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?