Cabinet Refinishing for Rental Properties

Durability

When it comes to upgrading your rental property, it’s important to choose upgrades that are stylish enough to appeal to tenants and durable enough to withstand heavy use. The right cabinet upgrades can help you attract and retain high-quality tenants, maximizing your return on investment.

Unfortunately, a lot of rental properties feature outdated or worn cabinets. This can detract from the overall look of your rental and reduce its appeal to prospective tenants. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to upgrade your rental property and improve its appeal, consider cabinet refinishing. This affordable option is durable enough to withstand tenant wear and tear, minimizing maintenance costs over time.

Landlords are mostly interested in refinishing the kitchen, bathroom, or laundry cabinets of their rental units. While the idea of a facelift is certainly appealing, the challenge is to find an upgrade that’s stylish enough for a tenant but durable enough to stand up to constant abuse.

While installing new cabinets is an option, it’s a major undertaking that can take months to complete and may result in a messy transition period for your tenants. Additionally, the cost of new cabinets can be significantly higher than refinishing your existing cabinets.

In contrast, a cabinet refinishing project typically takes only two to four days and can be completed while the unit is vacant. The process involves stripping and sanding the cabinets, then applying a new coat of stain or paint. The results are attractive and stylish, and the cost is a fraction of the price of new cabinets.

Cabinet refinishing is also more durable than replacing the existing cabinets. When sanded down and treated correctly, the wood will resist chips and stains better than untreated lumber. In addition, the refinishing process uses low-VOC finishes that are environmentally friendly.

A well-maintained property can encourage tenants to take better care of it, which can cut down on repair costs and help reduce the number of maintenance calls you have to handle. By refacing or refinishing your cabinets, you can make your rental property more attractive to quality tenants and increase its value at resale.

Fast turnaround

When you own rental property, the kitchen is one of the most important features to get right. Updating the cabinetry can improve your property’s value, attract high-quality tenants, and minimize tenant turnover rates. However, a complete renovation can be costly.

Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to make a dramatic impact on your property’s curb appeal. Cabinet refacing keeps your existing cabinets intact while updating all the visible components. It typically costs 30-50% less than installing new cabinets, which is a great option for landlords and property managers on a budget or those looking to maximize their return on investment.

While a full kitchen remodel can take months, cabinet refacing is typically completed in just 1-3 days, allowing your tenants to continue living comfortably throughout the process. This fast turnaround reduces the risk of vacancies, which can cause lost income, and minimizes disruptions to your tenants, further contributing to its cost-effectiveness.

In addition, a good contractor will be transparent about the work that will be done and communicate with you throughout the project to ensure that you’re happy with how the work is progressing. This will also help to prevent any issues that could arise during the project and keep you informed of potential hiccups before they become a bigger problem.

If you’re considering cabinet refacing for your rental properties, be sure to choose a reputable company that will provide a quality job and an excellent customer experience. The best ones are clear about how the process works, will communicate with you throughout, and will do everything they can to ensure a smooth and seamless project for your rental property.

Cabinet refacing is an affordable way to give your rental property a fresh, updated look that will attract and retain high-quality tenants and increase its resale value. If you’re interested in learning more about how cabinet refacing can transform your rental properties, contact experts for a free consultation. They can walk you through all the options and customize a plan that’s right for your business. 

Tenant-proof finishes

Investing in your rental property’s kitchen can significantly boost the appeal of your units, helping you attract and retain high-quality tenants. However, a beautiful kitchen doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend thousands on new cabinets. Instead, refinishing and refacing can deliver a dramatic update without breaking the bank.

The right paint color is also key for a rental kitchen. A neutral shade like Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams or Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore is more likely to appeal to a wide range of potential renters. These warm undertones can help make the room feel more welcoming and can hide scuff marks from hands and shoes.

Using a high-quality satin finish paint will protect your walls from scratches and other damage, and it will be easier to touch up than glossy finishes. Satin paint is especially useful for areas of the home that take a beating from everyday use, including kitchens and bathrooms. It’s a good idea to hire a professional painting crew that specializes in commercial properties and knows how to create a durable finish that can stand up to heavy wear and tear.

Another way to ensure your cabinets withstand repeated tenant use is to install durable countertops and hardware, such as stainless steel appliances and pull handles. Choosing durable materials will reduce your maintenance costs over time, and it’s a big selling point for prospective tenants who want to know they can move in and not have to worry about repairs and replacements immediately.

Tenants aren’t always gentle on cabinets, and a bad paint job or cabinet door that rubs against the wall can look scuffed up in just six months. The best tenants will appreciate a nice-looking kitchen, so they’ll be more likely to stay longer and avoid costly relocation fees.

Many investors are focusing on kitchens in multifamily apartment buildings, according to Fran Rainey of Kitchen Solvers. Rather than tearing out the existing cabinets and starting from scratch, many landlords are opting for refacing. This process involves keeping the existing cabinet framework but replacing the parts you can see: the doors, drawer fronts and hardware. It’s a simple yet effective upgrade that can be completed in just two days.

Maximizing ROI

A modern-looking kitchen and bathroom are among the top renovation projects that appeal to quality tenants, helping landlords attract higher rent rates. Cabinet refacing is a quick, cost-effective way to make these updates and improve the property’s marketability. It also helps ensure that the cabinets will withstand years of wear and tear, increasing their lifespan and minimizing maintenance costs over time.

However, many landlords may be reluctant to invest in a complete kitchen overhaul. After all, a complete replacement is costly and can lead to lengthy vacancies that detract from monthly income and overall returns on investment. However  it’s possible to maximize ROI by focusing on the key elements that impact tenant satisfaction and marketability.

Cabinet refacing is an excellent option for rental properties because it’s more affordable than a full kitchen remodel and can be completed in just 1-3 days, minimizing the risk of vacancies and lost rental income. Plus, refacing saves 30-50% compared to installing new cabinets, and is typically much less expensive than custom cabinetry.

Another project that’s easy to do and can boost ROI is replacing the hardware on cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This simple upgrade is a low-cost way to add a fresh, updated look to the kitchen without requiring any electrical work. It’s also a great way to help tenants feel at home in the property, encouraging them to take better care of it and potentially reducing turnover rates.

However, it’s important to hire a contractor with experience working on rental homes. They’ll know how to manage the process to minimize disruptions and keep the project running smoothly. They’ll also be able to guide you on design options that will appeal to tenants and fit within your budget. And a good contractor will be upfront about their pricing and explain the process in detail so you can feel confident you’re getting the best value for your money.