Remodeling the Bathroom on Your Rental Property
Posted by Melissa N. on 8th Jun 2023
When you are the landlord, your rental unit may need a bath remodel in between tenants. Your overall rental income depends on keeping costs down, so it's important to only make the changes that are necessary. When rental property management is not your full-time job, it's best to listen to the professionals when it comes to remodeling the bathroom of any properties that you own.
Keep it Simple
Your future tenants will appreciate a clean looking, basic white bathroom. A quick coat or two on the walls of your rental unit bathroom will give the room a facelift. Make sure that the faucet is in good working order and that the shower produces a steady stream. Replace any chipped or broken hardware in the shower, on cabinetry and the sink.
Check for Mold Growth
Mold has a funny way of hiding in cracks, especially in tiny grout tile. Carefully examine the bathroom of your rental unit, looking behind the toilet and along the ceiling for signs of mold growth. Any indication of mold may mean that you have a moisture problem within the bathroom. If you find mold along tiles, make sure that the tiles aren't coming loose. Mold can eventually ruin the caulk in your bathroom, allowing water to seep in behind the tiles on the wall.
Consider Quality Changes
While a linoleum floor may be cheaper, a ceramic tile floor is going to last much longer. You may need to replace a bathroom floor every year if you use cheap linoleum and your tenants aren't good about keeping it clean. Think about how you can invest in the bathroom, and make changes based on how long you expect to be the landlord of the property. Your tenants will appreciate quality tile flooring, and you may end up with a higher tenant retention rate.
Update Broken Toilets and Shower Heads
A new toilet doesn't cost you much money and a shower head is even cheaper. If the toilet doesn't flush properly and needs to be repaired all the time, replace it with a low flow toilet. Over time, this will save you money in water. You will pay less in maintenance fees because of breakage if your bath remodel includes a new toilet. Your tenant will appreciate a great shower provided by the new, low flow shower head that you put into the bathroom.
Do Major Repairs as Well
If the tile is loose on the walls of the shower, invest the time and money it takes to do the job right. While you may want to cut corners and simply replace a few tiles, you want to make sure there isn't significant water damage to your walls. Take the time to inspect the tiles and replace the wall if necessary. When you do repairs correctly the first time, you won't have to worry about bigger problems coming forth in the near future.
As you remodel the bathroom of your rental unit, keep your budget in mind. Make sure that all necessary repairs are completed. Take the time to carefully clean your rental unit bathroom first, to ensure that all mold and mildew is removed. Look for ways to save in the future, such as investing in low flow shower heads or toilets.
About the Author
Melissa N. has been working as a freelance writer since graduating from college with a BA in English in 1994. She has written many articles for an online website where she has sold articles relating to all aspects of real estate. Article topics in real estate include the basics of a reverse mortgage and real estate trends for 2013.
The articles and other content contained on this website/blog are provided for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for any purposes. While it is our goal to provide you with up-to-date, relevant and useful information on a wide range of topics, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, concerning the reliability, suitability, completeness or accuracy of any of the information made available on this site. The articles and information contained on this site are not intended to provide legal, accounting or other professional or business advice and should not be treated as a substitute for the advice of a professional with knowledge of the facts and circumstances of your specific situation. By accessing this site, you agree that you will not seek to hold E.C. Barton & Company or any of its affiliates liable for any losses or unanticipated costs or assert any other claim based on your use of this site or on the reliance on the content contained herein.
