Investor · Seattle, WA · Member since 2019 · 23 posts · 11 votes
I recently purchased a duplex in a nice neighborhood of Puyallup, within a few minutes of South Hill, and have been remodeling the property. It will be fully remodeled by the time I move out and rent it out, but I am not sure whether or not to replace the old appliances with a glass top or coil top electric stove. Some of my thoughts: Maintenance wise a coil top stove would be the better option for a rental. However, the property will be fully updated (inside and out) and will be going for top price so I don't want the coil top to be a turn off for potential future tenants. On the flip side, I don't want to buy a glass top stove and then spend hundreds of dollars repairing damages from tenants or dealing with it looking disgusting on move out because they didn't clean it properly and now it's stained.
The property is a townhouse style duplex, 3 beds on each side and 1300sq ft, if that provides any additional perspective (not sure that it does, but I guess better too have too much info rather than not enough ha).
I would get used glass top, they are about half the cost of new. And they look pretty good. One of my best friends would buy used all the time and if you have the ability to find a used appliance store and could make that happen.
Generally when you buy more than one the store will give you more of a discount on each then listed.
I agree with you about the glass top and keeping it clean. I'd buy a coil one for that reason along with it is easy to replace the coils if one burns out.
I have several rental units in Puyallup which have been remodeled. I installed glass top each time and hasn't been an issue. I typically opt for nicer finishes to maintain a higher rent threshold, and more importantly, attract a wider range of quality tenant base. I'd suggest regular inspections to the property, particularly early in the tenancy, to verify tenants are caring for the property and avoid maintenance issues that would lead to large costs during a turnover.
Thanks for your replies everyone! I have decided to go with glass top and will make sure to, at the very least, go over cleaning and care for it when I walk them through the property before handing over the keys