Backsplash in a rental of 1 bedroom?

Question

The handyman keeps telling me to install a backsplash. He says he can do it for $500, including materials, using simple white subway tiles. Do you think it is s worth it? This is for a small kitchen in a one-bedroom rental with a mix of white-collar and blue-collar tenants. The kitchen also has a 60-inch cabinet.

Stuart Udis · Answer

You can purchase 3x6 subway tile for under $2/ft. Not only does it make your kitchen look nicer, it also prevents wall moisture which can cause mold.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

I assume you mean a kitchen backsplash? Definite yes! IT looks good and has a reason....you can get fancy and use glass tile for an even bigger pop....

I think $500 is high....way high. The tile will cost <$50 for a small kitchen and can be installed in an hour. So is this guy worth $450 hr? Nope.

If you do it, which you should, find someone else.....

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Tina Lee If you’re getting a higher rent I would consider the backsplash. $500 is probably cheap money for the upgrade.

I have very nice units that rent on the high end of market value but a backsplash is not a standard option in our area so we don’t do it.

Tina Lee · Answer

Thank you everyone. I have decide not to out it for now. And decide to add later

again I apreciated everyone’s advice! Thank you

Corby Goade · Answer

Yep- it'll save you lots of maintenance, repairs and upkeep in the future. Plus it looks much nicer.

Mackaylee Beach · Answer

Def recommend adding the backsplash! Something simple can go a long way.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Once again, this is NOT a $500 project. I would even suggest doing it yourself.......you can 'glue' the tile directly to the drywall with a clear silicone, and then use a premixed grout. Bingo - a $100 backsplash!

Tina Lee · Answer

Thank you for all your replies, I got two different answer. So I will do more research and decide if I want to spend $500 on such small area if backsplash.

thank you!

Greg M. · Answer

Where are your units? It's standard in nearly all kitchens here and any mid-end or higher would have one.

Matthew Becker · Answer

I put backsplashes in almost every rental, and $500 is pretty cheap.   It matters what the condition of the place is.  Does the countertop go straight into the wall, or does it have a tiny backsplash?  If it has a small backsplash don't ad anything it will look crapy.  I generally buy and rehap it completely at the beginning to maximize rent.

Send images and a floor plan and it would be easy to tell you how to upgrade.

How much is your rent?  Are there other things that need to be upgraded?  Can you raise the rent?  Here is one I just did.  It is cheap and simple.

Backsplash in a rental of 1 bedroom?

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