Exterior Design Trends for a Rental Property That Boost Curb Appeal
Although renters won't live in the property forever: they want a space that's attractive and speaks to their personal tastes. Whether you're getting a new property or you're working between tenants, it's vital that you take the time to make your property as enticing as possible.
Here’s how.
Powerwash the Exterior to Make it Shine
One of the first things you should do for the exterior of your home is deep-clean it to make it look brand new! If you look into how to remove oil stains for driveways, you'll quickly realize renting a power washer is the way to go. These remove dirt, oil, and any other buildup that's spent years accumulating on the surfaces of the exterior of your home. When you're using a power washer, make sure the water doesn't come into contact with any windows and isn't sprayed upwards into the siding or roof's shingles.
Making The Porch into a Focal Point
The front porch needs to really pop to draw renters in. To do this, consider adding a fresh coat of paint, replacing the house numbers, and adding some outdoor furniture that's secured to the ground. This can be a bench, some chairs, or anything else that you think would be a good addition to any home and will leave renters impressed the moment they arrive. Replacing the porch light and putting in a camera doorbell that only the renters have access to is also a great idea!
Adding a Fence for Dogs and Kids
Over a third of American households have a dog, and the same number of people have children: which means going without a fence could cost a large portion of renters. Instead of saying no pets are allowed, put in a privacy fence that will allow the lawn to feel like its own oasis away from the world.
This space will allow renters to let their kids run around and have fun and will give their dogs somewhere to relieve themselves instead of within the house.
Learn how to Add Trim and Details
The details of your home will make up how people view it, even if they don’t realize that’s what is swaying them. Save some money and learn how to install aluminum trim coils so that your home can have gorgeous decorative trim accents. This color doesn't have to perfectly match your home, but if used correctly, it's a beautiful detail that will allow the property to look fresh and new without having to spend a ton of money.
Creating a Low-Maintenance and Gorgeous Yard
Whether you or your renter will be the one in charge of the lawn, it's important to create a space that's beautiful and also easy to maintain. To do this, use a lot of native plants that are accustomed to the weather in the area and don't need too much maintenance. If you live in an area where rain is rare and the grass is expensive, consider putting down astroturf instead. Although you're not the one paying for the lawn to be watered, your renters might not like the high cost of keeping the live grass green.
Installing More Outdoor Spaces
Renters want more outdoor spaces! The need to get outside and away from screens is causing many renters to seek out homes that have clear spaces. To create this in your own lawn, you can add a deck in the back or put down large cement pavers or deck boards to make a patio and seating space where people can enjoy the outdoors. Although you can add a fire pit, it could be a risk depending on your renter.
Creating a Driveway That Works for the Property
Every property has different needs, and although a crush and run driveway may work for some, others need a fresh concrete slab poured. If your driveway is cracked or old, and power washing isn't able to fix the stains it has: consider replacing entirely. A brand new driveway will look incredible and can give your property the boost it needs to look fresh and new. While you're updating it, consider if you want to add any extra features, like a path down to the mailbox or a half-circle driveway.
Updating the Windows to Last and be Energy Efficient
The windows on your property will make a huge difference in how energy efficient the entire property is. If your windows are out of date or are leaking air: make sure to take the time to do this. Renters want a property that will save them money in their monthly bills and are surprisingly more willing to pay higher rent than they are to pay higher energy bills. A window replacement will save them money and make your property more rentable.
Every Rental Pause Is an Opportunity to Improve Your Property
Any time you’re between tenants, it’s a good idea to stop and consider what updates your property needs. Get the most money possible for your property and update it to make it shine!
Ryan Shure is an editor for the Innovative Building Materials blog and a content writer for the building materials industry. He is focused on helping fellow homeowners, contractors, and architects discover materials and methods of construction that save money, improve energy efficiency, and increase property value.
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