As a landlord, you likely know what tenants are expecting in the current apartment rental market, with so much new construction and renters looking for the best bang for their buck. Let’s face it, renting is expensive, and potential tenants are scrutinizing what is available, and they know what they are hoping for when it comes to upgrades on existing properties.
Kitchens rank near the top of the list for higher expectations, but even more important than how the kitchen looks is that the apartment space, including the kitchen, is code compliant. This article will explore five kitchen upgrades that apartment management services can do to grab a prospective tenant’s attention while also being a good return on investment for you.
1. Start with a Good Floor
The floor is critical for how well the cabinets sit and for a safe and sanitary finish. Make sure the subfloor is level so everything you place on it is also level. Sloping cabinets and countertops are a turnoff. Appliances, especially washing machines or dishwashers, wear out faster when they aren’t operating on a level surface.
The surface material needs to be non-slip and easy to clean. While hardwood is beautiful, it isn’t practical for areas of high moisture. Porcelain tile and vinyl plank are both attractive and easy to keep clean.
2. Replace Outdated Cabinets
Gone are the days of younger apartment dwellers wanting the old-world charm of stained wood cabinets. You may have heard that brown is out. Lighter colors will brighten up a small space, whereas dark wood will make the space appear smaller. Choose cabinets that are constructed of dimensionally stable plywood that is finished with mold-resistant paint or laminate.
If the boxes of the existing cabinets are in very good condition, you can simply reface the cabinets with new doors and drawer covers. This is a cost saver that will produce an excellent finish and will be a good investment.
3. Install Modern and Durable Countertops
There might not be a bigger disappointment in a kitchen than chipped and stained laminate countertops. Without mentioning any brands, older laminates simply can’t survive the abuse of avid home cooks. You want something durable and sanitary.
Stone and quartz are both great options and worth the initial expense. Granite and quartz will last a very long time and are able to withstand knife cuts and potential stains. Your tenants aren’t going to be gentle in the kitchen of a rental unit, so invest in good countertops that will last for years.
4. Choose State-of-the-Art Appliances
You don’t need to go top of the line with expensive appliances with flashy smart technology built in. Many people are not looking for a fridge with cameras on the interior or a TV on the door when renting. On the other hand, they don’t generally want appliances in outdated colors or with visible rust.
Fingerprint-resistant stainless steel is a sure bet for both a modern look and ease of maintenance. Don’t skimp on the small amenities. Choose a refrigerator/freezer with interior lighting and maybe an ice maker. Pick a good quality range with a self-cleaning feature. Make sure there is a built-in microwave and an exhaust hood (the smell of cooked food in a small space can be off-putting). Always install a dishwasher with water-saving features for convenience and to lower utility bills, especially if the tenant is expected to pay for water.
5. Lighting is Important
It is so disappointing when a kitchen lacks adequate lighting. A single ceiling light is fine in a very small or efficiency kitchen. For slightly larger kitchens, consider the addition of LED under-cabinet task lighting and pendants over an island or peninsula that offers both food prep space and bar-style dining. These are not only functional; They add ambiance that the tenant can control.
When you update apartment kitchens, you are effectively sprucing up the look and feel of the entire interior. Making basic improvements like the ones suggested will help attract the best tenants and maximize your return on investment.