Providing Furniture Storage in Small bathroom and Kitchen?

Question

First time poster! I recently bought a fixer 1200 sq. ft. 1920's property in Eastmont Oakland CA. I plan to convert the home into 2 units (one 2/1 and a 1/1 for Air BnB) initially and then leverage the cash flow to eventually redo the large standalone garage into a 3rd rental.

Currently I am rehabbing and the bathroom s are tiny as is the kitchen. I am considering buying this tall Ikea type storage unit the create storage for tenants in the rental bathroom (~$150) and a large kitchen island (~$450) for an open floor plan kitchen. Is it advisable to buy these items which are technically standalone furniture items for an "unfurnished" unit? My contractor recommended these would be cheaper than having storage custom built.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I think it's a great idea. Focus on function over beauty because there's a chance it will move a lot and tenants generally treat things rougher than you would.

Nancy P. · Answer

You have to provide storage or you will turn off potential tenants. I like the moveable units, tenants can move them to wherever works best for them. One of my tiny units has the tiniest kitchen. (7 ft x 6ft). I bought a stainless steel cart on wheels from Ikea that tenants can have in the kitchen, thereby leaving literally room for only one person to be in there, or they can move it to the living area where at least it is still storage. However, after 3 years it was pitted/rusting. Current tenants did not want any sort of cart or anything. For the next tenants I will be buying a similar cart or storage but of better quality.

Arlen Chou · Answer

@Tobey Grey definitely go with off the shelf stuff to save on $$. However, be careful about the Ikea stuff for the bathroom. Make sure the "box" is made of plywood. Particle board boxes will get ruined if they get wet or you have high humidity in the bathroom. Once the particle board expands, it will not shrink back...

Katie Stewart · Answer

I personally feel like that may be a better and cheaper plan than building custom storage... I'd go for it!

Account Closed · Answer

Congratulations on your new home! Check out this one for bathroom

https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/403910...

& this DIY project for kitchen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CLQW2r-ZR8

Plenty of storage in both and your renters will be happy! I would suggest keep your costs low..

Providing Furniture Storage in Small bathroom and Kitchen?

Providing Furniture Storage in Small bathroom and Kitchen?

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