Rental properties can be complicated to renovate. While you need to put the same love and attention to detail into them as the home you live in, you’ve also got to factor in wear and tear, a tenant’s needs, and the cost of your investment. Talk to a cabinet maker, and you may just discover what your best options could be – such as these below.
Tall Cabinets
Cabinets that reach right to the ceiling can be an ideal option for anyone thinking about ordering a custom kitchen. With no gap between the cabinet and ceiling, there is nowhere for dust to settle. What’s more, they provide your tenants with plenty of storage space that is often lacking in any rental property.
Keep it Simple
As stunning as embellishments and intricate designs can look in a kitchen, these are features best left to your own home. For a rental property, simple, plain doors are far easier to keep clean and maintain.
A cabinet maker can help you choose the best, most robust, and stylish options to suit your rental property. You can then enjoy peace of mind knowing that it would not be a significant undertaking to repair if something were to break.
Use Plywood
As tempting as it can be to use cheap particleboard for cabinetry under the sink area, refrain from doing so. If it were to get wet, it would only be a matter of time before it would swell and disintegrate.
While using ply can be a little more expensive, it can work out cheaper in the long run when you don’t have to replace it as often – or at all. Always consider good quality materials for all parts of your cabinetry. A cabinet maker can advise you of the available options.
Steer Away From Laminate Benchtops
Laminate benchtops are affordable, easy to find, and easy to clean. The problem is, they are also easy to damage.
Protect your investment by choosing a higher quality material, such as quartz or granite. Both of these materials stand the test of time, even if granite does require occasional re-sealing.
Opt for High-Quality Hardware
As much as it might pain you to spend more than you intended on drawer runners and handles, the investment can be worth your while. The higher the quality, the less likely you’ll end up in a situation that requires you to replace them continually.
Widen Your Counters
Many rental properties only have narrow, small kitchen counters. While you’re undertaking kitchen renovations, it can be worth investing in one that’s wider and longer if possible. This can be a drawcard for tenants who are deciding whether to sign your tenancy agreement or not.
Don’t Forget Appliances
Every kitchen needs an oven, but not just any old oven will do. Consider built-in appliances that are easier to clean – both for the tenant and you after a tenant has left.
Regarding pricing, consider mid-range appliances that are not expensive but are also reliable. It can also be worth installing electric appliances rather than gas for safety and cost reasons.
There is always a lot to think about when you start renovating a property to use as a rental. You may not want to spend a lot of money, but you also want to make sure it handles wear and tear. Cabinet makers can help you to strike a balance between quality and value.
