How do I know if I'm overcapitalizing?

How do I know if I'm overcapitalizing?

Homeowner · Norman, OK · Member since 2008 · 2 posts · 0 votes

I recently purchased a duplex (living in side, renting out the other). There are some things which will most likely need to be ugraded within the next 5 years. I live in Oklahoma where the market has slowed down to nearly static, but certainly not suffered as much as the west coast, etc.
Still I don't want to over-capitalize since I bought it for only $150K. There are some things which may need to be upgraded within the next 5 years:

Siding - currently there is masonite siding which is prone to deteriorate over time; Probably needs to be pained in a few years and there are some spots which are damaged. Painting and repair would cost $4000-5000 at my estimate. Another alternative is:

Vinyl siding - this will be a lot less maintenance but cost will be at least $10,000

Both air conditioning units are 25 years old (as old as the duplex) and could go out at any time. Replacing both units would cost at least $10,000.

Another way to spend the $10,000 is on interior upgrades, eg. Kitchen and bathroom. The current condition isn't bad, just a little outdated. I could spend it as such:
$3000 x 2 granite benches
$1000x 4 bathrooms - replace vanity, vanity top, faucet, change flooring to plank vinyl.
But of course this last option is just luxury and by no means essential.

Out these three upgrades (vinyl siding, A/C and kitchen/bathroom), which would you recommend I do first, to help increase the value of the property (based on the fact that I may sell this duplex in 5, 7 or 10 years from now).

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! :D

0Reply
26 views

1 Reply

Jump to latestLatest
  • Member since 2008 · 4 posts · 0 votes
    18y

    Given how long you intend to hold it, do the A/C first, then when you can, the siding. Masonite lasts forever unless it gets wet so do the repair and paint thing as soon as you can. Then keep it painted.

    Both of those preserve your investment.

    As for the interior, only do the things that allow you to raise rents or lower costs. If you can put in granite and up the rents to recoup it in a few years, go for it. Otherwise, put in the stuff that looks like granite and still raise the rents as much as the market will bear.

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.