Save Thousands on Sprucing up Rental Property

By Lisa Gonzalez

Properties that are rented over and over need some sprucing up sometimes. A total remodel costing thousands is definitely not the way to go just to spruce a property up, and here are lots of simple things one can do to improve the appeal of a property without spending an arm and a leg.

Create Curb Appeal

Cleaning up the yard can make a world of difference, especially if there are lots of shrubs or trees blocking the view of the home. Paint a porch that looks like it’s seen better days. You can always give the property a fresh look with a new entry door, replace old shutters, add a new mailbox out front, and hang new home numbers at the entry.

Install New Hardware

Sometimes a home can just appear to be drab, but once some new hardware is installed, the new addition can really bring the property to life. New switch plates for electrical outlets are normally less than a dollar and can give a room a new lease, literally. A rusty doorknob replaced can make a door appear new.

A Fresh Coast of Paint

Indoors or outdoors, a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, walls, kitchen cabinets, doors, or just the interior/exterior trim can be enough to make the home feel new. Older homes are quickly revived with fresh paint around the windows and trim, saving lots of money.

Install New Flooring

Inexpensive indoor/outdoor carpet is easy to keep clean, the cost is low, and it is appealing to most renters because of the versatility. Small areas such as bathrooms, kitchen, pantries or closets with linoleum or tile can be spruced back into shape by using inexpensive peel and stick tile.

Décor

Showing an empty rental property is never a good idea, but draperies can be used in place of moving temporary furniture inside. New curtains throughout, just in the kitchen, and shower curtains in the bathroom are great ideas. Add a few accessories such as a floral arrangement, a small area rug, or a few jars on the countertop and you’re that much closer to a done deal.

Landlords that keep their properties well maintained will save more money in the long run. Renters will respect the property when they see it’s being cared for, and the better maintained it is, the more likely it is to draw good renters in. Sprucing can be a big job but one that’s well worth the effort.

© Doityourself.com 2006

- Back to Top -