You will place a great deal of trust in a tenant when you hand over the keys to a property. Yet, they are only human, and it’s possible they could make mistakes that could damage the interior.
It’s also important to remember that wear and tear are natural, so it’s unlikely a home will be in perfect condition when they decide to move out of their temporary home. To keep your renovation costs to a minimum, here’s how first-time landlords can create a durable property.
Lay Down a Hard-Wearing Floor
If you’re considering fitting light-colored carpets throughout the property, you’d be wise to think again. In just a few months, the carpet might appear both dirty and worn, which could lead to a tenant handing back the keys to the address.
If you have your heart set on installing a carpet, select a darker hue that also features high-quality underlay to ensure it feels soft and luxurious. It could, however, be a wise move to add hard-wearing laminate or wood flooring into your kitchen, hallway, and bathroom, as they are easy to clean and are less likely to wear away.
Stay on Top of the Kitchen and Bathroom
As the kitchen and bathroom will be two of the most used rooms within a property, they will be more susceptible to wear and tear as the years pass by. There are, however, actions you can take to ensure they continually appear attractive and practical.
For example, you could add durable antique mirror glass into a kitchen or bathroom, which will serve as a durable splashback that can effectively hide splash marks. You may need to repaint the cabinet doors or invest in reliable kitchen appliances as well.
Decorate in a Neutral Colour Scheme
A neutral color scheme can prevent a property from quickly appearing old and outdated. It is, therefore, wise to pick a white shade or light grey hue, which could attract many tenants and reduce the need for redecorating. Additionally, if you plan to add multiple properties onto your portfolio, use the same paint color and brand at every address and keep a few tins to hand, so you can quickly touch up a wall when required.
Skip Furnishing a Property
While a furnished property could help you to attract potential tenants, it could likewise cost you a substantial sum. In addition to requiring an initial investment, you also might need to replace a sofa, dining table, or bed should they break.
To avoid risking items becoming damaged, you should avoid providing a furnished property and allow tenants to bring their own furniture instead. So, you’ll have fewer items to update during their tenancy and fewer products to replace once they move out.
If, however, you do choose to furnish a property, you should invest in durable options, such as:
- A leather sofa
- Solid wood dining table
- Wooden bed
It will reduce the likelihood of wear and tear, so the property will still look attractive many years down the road.