Updating studio

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Updating studio (by Kat [WI]) May 16, 2019 10:09 PM

Updating studio (by Libi [NY]) May 17, 2019 12:04 AM

Updating studio (by nhsailmaker [NH]) May 17, 2019 7:44 AM

Updating studio (by plenty [MO]) May 17, 2019 8:08 AM

Updating studio (by WMH [NC]) May 17, 2019 8:09 AM

Updating studio (by WMH [NC]) May 17, 2019 8:12 AM

Updating studio (by Kat [WI]) Posted on: May 16, 2019 10:09 PM
Message:

Getting ready to update an older efficiency unit in a triplex. The other two units are 2 bedroom. The efficiency is about 300 square feet and has a shower in the bathroom. Currently it has a kitchenette with a small 3 burner oven/range. An L shaped counter in the kitchenette with a sink. The existing electrical to this unit is 100 amp. Generally this unit has been rented furnished and is located downtown.

We will be redoing the bathroom, laying new flooring, and refurnishing. The kitchenette we will probably just freshen up and call good.

Looking for ideas from you all since you might think of something I hadn't considered. :)

We are trying to stay reasonably priced since we usually rent this unit to people of modest means and needs.

--24.159.xxx.xx

Updating studio (by Libi [NY]) Posted on: May 17, 2019 12:04 AM
Message:

Not sure if you want to change the plumbing in a bathroom, but we put hudson reed radiator that look like a towel warmer. Got a lot of wow for it. On the other side - we just didn’t have any floor space and decided to use a wall instead. --74.90.xx.xxx

Updating studio (by nhsailmaker [NH]) Posted on: May 17, 2019 7:44 AM
Message:

simple math

how much additional rent will you receive and what is your accepted return period for your investment --24.62.xxx.xxx

Updating studio (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: May 17, 2019 8:08 AM
Message:

Bathroom fan? Replace with new LED light and WiFi. Allows tenant to play music from their phone. Should play through out entire 300 sq feet. And the fan will get used more often! Tricky cute feature too. Also change out a plug that has a charging plug for phone in addition to the standard ue plugs. Another selling point. Paint a feature wall. Maybe have a paint chip of several colors they can choose from. Nicer blinds help update and freshen up. Biggest mirror you can hang in bathroom and add a storage shelf over toliet. Check out IKEA for space saving ideas and products. --99.203.xx.xx

Updating studio (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: May 17, 2019 8:09 AM
Message:

We have similar size units (256 square feet.) We did basic updates over the years and then said...time to do it right.

We bought stock home depot cabinets and counter tops. Just a few top cabinets to anchor open shelving (looks more spacious.) L-shaped kitchen.

An IKEA sink was the right size without being overwhelming. We got rid of old stoves and put in two-burner cook-tops and (easily replaceable) counter-top convection ovens, the largest we could find (Oster XL - holds regular 9x12 pans and available at Walmart.) Added a good microwave. Under-cabinet lights. Ceiling fans.

The kitchen is functional and COULD cook a larger dinner, but in that space no one is doing that, so what is there works great for the (single) tenants.

DH dismantled the old closet and built one with lots of shelving and two hanging bars. Heavy curtains to cover to save floor space (no door.) The curtains are hung from galvanized pipe hung from the ceiling: industrial chic ;)

A new vanity, commode and medicine chest - nothing fancy at all. Couldn't replace the tub so we changed out shower-head, added curved shower curtain rods and storage behind bathroom doors.

Finally new paint throughout in light grey with white woodwork, and Allure flooring throughout to make it open - nothing to break up the flow.

They now look just lovely and they stay rented, with people begging to get one. We raised the rent from $625 to $725 per month and could probably have gone higher.

Also, for me the point is that I do not feel I need to apologize or say, "It is what it is..." They look great and people know this. They attract good tenants! --184.188.xxx.xx

Updating studio (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: May 17, 2019 8:12 AM
Message:

Forgot: one key thing he did was cover the icky ceilings with white beadboard and white crosspieces to hold it up. Wow what a difference.

Also installed PVC beadboard in tub as surround. Again, looks just great and easy to clean! --184.188.xxx.xx

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Updating studio

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