1 bdrm or 2

[John Kesner]

I'm working on a duplex and wondering what people think is a better strategy I'm going to change the layout of each unit to make things more modern and max out the rental potential. The duplex has a great location close to downtown. Each unit is about 1075 sqft split between main floor and basement. I could make them big 1 bd 1 bth units or 2/1's. Is there an advantage to more beds? Or is it better to go with a large 1 bed and rent to singles and couples?

[John Kesner]

Thanks for the responses,

@Valerie Hiscoe each unit has a kitchen and bathroom on the main floor. One unit is currently a 2 bdrm, and 1 bdrm is on the main floor, second bedroom and living room are in the basement. The other unit is currently 1 bdrm in the basement, kitchen, bath room and living room on the main floor. The basement layout is awkward, has a bunch of wasted space and could be changed to make 2 bedrooms. 

The basements have been finished much more recently than the main floor. I would love to gut the whole place and cure all the layout problems. Trouble is it was built in 1930, so I think I may have lead paint issues with gutting the main floor

You make a great point about a "master", the 2 bedroom unit has a master although access to it is through a bathroom on the main floor. The other unit, not so much.