Should I upgrade this kitchen?

Question

I could use some advice. This is the kitchen in one of my vacant units that's on the market at the moment. Everything works as is. I'm wondering should I make any upgrades to the kitchen? And if you do suggest making some upgrades, what would you suggest paying?

This is a 5 bedroom 1/2 bathroom apartment (1350 sqft) in what I would consider to be a C+ borderline B neighborhood.

This is a 5 bedroom 1/2 bathroom apartment (1350 sqft) in what I would consider to be a C+ borderline B neighborhood.

Mags S. · Answer

@Byron w. So it seems 3 entrances into kitchen - that doesn’t leave a lot of space.  Depending on the wall and entry areas, could could do a base cabinet with upper cabinet.  I did a galley (one wall) kitchen with cabinets on the one side. Across was a door going out to an enclosed shed and a window with the fridge next to it.  I added (actually took from my daughter) a rolling ikea cart that offered some countertop space and shelving.  https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/f...(Note size - long and thin - useable space).  I started to cover the top with something since the wood piece was unfinished but didn’t.  The tenant used cutting board and had canisters sitting on it.

Also consider staging a table and chairs in the room if room large enough. Often potential tenants need help in imagining how to make use of a space.

Byron W. · Answer

Good question, here are more pictures of the wall on the opposite side of the countertop and beside the stove. This is my first property/rental, so I'm still learning and trying to get an idea of what's "good enough" and what's "too much". So I'm not going crazy with budgets, ya know? Thanks!

Stone Saathoff · Answer

Providing a microwave would be nice but definitely not necessary, cabinets and countertops look like a decent finish out for a C+ class rental. I would leave it. Looks clean.

Mags S. · Answer

I have a similar unit (single family) in about a C, maybe a little higher.  I recently updated the kitchen similar to yours.  The kitchen looks fine on that wall. I wouldn’t even put in a microwave (I didn’t put one in). Microwaves are less than $100 - the tenant can provide. If they can’t provide their own or insist, they can’t afford the place is my feeling.

Why do you think the kitchen ‘needs’ something? Other than the single upper cab looking a bit lost on an island, the kitchen seems rentable. I would put some blinds up in windows. I would not enlarge the fridge.

If the sink area is the only counter space in the kitchen - that could be a problem.  I also did a galley kitchen but on a longer wall so there was more countertop space.  What’s on the other side of the room?

Byron W. · Answer

Any size/brand recommendations for a larger fridge?

Byron W. · Answer

Yeah, that's my bad I thought he said 1 & 1/2 bath. I corrected it, it's 1 full bath and 1 half bath. Thanks for the reply!

Tchaka Owen · Answer

Does that mean that the renters in those 2 units are unable to shower? I can't imagine anyone ever renting a place with merely a half bath - unless there's a communal shower.

In regards to your original question, the kitchen is fine. The only thing I'd change (and this is a personal thing) is the fridge: I can't stand smaller fridges! That aside, the kitchen looks better than I thought it would.

Mike Giallanza · Answer

How easy would it be to install a microwave above the oven? Is there an electrical outlet in that upper cab? Otherwise, just leave it.

Byron W. · Answer

haha not a typo. The layout of this place is just a little weird. It's a 3 unit. Two of the units have a half bath in the same place that one of the units has a full bath. The two units with the half bath have a furnace on the other side of the wall that prevents me from expanding the half bath to be a full. Only alternative is to get rid of one bedroom and convert it to a bathroom. Seemed like too much hassle and money to be worth it. Thanks for the reply!

Theresa Harris · Answer

I'd leave it.  it has worked for previous tenants.  It all looks to be in good shape, clean and functional.  I'm not sure how a 5 bed place only has a half bath unless that is a typo.  you could add a vent above the stove as it is on the outside wall already.