All Forum Posts by: Theresa Harris

I'd add a vent hood (stainless to match the stove and fridge) or a self venting microwave made to go over the stove.  You can then paint the cabinets.  Two options-uppers and lowers different colours (e.g. uppers white and lowers a lighter medium grey or something that goes with the floor), or both a lighter colour.  Based on the photos, it looks like you chose a grey grout on the back splash and a beige floor.  I'd definitely do a white or very light colour for the uppers as it will make the bulkhead less noticeable.  

Once the hardware is on, the cabinets are painted and a vent hood added above the stove, it should pull together nicely.  Hopefully the hardware for the cabinets are similar colours as the appliances.

I have a few places on Vancouver Island.  The prices have gone up a lot over the last few years and vacancy rates are very low.  I bought my places about 4 years ago as I plan to eventually retire there and I wanted a foot into the market there, so my house there would change with the local market.  Plus buying early enough that I can pay them off and use the rental income in my retirement.

If you are not Canadian, you will want to look up where the place is located on the island and if additional taxes apply.  BC has a property purchase tax for all buyers, but an additional tax for non-Canadians.  This applies to a number of areas on Vancouver Island.

Jason Ridout, John Humphries and Kris Bucci (not sure how to tag people) are BP members who have more experience in central Vancouver Island (Nanaimo-Qualicum and Port Alberni), a bit further north (Comox Valley) and Victoria.

I've bought some nice subway tile from the Habitat for Humanity Restore.  They had some beautiful glass tile that I used as an accent with plain white subway tile (4x8). It was a fraction of the price I would have paid for in a regular store.

Also look at mistints at paint stores. I got a 5 gallon container of good quality paint (a nice neutral colour) for $50.  I painted the entire 2 bedroom apartment and still had lots left.

I agree that  allowing him to get out of the lease is a good option.  You are paying a property manager and they should be handling the requests-that's what you are paying them for.  

If something is a safety issue (perhaps the railing depending on how many stairs and the total height), then address it.  The other issues like over-filling the bathtub are problems as a result of his behaviour and he should be billed for them.   Tell the tenant he knew what the house looked like when he signed the lease and it was in great condition.   With all of the upgrades he's requesting, the rent would be much higher.  I'm not suggesting you do them, but if there is something that you could afford and would add to the long term value of the property, consider it but only AFTER he's been there a year and the lease is renewed at a higher rate.