Remodeling? Don’t Alter These 5 Unique Features

If you’re preparing an older Orlando rental property for new tenants, you may be assessing steps and means to renovate the home and, expectedly, appeal to a new generation of renters. That being said, before you begin tearing out or painting over things, there are a few features in older homes that you shouldn’t change or remodel. Not only are these features that lend a home loveliness and character, but in fact, trying to change them may end up being a lot more expensive than it’s worth. Before you alter any unique features of your property, take into consideration the benefits of keeping the features on our list.

Hardwood Floors

You may be deliberating only about the long-term maintenance involved. Don’t be so fast to take away or cover up hardwood flooring. Both you and your tenants can have fun with the beauty of a hardwood floor, and it may even hugely help boost your property values. Just think of all the carpet cleaning you can gladly avoid after each move-out.

Exposed Beams and Mantels

In the same way, if your property has wooden mantels or exposed ceiling beams, think twice ahead of removing or painting over them. Natural wood features continue to be popular with homeowners and renters and add a warm beauty to any room. Refinish a wooden mantel or just leave your rustic wood beams in its present condition, offering a charming farmhouse feel that will clearly distinguish your rental.

Millwork, Arches, and Pocket Doors

Older homes, namely those developed before the before the turn of the twentieth century, typically have unique design features, as for example distinctive crown molding, arched doorways, pocket doors, and even medallions and other trim on the ceilings and walls. Despite that such features may not seem to have a place in modern architecture, think again! Such unique details are trendy and in demand once more, which will only considerably add to your rental property’s appeal.

Stained Glass

One other unique feature often found in older homes is stained glass. Stained glass windows have had their moments in popularity over the years, and while some people might not fancy them, others find them really charming. Be that as it may, that doesn’t mean you should tear them out.

Colored glass panes easily help add light to dark spaces while protecting your privacy. Not only that, you can always move the stained glass panes to a less apparent place in the house, take for example a bathroom window. This will help preserve the home’s unique style and history while enabling you to appeal to a wide range of renters.

Banquettes and Butler Pantries

After many years of homes built without utility rooms and built-in features, desire and demand for these valuable elements has come back stronger than before. Consequently, if your older rental home has a butler pantry (small room next to the kitchen) or banquettes (built-in bench seating), you should seriously think about keeping them. Homeowners and renters alike desire the utility and convenience of built-in, while a butler pantry makes an awesome coffee station, work, or storage area.

Planning a rental property renovation is always a serious challenge. With that said, it’s very important not to neglect the appeal of your property’s unique details. Rather than trying to take them away, working with them can be instrumental in adding character, charm, and value to your property.

Would you like to find out more about creating a rental property that tenants will love? Just trust the local experts at Real Property Management South Orlando. You can call us at 407-982-2000 or contact us online.

Originally Published on October 29, 2021