built-in shelving or cabinets, such as the laundry room.
For homeowners with a larger budget, look for locations within the home where you can build out more storage. Maybe you can create an additional storage closet in a larger room. Another option is to place a shed on the property.
Professional Landscaping
People judge your home based on their first impression. This happens when they arrive at the home and look at the front of it. This means that your rental home’s curb appeal is critical when it comes to upgrading the overall attractiveness.
Work with a landscaping company to plant easy to care for plants that will bring life and color to the front yard. Focus on forcing the eye to the most desirable features by planting colorful flowers in front of it. If your home has a great front entryway, place colorful flowerpots next to or on it. Choose plants that are native to the area and require minimal upkeep to keep the maintenance costs down.
Complete Your Arlington Home Upgrades Today
As you can see, you don’t need to spend a fortune on Arlington home upgrades. By making some small key changes, you can increase the desirability and perceived value of the house.
To make your home upgrades go smoothly, it’s helpful to work with experienced and professional contractors. A property management company can assist with this. They can eliminate the bulk of the researching, vetting, and negotiating that’s required.
Contact our office today and let our experienced team of property managers help you upgrade your rental home.
