6 Savvy Ways to Upgrade Your Rental Property
6 Savvy Ways to Upgrade Your Rental Property
When you’re renovating a rental property there are a variety of ways to make a big impact without breaking the budget. This doesn’t mean the finished space can’t look amazing. At Archant, we believe there are at least six savvy ways to update your rental unit into an elegant property. In this article, we’ll focus specifically on the kitchen and bathroom as these prime areas tend to add the most value for homeowners and renters alike.
Not all these updates require a massive renovation as there are several that you can take on yourself throughout a weekend. Best of all, most of these upgrades are cost-effective and offer a positive return on investment. Put simply, a beautiful space designed with quality materials will command a higher monthly fee from potential renters. It will also make their time in your rental more enjoyable, creating a win for everyone involved. With that, let’s dive in and review 6 savvy ideas that will take your rental property to the next level.
1) Add Sophistication with a Splashback
Painting the walls is one obvious way to add colour and spruce up a space but don’t stop there. To take things to the next level, consider investing in a beautiful kitchen splashback.
Splashbacks are amazing because they not only protect the walls, but they add definitive style and beauty. Depending on the material you use, a splashback can range from a low-cost option to something a bit more pricey.
Either way, you’re rental unit will benefit from having a more finished look and feel.
Besides guarding your walls against grease and splatter, splashbacks also bounce light back into the room. Do you have dark corners in the kitchen, especially underneath the cabinets? A splashback is a brilliant way to reflect the existing light and bring the space to life. For added visual appeal, use the same material as your benchtop. This creates the impression of a more refined and expansive room.
2) Stylish and Functional Taps
Next, you may want to turn your attention to the kitchen tap as this sometimes overlooked feature can add definitive appeal to spaces of all design aesthetics. Not only are there various styles to choose from with different shapes, sizes, colours, and finishes, but there are also some unique features that can add to the overall functionality of a kitchen.
For example, a flex spout offers users a convenient way to stretch the spout into the furthest recesses of the sink making clean-up a cinch. Gooseneck taps on the other hand make it possible to wash large pots and pans without the tap getting in the way.
All of these small but thoughtful considerations can make life in the kitchen much more efficient. It’s these tiny details that can make your rental property more valuable.
3) Mix and Match Hardware Finishes
Swapping out the cabinet handles and knobs can make a big impact on the overall look of your rental property. Of course, there’s a huge variety of hardware options to consider. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to do this, as many handle collections are quite reasonably priced.
It’s also a project you can take on yourself, so there’s no need to have them professionally installed. To find the right handles for your property, explore the available colours, finishes, and materials. You may want to mix and match for added emphasis and contrast or keep things uniform by using the same finish throughout.
For a truly cohesive effort, consider installing the same hardware in the bathroom as well.
Need help picking a handle? Watch our guide below for the top trends of cabinet handles in 2023!
4) Update Cabinets with Wovenpanel®
Replacing your kitchen cabinets can be an expensive proposition. As a cost-effective alternative, hundreds of clients around New Zealand are opting to simply modify the existing cabinetry. It involves architectural wire mesh using Archant’s exclusive Wovenpanel® product.
This particular design solution is a bit more specialised but the impact is second to none. It does not require a massive application but rather just the front-facing elements of your cabinets. Using different weave patterns and opacities, you can create a look of texture and even add a hint of warmth to the design. By choosing open mesh styling, it allows for natural ventilation, ideal for the contents of kitchen pantries.
5) Update the Benchtop
While it’s true that the kitchen benchtop will not be the least expensive aspect of your rental property, it will be one of the most useful and important features in the space. Choose wisely and your benchtop will last well into the future while boasting stylish appeal.
Of course, there are so many types of materials to choose from including laminate, natural stone, engineered stone, porcelain, concrete, and more. Of these, there will be a large variance in price and available colours and patterns.
With a rental property, the overall durability of the material should be the preeminent consideration. To avoid damage, or the need to replace the bench often, it needs to be strong and highly resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. It should also be easy to clean without burdensome maintenance requirements. And while it’s true there are many materials to choose from, porcelain is one of the only options to meet all those characteristics.
6) Add Functional Storage with an Island
In residential rental units, storage is quite a sought-after convenience. Unfortunately, many properties fall short on this aspect and don’t offer much in the way of adequate places to store items. This is especially true in kitchens which require ample spaces for dishes, cookware, food, and more.
One of the best ways to solve this dilemma is by creating a functional kitchen island that’s flexible enough to include seating and storage capability. As the centre point of a kitchen workflow, an island can be used for breakfast, meal prep, and entertainment.
A lack of storage space no longer needs to be a limiting factor for rental properties. Your tenants will thank you for it, and your property will be more valuable as a result.
Is it Worth the Cost?
Whether you implement one or all these suggestions, we know one thing is certain: The overall look and feel of your rental unit will undoubtedly rise to the next level. This will make it a more enjoyable space for your tenants now, and in the future. And while there is an upfront investment needed, the returns will pay for themselves over time as your property will be seen as more desirable.
Take the Next Step in Your Rental Property Update
Our team of experts has helped thousands of New Zealand homeowners create interiors that are beautiful, high-quality, and long-lasting. With so many incredible solutions to upscale your space, it’s an exciting time to update your rental property. We understand these are important decisions and are ready to help with your specific project. Take the next step and book a one-on-one appointment for any one of our inspirational showrooms.
Related Links
Top 5 Design Tips on How to Refresh Your Kitchen
How to Design a Durable Overhang for Your Porcelain Benchtop and Kitchen Island
The Ultimate Price Guide to Kitchen Splashbacks (Cost and Comparison)
How Much Should I Budget for My Kitchen Renovation in New Zealand? (Pricing Guide)
The Problem with Small Kitchens and Solutions to Improve Them (A How-To Design Guide)
How to Choose the Right Handle Style and Shape for Your Kitchen
5 Creative Ways to Use Wovenpanel™ and Porcelain as Decorative Surfaces
