First Time Homebuyer - 2 Unit Multifamily

[Danny Ayala]

Hi! First time posting on here. I am getting ready to close on my first property - it's a duplex located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago, and I will be renting out the first floor unit and occupying the second floor unit myself. This is more a B- class neighborhood.

I plan on doing a remodel of the kitchen including new countertops, range and hood, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher; the cabinets are actually in solid shape and hardwood so I would like to keep them, but they definitely need to be stained and will also be adding hardware on them. The dishwasher will be a little tricky as there is currently no built in cabinet space for one.

What recommendations do you guys have for the following:

1. Countertops: I see a lot of people going back and forth between granite and quartz. Considering Class B tenants, which would you recommend? AND, any specific suppliers?

2. Cabinets: is cabinet staining something you'd recommend as a DIY? If not, any recommended avenue to go through? AND any cabinet hardware suppliers you guys would recommend?

3. Dishwasher: I have the cabinet space to create a spot for a 24" dishwasher right next to the sink, however the spot is currently just cabinetry. What would I need to do to transform this space into a pocket for a dishwasher?

[Mark Ainley]

@Danny Ayala

1. Countertops: If you are not replacing cabinets and you do not need any special size go with a stock laminate for now.  But be sure you wont run into any issues with backsplash

The kitchen overall doesnt look that bad.  You are at that weird point that if you change one thing it makes other things look worse.  Maybe you do nothing if it is clean and functional.  

Lose the curtains and it will become 15 years newer!  T