Investor · Marina Del Rey, CA · Member since 2015 · 297 posts · 87 votes
Hello! I am going to be closing on a rental at the end of the month and am considering making a few upgrades. The house is in fairly good condition and could be rented with the kitchen and bathrooms in their current condition. However, I really dislike the kitchen & bathroom countertop. I have never changed out countertops without doing a full remodel and am unsure if it is worth the time and cost. There is a very small amount of counter space so I don't believe it would be that expensive however I am also unsure if it would warrant an increase in the rent.
Here are some pics, I would love opinions on whether to change the countertops and if so suggestions on material. I am also considering adding hardware to the cabinets.
Investor · Statham, GA · Member since 2010 · 75 posts · 26 votes
10y
I don't think you're going to get more rent with that one change. I wouldn't bother unless you have good prospective tenants saying "if only the countertops were different".
You can't make it how you would like it or you'll go broke. I don't know about you but MY house isn't even exactly like I like it much less my rentals.
Rental Property Investor · Cleveland, OH · Member since 2016 · 24 posts · 15 votes
10y
Personally, I would not put granite in a rental. Leave a crock pot on your granite countertop overnight on St Patrick's Day and see the ring it leaves! Then the pain in the *** removing it. I'll spend the $120 at Home Depot for a countertop and spend an hour putting it in. I also remodel rentals a bit nicer to attract higher quality tenants (which with proper screening equals less long-term problems) but granite is overboard. As others have already pointed out though also depends on the neighborhood you're working in.
Investor · Lake Worth, FL · Member since 2014 · 378 posts · 184 votes
10y
They have the angle cuts but the ends will have to be cut off and the cut end gets a matching strip that glues on the ends. Basic cuts with a circular saw. I use a jig saw to cut out for the sink. Good luck.
Real Estate Agent · Willoughby, OH · Member since 2014 · 560 posts · 690 votes
10y
Hey Carrie! Here is an example of the formica countertops from lowes. Actually bought this from the lowes in Willoughby! Same with the backslpash. These pictures are from my own 'remodel' in my personal residence.
Rental Property Investor · Nashville, TN · Member since 2015 · 102 posts · 129 votes
10y
I am replacing my counters as well. I will price the granite slab today but the formica price and look is hard to beat. @Mary lou L. that looks great. I will post my after pics when finished. Sorry for the dark pic.
Investor · Big Spring, TX · Member since 2016 · 140 posts · 59 votes
10y
You can take measurements of the existing countertops and take them to Lowe's or Home Depot and they will order them precut with the end caps on them. The joint will come with bolts that you tighten. Then slide the countertops in place. Don't forget to get the caulk that you will put between the pieces to seal any gaps. It is in the same area as the pre-made tops. I believe they will even cut out the sink. Takes about 30 minutes to do the entire job. My wife and I have done this about five times now on rentals.
As far as granite, my theory is only if you can sell the house for more than 250k or rent for 2500/month.
Software Developer · Vidor, TX · Member since 2015 · 922 posts · 639 votes
10y
If you're going to paint the cabinets, spray them with oil based and a 2/311 tip. You could do a tile counter top, they are easy to do (plywood, hardie, premixed adhesive and tile). Find you a cabinet guy to cut you some paintable/stainable (which ever you're going to do) grade bullnose hardwood for the edges and it looks like a million bucks. Cheap too.