All Forum Posts by: Maya Torres

Hello! So my husband and I have been house hacking in our first duplex for about 6 months. We plan on purchasing another property and moving at the end of the year. Right now I have a tenant that lives next door. What concerns me is, we don’t have central heating. The house was built in 1965 and we have a wall mounted furnace which is just so inefficient (in my opinion), only blowing hot air into the common area. So both bedrooms will be cold in the winter. I don’t want it to become an issue with tenants. My tenant moved in during spring so we haven’t had to deal with the cold yet. Right now, we have the money to put in central air in both units, but we are saving for another property and would prefer not to eat into a chunk of our savings. Does anyone have any suggestions, alternatives or have had this experience in their own rentals? This is a buy and hold. Thank you!

I think it just depends on the neighborhood and what the rents go for. My husband and I bought our first duplex a few months ago and although it needed some work (new toilets, bathtub resurface, new receptacles, ceiling fans, etc) we definitely weren’t gonna buy stainless steal appliances. Rents vary from $700-$900. We weren’t getting any more rent for stainless steal appliances in this neighborhood so we put in all white. If it’s a high end neighborhood, then maybe the rental itself could be high end. But I think as long as it’s clean and livable, it’s a go.

Thanks everyone. Due to my budget right now, I think an enclosure would be a Best. A pantry to be exact since I don’t have one, and settle on buying a portable island for more counter space. Thanks for all the suggestions.

@Dean H I agree but we will be living in one of the units for as long as we need to in order to continue saving money. For me it’s a cosmetics thing and lack of counter space so I’m hoping someone has a creative idea on how to cover it up.

I agree it would be a hassle, probably not one I’m willing to go through. I’m not sure if there’s enough space in the attic but it’s something I can look into. Thanks.

Hello everyone, This post isn’t as bad as the title seems. My husband and I are closing on a duplex in a few days, but I can’t stop thinking about the water heaters in each kitchen. The water heaters are located right where a dishwasher would be, flush with the cabinets. Is it worth relocating? Any alternatives? I couldn’t extend the countertops and install cabinets to cover the water heaters, they’re too tall. Suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

Thank you!

@Bill S. Maybe other ideas that I haven't considered