Open Concept in a Rental?

[Regina Johnson]

Hello, my husband and I purchased our first rental property about a month ago, for $101k. There was one minor water damage repair ($2400), and now we are finishing up cosmetic updates (paint, refinishing hardwood, laminate countertops, etc). The house is a 1960's brick ranch, and it has the traditional "front den" & "back den", about 600 sq ft, separated by a wall. We are trying to decide if we should do a cased opening to open up the wall between the two rooms and create an open concept. It is a rental, so we don't want to put too much into it, but we also realize this a long-term investment, and want to attract top notch renters.

Cased opening: $800

Expected  monthly rent: $1250

Any thoughts on whether we should create open concept in a rental?