Should I redo this kitchen?

Question

This is my first post and my first rental :)

This is a 3bd 2.5 bath in Chicago, am debating if I should redo this kitchen and get more rent or should I clean/repair and rent it out quickly?

Jonathan G. · Answer

You could easily get all lower end SS appliances at you local Sears Outlet for around $1500 to $2000 (fridge, dishwasher,stove) The counter space is small.  Look at your local granite cutters/finishers and you could easily get some Uba Tuba remnants for cheap (probably under a grand if you happen to find an installer on site if your lucky)

Now take those costs and consider the potential to have to repair those appliances and if the numbers work , go for it. I would only consider doing it if it were a long term buy/hold and you could get at least a couple of hundred more per month to recoup cost in no more than a year or two at the most. It would need to be a long term decision.

Hope that helps

David Stefanovic · Answer

From the picture you posted, the kitchen cabinets and countertops look good (especially for a rental). At some point in the future, if the appliances need to be replaced, you can find used (1 to 2 years old) updated SS appliances that can enhance the look of the kitchen that will not break the bank.

Account Closed · Answer

For a rental, it looks fine to me.  But your question is answered by doing the math.

Frank Eimiller · Answer

I'm on board with this. If you can make sense of spending 2k on appliances (How much higher would your rent be w/SS units? Will it bring a better tenant?) then what are you waiting for?

Kranti K. · Answer

Wow!! I made my first post yesterday hoping for one or may be two responses, you guys are amazing :) Thank you very much for the insights, am not able to personally thank everyone in this thread, you guys made my decision easy.

May be I was getting too attached to it since it is my first :) I'll stay away from redo and invest in next property :)

Brie Schmidt · Answer

It depends on what area....

Moe Hirsch · Answer

The only thing that bothers me is having the stove as an open end, pot handle hanging over, liability issues, otherwise looks fine.

Chase Gochnauer · Answer

I agree maybe appliances, counter, backsplash. But, as others said if it's just as nice as the competition as-is just leave it, let the first tenant stain those white counters, then replace :)

Lucero Sanchez · Answer

I would compare with other rentals in the area, if what you have know will give you top dollar than I would leave the kitchen alone, but if not, than I would compete with the others rentals by investing money into the kitchen and bathrooms.

Should I redo this kitchen?

Most Popular Reply