First Rental Siding Decision. Paint or Buy Siding

[Karl Dela Cruz]

Hello Everyone,

I recently purchased my first rental property and the outside requires new paint. It is wood siding and the paint is peeling and some boards are cracked. The whole house exterior is approximately 1400 Sq ft.

My goal is to ensure the house looks attractive. It is a corner lot with no fence so I want to ensure the exterior is great. 

Replacing the exterior with siding would cost 4-6k 

Paint and labour would cost 2-3k

My plan is to hold for a long time as this is located in a great neighborhood but it is honestly the ugliest house.

What would be the best option? Spend a little more so I don’t have to worry about it later or paint it to save money and do small paint touch ups later on. 

Budget is also a factor.

thank you!!  

[Andrew Carlson]

I would do paint. The wood boards add character, with paint you can choose any color you want, and if the boards are in good shape, paint is surprisingly durable, especially if kept up with some light maintenance every few years. The biggest reason I see is cost. Spend that savings on something that really adds value to the place and gets renters excited to see your unit and ultimately pay more in rent. Or save it for a down payment on your next one!