Central AC for a BRRRR unit

[Nathan Grubb]

I have a two-flat that I am putting through the BRRRR process. Although both units have forced air heating, only one of them has central AC.

I've gotten a few quotes, and adding central AC to the second unit would be $3-4k.

Do you think it would be worth it? Would it produce an adequate ROI when it comes time to refinance?

[James Hamling]

@Nathan Grubb zero doubt I would absolutely do it, no question. 

It's a selling feature, and that means (a) you will get paid for having it, and (b) you will get dinged for NOT having it. 

When it comes to appraisal, what the property generates for $$$$ directly impacts because, simply put, more $= more $. 

And then we have factor (c) is it going to get cheaper to put it in later, or more.     Anyone who is active in the trades at any level knows, without doubt it's the cheapest price today, literally. So if you wait say 1-3yrs for the other to go out first, well what if that AC is now $5k/$6k a piece, you'll be regretting having not done it. 

You'll get better tenants, quicker, for more $, have 1 less issue to worry about and more focus on the next deal. And when comes to HVAC discounts, don't fool yourself, unless your talking numbers by the dozen 2 vs 1 is not anything of volume, so i say just get-er-dun and move forward to the next.