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Getting ready to rent out my home- Flooring and any other Suggestions?

Posted on 3/17/14 at 9:52 am
Posted by BallCoachinFool
Member since Dec 2012
2133 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 9:52 am
I want to replace my carpet (I actually like carpet but I am aware many people do not)

Anyone have suggestions on best deal for me that will also add value to the home? Vinyl, laminate, real wood/tile? I don't know about spending a lot of money due to this being a rent house until I die. I would hate to keep having to replace expensive flooring that johnny half-arse scratches with his combat boots every time he stomps his wifes arse for arguing about having rights.

Also, any other MUST-DOs to help separate my cookie cutter home from others? The rent will be 1200-1300. 4 bed 2 bath 1800sq feet. Yes I am poor. North Fort Worth, good neighborhood in one of the best school districts in the area if not state.

Built in 06. Steel framing, big front and back yards.

Is paint that big of a deal for rental properties? Should I leave appliances for some shitty kids to break and me have to replace?

Is this in the wrong board? If so, move to money or home board.

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated!

TL;DR-What kind of floors should I put in a home I will be renting out? What is the best bang for my buck?

For your help:





Posted by HBomb
Dallas
Member since May 2012
249 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:03 am to
How much square footage is carpet? If the carpet is in good shape(like new) than I would just leave it, but expect to have to replace it after you have tenants there. At that point I'd go with wood preferably, bc it will last a long time/be more durable than laminate, and is just the best option overall. Tile or laminate are fine choices but you have to assess the area and determine if people will be willing to pay more for a nicer home.

Yes, paint everything inside, everyone likes fresh paint and it's not that expensive. Expect to repaint every time you have a new tenant.
Posted by Drop4Loss
Birds Eye Of Deaf Valley
Member since Oct 2007
3867 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:05 am to
Renters dont give a shite about floors.

Id go ceramic 12x12 in baths and bedrooms, and 16x16 in kitchen/den.

Carpet is a bitch to clean, and will stain/tear/burn.

If they break/damage a tile you just replace it, provided you keep a couple of extras boxes of tile.

Posted by bigeztiger
Columbus Ohio
Member since Jul 2011
5092 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:10 am to
Best 3 ways to get people to rent-

1) nice floors
2) allow them to paint walls (neutral color agreement)
3) cheap pet deposit (no cats)
Posted by BallCoachinFool
Member since Dec 2012
2133 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:17 am to
quote:

How much square footage is carpet?


I would say 1300 - Living room, all 4 bedrooms, hall and entry ways.

Carpet isn't in bad shape - typical wear for a 8 year old home. I have steam cleaned/shampooed it and it always looks brand new.

In bathrooms and kitchen the floors are laminate. All in good shape, with no marks or staining.

Home has only had me in it for 4 years. Two years it was empty and before that had a wife and husband from 06 until it was empty. Very little wear and tear.

Posted by Geauxld Finger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
31737 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:29 am to
I would definitely go tile. Less replacement and easier to clean. I would also paint all rooms neutral colors, beige/tan is pretty standard. It goes with nearly everything and is easy to get and touch up.

Avoid wood and laminates. it damages easier and is tougher to replace imo.
Posted by BallCoachinFool
Member since Dec 2012
2133 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:32 am to
Rooms are all neutral right now. All are off white/beige with the master being a stone color that literally everyone compliments me on. Still have extra pain in all colors, so a fresh coat should be easy.
Posted by Geauxld Finger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
31737 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:34 am to
are all your appliances in good working order? Make sure. It's a pain in the arse to have to constantly fix (or wait for shite to be fixed as a tenant) when you could easily just replace with a new one for the most part.
Posted by lsubeck
Metairie
Member since Jan 2007
288 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:36 am to
good advice... In your rental agreement you, the landlord, will replace the ac filters every month, not just provide them. That way you can have an eye on whats going on inside and extend the life of your AC.

Also...Prayers Sent
Posted by Geauxld Finger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
31737 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:40 am to
quote:

good advice... In your rental agreement you, the landlord, will replace the ac filters every month, not just provide them. That way you can have an eye on whats going on inside and extend the life of your AC.


i would base that on the tenant. if its some more mature people, i would have no problem entrusting them to do it. i would hate it if my landlord wanted to come over once a month and snoop around.
Posted by BallCoachinFool
Member since Dec 2012
2133 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:44 am to
You ever deal with a renters broker?

I know they take the first and last months rent but they are supposed to keep your home rented all the time. And they will be the ones to go in and "change the air filters." When actually they are checking on your home for you. They are basically like an apartment maintenance and rental service all in one.

My buddy has a rental home and uses a broker. He says the longest his home has been without a tenant is 2 weeks and he has never had added stress due to owning a rental property, he attributes it to the broker. This also has kept him from being screwed by those who move out in the middle of the night.
Posted by Geauxld Finger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
31737 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:47 am to
quote:

This also has kept him from being screwed by those who move out in the middle of the night.


This is easily preventable through background checks, credit checks etc. If you don't do this, you're the idiot.

Get a standard lease drawn up by an attorney. Then set up in the contract that you will come do periodic maintenance, filters, large light bulbs for can lights, ceiling lights or whatever. Out line the pet policy, get a deposit. I mean if you get screwed on a rental it seems that you didn't do your homework.

i wouldn't piss away $2600 to a broker for some shite i could do myself.
This post was edited on 3/17/14 at 10:50 am
Posted by BallCoachinFool
Member since Dec 2012
2133 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:51 am to
quote:

are all your appliances in good working order?


New fridge

Aging washer and drier but they are great.

Oven and dish washer work great.

I figure leave the oven and dish washer.

Would it be easier to leave the appliances up to the tenants? This is something I am struggling with.
Posted by Geauxld Finger
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
31737 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:53 am to
leave them in there. no renter wants to go buy a fridge/washer/dryer. it makes the place a better sell.
Posted by bobaftt1212
Hills of TN
Member since Mar 2013
1317 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 10:59 am to
you should plan on providing appliances (except washer/Dryer) People that rent don't want to have to move appliances from place to place with no assurance that the next place they find will be set up for their appliances.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
69108 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 11:03 am to
Go with pre-stained bamboo. It is really easy to install. It looks good, and is about a $1 a square foot at lumber Liquidators. The stuff for $2.49 is tougher than oak. Can't scratch it at all. No need to stain after install, but after 30 year warranty runs out you can re-stain it then.

Posted by Mulat
Avalon Bch, FL
Member since Sep 2010
17517 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 11:10 am to
I have been leasing my condo in Pensacola for 7 years. Had 4 tenants in that time, never any damage.

This year I went with a Realty Management Company, Realty Masters, they are very good at scrutinizing people looking for a dwelling. Their leasing contracts are quite good and cover every possible and conceivable issue.

Takes a lot of pressure off and I am very pleased with them. They do the same job for several properties of owners I know, over 10 years no complaints.

Tax Deductible too!
Posted by clickboom
Shreveport
Member since Sep 2012
208 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 11:24 am to
Luxury vinyl tile or plank or LVT and LVP is the best way to go for a rental property. It is impervious to water unlike wood and laminate. It won't shatter like a tile that you would have to chisel out and replace. It is easily repaired with a hair dryer if one of the planks or tiles get damaged. All of the mulitfamily housing are switching to this product. Look for Earthwerks LVT products.
Posted by LSUTiger205
Ocean Springs, MS
Member since Aug 2006
10820 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 11:25 am to
Im in the same boat. Getting promoted and transferred to Mobile in April. Gonna rent out beginning in July, just installed pre engineered floors and ceramic in the baths, kitchen and dining room.
Posted by Napoleon
Kenna
Member since Dec 2007
69108 posts
Posted on 3/17/14 at 11:41 am to
quote:

are all your appliances in good working order? Make sure. It's a pain in the arse to have to constantly fix (or wait for shite to be fixed as a tenant) when you could easily just replace with a new one for the most part.



don't say that... People like me have agreements with Landlords. Pretty standard. Net 30 terms (landlord has thirty days to pay bill). Tenant can contact me directly if preapproved. Pre approved amount set. (usually like $115-130)
In some cases tenant can opt to pay and have the money taken from rent. If a major fix, then landlord would be advised before repair. Average repair costs for an oven or dryer or washer is around $80. And if you aren't worrying about it and have a contract with a good company that will give you until you collect rent to pay, it's pretty much a win win. Much cheaper than replacing appliances every time something breaks.

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