First Rehab - Need Help With Some Decisions
I am starting on my first rehab and had some questions that I am struggling with--I plan to keep it as a rental:
1-I live in North Florida and this old house has old carpet but nice hardwood floors beneath it. I was thinking about ripping out all the carpet and then refinishing the hardwood floor so it is evenly colored and clean throughout the house. Should I do that or just put carpet throughout the house?
2-My rehabber said the bathtub just need to be "masked" for $500-$800 instead of replaced. The tub handles and spout are old. Why mask it when you can just replace it? Should I replace the tub with one of those "all in one" kind of units that has a wall and tub all together? The tub isn't in terrible condition but it needs to look new since the bathroom is so important.
as far a the floor goes i'd go with the carpet. you may think the hard wood looks good but the renters will not care. unless you are extremely lucky {like winning the loto lucky} the renters will probably have the flooring looking like "shredded wheat". they will be hard on the carpet as well but it will hold its appearence much longer and the replacement will not be as drastic.....km
I agree with carpet. Save the wood floor project for if and when you might want to sell it as a non-rental.
As to the tub, I don't think anyone can give you a good answer without physically inspecting your situation. Every rehab is unique with a multitude of options for any particular challenge. The key is finding the ideal solution. For rentals, ideal to me means attractive and durable at the lowest possible cost.
if the money is close i'd go with the "all -in-one" less maint. and very durable........km