Just bought first rental property. Now budgeting and planning rehab for that house. It's an old row/townhouse in B class neighborhood and it has duct for heating system so I have an option to add central A/C to existing heating system. Already had couple A/C contractors and estimated price $3500-4000. Not sure if I need to do that. Will central A/C increasing value of the property? Any other suggestion on that?
And one more question. Can anyone recommend a good and not expensive Windows company in Philly area(need to replace 8 windows)
Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
7y
@Sviatoslav Gulko it depends on your market. What do your tenants expect? Is it a competitive market for good tenants?
Since it is a rental any increase in value will be insignificant so shouldn't really be a factor. The questions are will it rent faster, for more money, or attract a better tenant?
Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
7y
@Sviatoslav Gulko it depends on your market. What do your tenants expect? Is it a competitive market for good tenants?
Since it is a rental any increase in value will be insignificant so shouldn't really be a factor. The questions are will it rent faster, for more money, or attract a better tenant?
Severna Park, MD · Member since 2013 · 7k+ posts · 7k+ votes
7y
@Sviatoslav Gulko sounds like the ductwork was sized just for a heating system . Be carefull adding central air to a duct system that was designed for heat only , it may not cool properly .
That is the area with really good school in walk distance and rental there in high demand. Yes, it will be a plus to have central A/C. My real estate agent told me that I don't need A/C for that rental property because of expansive maintenance if compare to window unit which tenants will be responsible for.
Real Estate Agent · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2018 · 428 posts · 484 votes
7y
@Sviatoslav Gulko for B-class neighborhoods and the fact they came in as low as 4,000 for the HVAC, that would be a great deal. Might not affect how much you can charge per month but it will help you out with the refinance to pull all of your money out. The maintenance on a properly installed HVAC system really isn't all that much on the grand scheme of things if you factor it into your maintenance budget each month. Definitely follow up with what @Matthew Paul mentioned, duct work for forced air is not the same or facilitates the same returns as duct work for central AC.