Personally, though, I take pride in my product and want my apartments to be of a quality where I'd want to live there...not Architectural Digest but durable, classic, and clean.Can you invest in quality and also do well over the long term?

Hi,If you are looking to save money and also a solution to leaking, i would suggest to reinstall roofing with modified bitumen, it will make your space more elegant and attractive, This option is not so long lasting, but is costs less & In terms of durability i would prefer you to go for EPDM method for re-installing roofing.

Tile is more durable for sure.

But you could also ask the department for a recommendation because there are some very durable epoxy type coatings you paint on old decks, ReNew?

These tubs are a third the price and porcelain on steel seems like it would be durable and sturdy.Here is the one I was looking at:http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?

. * In your experience, are commercial units more durable/made of longer lasting parts, etc. than residential WD units?

Simple, durable, and cheap.

I'm talking about rehabbing them to be durable so they last a long time without needing repair.

I agree with others who recommend engineered for the durability.

Also I don't know how you feel about it but maybe finding a lighter colored (affordable) durable rug for the kitchen area could "cool" the room down, and help neutralize all the brown.