Today we are talking about property rehabs and remodels to rentals in the Las Vegas area. Before you undertake any kind of renovation or remodeling project on your investment property, we always suggest that you call a property manager. Property managers will have a good idea of what potential renters are looking for in a home, and we’ll be able to tell you what makes sense and what doesn’t when it comes to investing money on upgrades and remodels.
I have a story of my own which proves the point that going ahead with what you think is a great idea might not be the best plan for the rental market. An owner called me to come and look at a house he had just finished rehabbing. When I walked in, I was stunned. The first thing I noticed was that the front room was painted pink. The kitchen was painted purple and had some very strange countertops. To make a long story short, he had painted every single room in the house a different color. He had also laid different types of tile on the floors in every room. There was even a purple sink. It looked like a Las Vegas club you might walk into on The Strip. It might be a great look for a club or a casino, but it just doesn’t translate well when you have a rental property you’re trying to market to tenants.
There are places where it’s better to spend your time and money on upgrades. We always recommend starting with the exterior of the house. Pay attention to your landscaping. That’s one upgrade we always think is a good idea. Make sure the outside looks clean, nice and requires a low level of maintenance. If it’s in the budget, we always suggest an artificial grass.
On the inside of the house, we always suggest nice, neutral floors instead of carpet. If you have a carpet that is worn or dirty, instead of putting down new carpet, look for flooring with a nice big 18-inch tile. That’s better for renters. Granite countertops are always appreciated and will give your property an attractive and upscale look and feel. Make sure you use fresh, neutral paint colors. Many of our venders and builders are now using Swiss Coffee and Eggshell bases on the walls. This is resistant to stains, which is great. We also suggest semi-gloss finishes, particularly in the bathrooms.
Finally, make sure you use a licensed contractor or handyman so you can be sure you are getting the highest quality of work for your money. If you have any questions about remodels, please contact us at Ravago Group Property Management. We can help you make some good decisions on how to make your home more appealing to the tenants in the rental market.
