Plumbing, GFCI outlets, tile backsplash, etc.? 

Example: A backsplash that is a different color from rest of the kitchen (a warm green or red against white and grey walls), a tile that has a unique look or pattern to it, crown molding on cabinets, or a unique light fixture.

We renovated the upstairs with included: new kitchen countertops and backsplash, adding a half bath and laundry room to the main floor, refinishing the hardwood floors, painting everything, refreshing the main and master bathrooms (paint, new fixtures, regrouting tub/shower surrounds).

Marble backsplashes, all new kitchens, bathrooms, HVAC, electrical, refinished hardwood flooring, etc, all with the idea that we would get better tenants, higher rents, lower vacancies, and less maintenance/repair requests. 

Fresh paint throughout, minor repairs, updated outlets/switches, backsplash tile in kitchen/bathroom.

The old backsplash looks good and all the colors worked together.

If you were using a plain white quartz countertop, then you can break up the color with your backsplash and try to match it a little bit to your flooring.

Tiling bathroom floors instead of laminate, nicer carpet, back splash in the kitchen, tiling around the tub instead of surround...

The main house is completed and as far as labor, I spent $40,000 on just labor and that includes everything from full gut demo to finishes.We are talking about a 4BD, 3BTH two story 2400 ft.² home with a bonus room.This was a full gut job, replaced…12 Windows (new construction)2 sliding doorsTook out all carpet throughout.Took out this ugly 2” thick tile from half of the downstairs portion.Removed popcorn throughout the entire houseTook one wall downA little framing workReplaced entry door 80” x 92”Drywall patchingSmooth drywall work50 recessed lightingAll electrical neededAll plumbing neededNew cement walkway instead of one walk to the front door I created two steps with two lights in each step.Install kitchen cabinets, excluding countertopInstall all three vanities3 bathtubs with one being a modern standalone tub in the masterAll tile work (bathroom wall & floor, kitchen backsplash)Installing of all hardware, faucets, showerheads, etcInstalled 8 single panel doors with hardwareAdding self-leveler after tearing out that thick tileNew LVP flooring throughout the entire house except bathrooms,all baseboards, trimsPainting the entire house, painting all the doors, painting the outside trim.Reframing the outside balconyReframing the fireplace to install new linear modern electrical fireplaceand they took care of the two trash bins.I mean, completely redone.The only thing that was not included in the $40,000 is landscaping, counter top cut and install and of course the ADU which I’m currently working on now.So my question for my fellow investors and contractors did I pay too much?

That always makes it so much harder to rent, or secure a great tenant.Here's my standard go to list now for long term rental updates:-LVP that looks like wide plank white oak-Ultra Pure white on all the walls-Vertical/ modern stack backsplashes and showers-Pop of color on the cabinets (pop of color can include black too)-Butcher block countertops (lower end) or white quartz countertops (higher end)-Modern light fixtures in brushed brassKeep it neutral still but a couple of style choices with the light fixtures (which are cheap) and it will appeal to the masses.Good luck!