Keeping your rental modern, up-to-date and fresh is critical for ensuring your tenant's happiness - and your ability to seek the maximum rent possible. Unfortunately, though, kitchen trends change near constantly and renovations can be expensive to undergo. The good news? There are easy, affordable ways to update your kitchen in just a matter of a day or two! Scott Safadi of Cal Bay Property Management recommends tackling only one of these projects at a time, but one success will build your confidence and allow you to take on more renovations soon.
Here are three of the most affordable and quickest ways to update your rental's kitchen:
1. Reface your cabinets. More cost-efficient and easier than replacing the entirety of your kitchen's cabinets, refacing allows you to cover exposed frames with affordable veneers of wood or plastic laminate. It's affordable and can be done in just a day or two. Refacing isn't a magical cure all - it won't fix the bad layout or design of a kitchen. It will, however, add some modernity to an older kitchen in need of a facelift.
2. Replace old fixtures. Adding a new faucet or cabinet pulls can also help update a rental's kitchen. These statement pieces can add style and freshness to an older kitchen. Replacing a boring faucet with a graceful swan's neck faucet is a quick way to bring your rental's kitchen into the 21st century. The best part? This project can be done in a matter of an afternoon.
3. Consider a new countertop surface. Granite, laminate and corian countertops are all fantastic options for a kitchen in need of an update. Considered the gold standard for counters, granite is heat and cut resistant and comes in a wide variety of colors. Laminate is more affordable and is moisture and stain resistant. Corian, on the other hand, is stain resistant and won't fade in the sunlight. All make for great options when renovating.
No matter how you decide to upgrade your rental's kitchen, even the smallest of projects can pay dividends. Be sure to do your research before committing to any renovation and hire contractors you trust. Create a budget and be honest about what you can and can't afford for the project. By crossing your t's and dotting your i's before the project begins, you'll ensure the best possible results for your rental.
- Scott Safadi, Cal Bay Property Management
