Would your tenants pay for a studio with a kitchenette?

Question

Hey everyone. Im looking at a property to purchase that I would ideally set up as an up/down duplex. The basement is finished and separate with its own bedroom, full bathroom and a living room/area. I would need to add a kitchen to the space, but in order for it to remain a somewhat useable living room space, it would need to be a smaller kitchenette. Mini fridge, smaller sink, counter top stove, maybe a microwave and some cabinets. Does anyone think this would deter enough people from a studio space to keep this from being a viable option?

Fall back idea would be to just keep everything the way it is and rent the downstairs as the 3rd room, and the whole house is shared amongst the tenants.

Any thoughts/tips are appreciated!

Fall back idea would be to just keep everything the way it is and rent the downstairs as the 3rd room, and the whole house is shared amongst the tenants.

Any thoughts/tips are appreciated!

Jonathan R McLaughlin · Answer

we did a similar (and legal) arrangement when we rented out our in-law. Our best friends were: a mobile and folding butcher top type table for extra space, A really nice convection toaster oven (the breville high end one is great) and a 2 burner induction top like caterers used that ran on 110V. I suspect you will run into additional complications if you go with 220K. Other cool gadgets were rice cooker, fast electric boil kettle and the microwave. And if you are in a student-y area there isn't a grad student alive who wouldn't jump at this.

This stuff and a pot rack can get you a kitchenette where anyone can make a complete 4 person meal. A good cook could do 6. And I'm talking 3-4 courses

There are some really cool kitchenette complete install sets (madison makes some) and some run on regular voltage.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

The window must be large enough and the right distance from the ground.

I think there will be plenty of people that would be fine with a kitchenette! You will narrow your market a little bit but plenty of younger guys, working professionals, etc don't cook much anyway....

Kevin Sobilo · Answer

@Tyler Youtzy, ok that's making more sense. The window doesn't just need to be large enough, it also has to be close enough to the floor I believe for someone to get out. Google the requirements for an egress window to make sure you have all the criteria covered.

I think a kitchenette is fine for a 1 bedroom unit. Might it rent for a little less than larger one bedroom with a full kitchen sure but it will suit someones needs just fine I think.

Also, closet requirements for a bedroom are usually a misnomer. It is generally expected in newer construction but its usually a misnomer about it being any kind of legal requirements. In older homes MANY MANY times there are bedrooms with no closets. Its super common. There could be some oddball exceptions to this of course.

Kevin Sobilo · Answer

@Tyler Youtzy, a couple possible issues.

First is zoning. Does your local zoning ordinance allow for a 3 unit where this property is? If not, you may need to ask for a variance for it to be allowed.

Second issue, are you sure the bedroom in the basement is legal? Does it have proper egress in case of a fire? Often basement bedrooms will require full size egress windows to be installed to be legal bedrooms. You wouldn't want to rent this to someone knowing it isn't a legal bedroom in case they died in a fire because you could be held liable. Also, if your municipality has rental inspections it likely would not pass anyways.