All Forum Posts by: Danny Ayala
Danny Ayala has started 1 posts and replied 3 times.
Post: First Time Homebuyer - 2 Unit Multifamily
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Quote from @Mark Ainley:
1. Countertops: If you are not replacing cabinets and you do not need any special size go with a stock laminate for now. But be sure you wont run into any issues with backsplash
The kitchen overall doesnt look that bad. You are at that weird point that if you change one thing it makes other things look worse. Maybe you do nothing if it is clean and functional.
Lose the curtains and it will become 15 years newer! T
Hi Mark! Appreciate the advice. Do you think I’ll be able to collect as much or similar rental income with stock laminate? And still not sure on the cabinets. I will update them if it makes sense i.e. if it boosts rental income. I’m only hesitant because I think they’re in solid shape and wouldn’t mind just staining them and adding hardware. Overall, I want to do whatever is necessary (and feasible) to drive up rent in this unit, so please feel free to advice !
I will definitely be taking down the curtains!
P.S. I listened to your podcast episode on bigger podcasts and just added a few episodes from SUCI! I can’t believe I didn’t know about this podcast before!
Post: First Time Homebuyer - 2 Unit Multifamily
- Posts 3
- Votes 0
Quote from @John Warren:
@Danny Ayala I can definitely help with this. If your rent is on the higher end (over $1500 per month) and you are doing a kitchen, I would spend the bit extra to get new cabinets. Unless your existing cabinets are in phenomenal shape, you can likely get a nice rent pop in Pilsen for the new factor alone.
We have been using primarily the white quartz for the last year or two. It is priced the same or cheaper than granite now, so there is no reason to use granite. I have put it in a bunch of rentals, and it seems to hold up great. Granite also does, although the lighter colored granites have stained in some of my tougher C class rentals.
For cabinets, I have a local cabinet shop I can send you. All of the good shops are getting the same cabinets (probably from China). I get cabinets that are real wood (not the HD or Menards junk that falls apart). We had 21 units get flooded in the burbs last year, and all of the real wood cabinets held up like champs.
For your dishwasher, you will get a dishwasher panel to frame the dishwasher. Your cabinet installer should know how to do this (otherwise run!). You also need an outlet/power and you need to hook up the drain properly. It is not rocket science, and any good remodeler should be able to handle it.
Hi John! Thank you for the feedback! I would say the cabinets are in exceptional shape! I attached a couple pictures below for your viewing. However, I am not apposed to acquiring new cabinets if necessary, and if that is the case I will gladly check out your recommendation. Also VERY good point on being able to frame in a dishwasher panel if I do put in new cabinets.
As for the countertop, I plan on installing a lighter color to match the backsplash (maybe a peach color) so it might be best to go with the quartz afterall. Do you know any good suppliers in the area?
Post: First Time Homebuyer - 2 Unit Multifamily
- Posts 3
- Votes 0
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?