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All Forum Posts by: Nicole Rhim

Nicole Rhim has started 2 posts and replied 8 times.

Quote from @Elizabeth Rios:

Legal 2-flat with full finished basement. Looking to separate utilities for this multi-unit. There is currently one furnace, one boiler, one gas meter, and one electric meter for the full building. Does anyone know if separating utilities will be expensive? I want second floor to have its own gas meter and electrical meter.  


 Did you make a decision on this? I am going through a similar issue now.

Post: Advice on Flooring

Nicole RhimPosted
  • Posts 8
  • Votes 5
Quote from @Paul De Luca:

@Nicole Rhim

I recommend LVP. Both LVP and laminate floors are low-maintenance and can be cleaned with regular sweeping and mopping. However, LVP is generally more durable and scratch-resistant than laminate.  Plus, it's waterproof while laminate is not.

Personally I like to have the same flooring type throughout the unit for a uniform, consistent look and LVP works in every room.

Is the wooden box meant to be built in shelving?

Thanks Paul!

 I believe it was formerly a door/window, and they filled it with that. The internet/cable box is there now. I saw the previous tenants use it to place their television in it.

Post: Advice on Flooring

Nicole RhimPosted
  • Posts 8
  • Votes 5

Hello, everyone. I'm a first-time investor, and my basement needs to be remodeled. I have been back and forth on LVP vs. porcelain/ceramic floors. The area is a B area and is getting better over time. I currently have ceramic tile throughout the basement. I have looked at different apartments in the area and am trying to gauge them, but I also want something that will last long-term. Any advice? Also, should the flooring be the same in every room? Any contractors you recommend (I had someone do the upstairs last time, but they were okay). Also, do you have any ideas on what I should be doing with that wood colored box in the living room? Should I paint it the same color as the cabinets will be? (dark brown). Thanks!

Post: Any advice to update this bathroom

Nicole RhimPosted
  • Posts 8
  • Votes 5
Quote from @Scott Mac:

Find out if you're required by the local code to have a medicine cabinet before you take it out.

If it were mine I would leave the shower alone, as has been said above let the renter bring a shower curtain.

A nice touch is to provide some nice metal shower curtain hanging rings already installed on the rod and a nice translucent milky colored shower curtain that fits, brand new sitting on top of the toilet tank waiting for them when they move in- so they can take a shower and not have water go all over the floor for the first few days. Check out dollar store for something like that.

In the same vein having a new role of toilet paper on the roller for them is a nice touch also.

As far as the sink area, if it were mine I Would replace the bar sink with a large white or maybe beige oval China Bowl. Simply cutting out bigger hole in the top. I would also opt for a taller faucet set into the edge of the sink rather than the countertop.

I would also explore how much work it would be to move that white cabinet from the left side to the right side including replacing the floor underneath because it probably is not vinyl. My goal with that would be to have a small seated vanity where someone could sit down on a bench. With a small bench in there that the renter could slide in and out and sit on. Some ladies like to have this to put on their makeup or do other personal things.

Mirror. Even If there is no requirement for a medicine cabinet I might move it to the side on the left side, And have a mirror cut to fill the entire back wall up to the 7 foot mark if possible for tall people. Little light fixture above it such as the ones that you see with four white globes and the bulbs inside.

Or I might just leave the sink area alone other than changing the sink and the faucet, while fixing all of the chips and paint issues on the front face of what's already there.

I would be looking to do this on the cheap. I think that the sink is a detractor and the faucets coming out of the countertop are going to be a problem for the countertop if they leak, whereas if they were in the sink edge the leak would go down into the drain.

The positive to having the sink drain side open to the renters eye is they can spot water leaks before they turn into major mold issues and placing a pretty trash can in there gives it a home in a small bathroom. Although some people believe this makes the unit look very motel like. There may be no difference in rental dollars or desirability for covering it up other than the personal taste of the owner.

Good Luck!

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KRAUS-Elavo-22-in-Oval-Porcelain-Ceramic-Drop-In-Top-Mount-Bathroom-Sink-in-White-with-Overflow-Drain-KCT-101/323337066

Thank you! The detail here is great. You have given me some great ideas :)

Post: Any advice to update this bathroom

Nicole RhimPosted
  • Posts 8
  • Votes 5
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Nicole Rhim:

Skip the shower door. Lots of maintenance and cleaning. Let the tenants use curtains that are cheap and easy, plus it allows them to determine the color/decor.

Tear out the sink and replace with a vanity that has more storage and an updated look.

Unless this is a B or better property, I would probably leave the current mirror/vanity.

Thanks Nathan, this is super helpful. I would say it is a C+/B- area so may replace the mirror to keep up with the changes.

Post: Any advice to update this bathroom

Nicole RhimPosted
  • Posts 8
  • Votes 5
Quote from @Nicholas Coulter:

What are other rentals near your area offering in terns of finishes on the bathroom? I would match those and stay clear of over improving the place. 


 Thank you! That is great advice. It is tough because it feels like a mix but I would say it is a B-/C+ area so I will think about that when doing this.

Post: Any advice to update this bathroom

Nicole RhimPosted
  • Posts 8
  • Votes 5

Hi All,

Newbie here. I'm excited to finally get my first property but overwhelmed. Any advice on how to give this bathroom some updates while not overspending? (I want it to be tenant-sturdy). I think I will replace the counter sink with a vanity with sink, get rid of the medicine cabinet/mirror, with a more modern mirror, get rid of the shower pan, and replace it with something else (suggestions?), a shower door?

Any other suggestions/color schemes? (I know this may be a personal preference but help would be appreciated). 

Thanks!