It is cost-effective to design your Goose Creek rental property’s interiors to stand the test of time. Although trends may work in the short term, keeping your rental house trendy will lead to frequent & costly renovations. The most profitable rental properties have an appeal that lasts well into the future. Here are some ways to keep your rental not only relevant but ready for what comes next to future-proof your rental home.
Choose Classic Over Trendy
You might decide to attract today’s renters by studying how to incorporate the latest fads into your rental home’s interiors. But to create a timeless look that will last, it’s a much better idea to stick to a simple, classic design. The classic design emphasizes the functionality and adaptability of simple, sophisticated styles. Neutral colors and natural materials like wood, stone, and brick make a very classic look. Avoid trendy, ornate designs and go for classic designs that are timeless and will surely outlast short-lived design fads. This is one of the first steps to create a future-proof rental property.
Keep Walls & Floors Neutral
Trendy colors come and go almost as quickly as most other fads. You might be tempted to add that accent wall or repaint your entire house the color of the year, but before you do, consider how often you have to repaint to keep your rental property from looking dated. If you want to give your rental home timeless appeal, stick to neutral shades in your paint and flooring choices instead. Neutrals give your rental house a nice backdrop that your renter can customize to suit their own style. The use of soft beiges, grays, and crisp white trim can accentuate a room while still allowing the resident to make it feel like home.
Invest in Good Lighting
Another way to future-proof your rental property is to buy lighting fixtures. For many landlords, lighting in their rental homes is an afterthought. They sometimes use the cheapest light fixtures and bulbs thinking it will save them a few dollars. Although they appear to have saved in the short term, investing in good lighting actually decreases utility costs and may even increase interest in your rental house, making it easier to rent and encouraging renters to stay longer. This is because few renters want a home that has dark or inadequately lit rooms.
If your rental has outdated light fixtures, switch them out for new, classic fixtures that provide enough light. Try replacing tacky fluorescent lighting with modern recessed lighting which is functional and versatile. The least you can do is replace those cheap light bulbs with long-lasting LED bulbs. Not only will it increase energy efficiency, but it will also reduce the number of times you need to change light bulbs each year.
Add Smart Upgrades
Finally, consider that smart technologies are here to stay. Adding smart upgrades will get your rental property ready for when such technologies will be increasingly in demand. For example, a smart thermostat can help reduce utility costs and allows renters to control such features from a smartphone or tablet. Smart locks are also quite budget-friendly and convenient, and it gives your residents peace of mind when they are away from home.
There are a variety of smart home technologies you can add overtime or invest in at once. Study where your rental property is located and figure out your target renters so you can decide if it is a good idea to begin making some upgrades early on.
Would you like to learn more about strategies to make your rental home as profitable as it can be, year after year? Give Real Property Management Charleston a call! Our Goose Creek rental market experts can offer valuable tips and suggestions to maximize your investment property’s potential, as well as our highly-rated property management services. You can reach us online or call us at 843-900-4061.
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