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When you’re picking out a kitchen for a rented property, the first thing to remember is that it’s not for your own home, so there’s no need to spend a fortune! Most tenants are just looking for a well-equipped kitchen that’s easy to keep clean and tidy.
Kitchen units and fittings
The kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in a rental property – particularly if you have multiple tenants – so you’ve got to make sure the basic units and fittings are hard-wearing. Invest in:
- Strong base units with adjustable support legs – and make sure there’s enough support under the middle of the units
- Plain, solid cupboard doors
- Good-quality hinges
Finally, a counter surface that won’t show marks easily, such as laminate or an engineered stone composite. Bear in mind laminate isn’t heat resistant, so it might be better to spend a bit more on something that will stay looking good for longer.
A good mid-range kitchen from either a trade supplier like Howdens, or DIY outlets such as B&Q or Wickes, should cost around £3,500. In terms of lifespan, it should last around 15 years before you might need to replace cupboard doors and the counter top.
Décor
Use specialist grease proof, waterproof and mould-resistant paint on the walls and ceiling to make it easier to clean and minimise the chance of stains and mould. This should only be a few pounds more expensive than standard room paint.
Have easy-to-wipe splashbacks – either tiled or acrylic panels – paying attention to the areas behind the hob and the sink, where most of the splatter occurs.
For the floor, tiles are usually best, as they’re hard-wearing and easy to clean. Pick a medium to dark-colour that will conceal marks that occur through normal usage over time.
You will probably need to redecorate the kitchen every 3 to 5 years.
Electrical equipment
Even if a property is unfurnished, tenants today expect:
- Oven and hob
- Fridge freezer
- Microwave
- Washing machine
These items can cost anything from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds. The important thing is to buy according to the usage each is likely to get and remember that the cheapest electrical appliances only tend to last a few years. You want to keep your tenants as happy as possible, so it is worth considering a mid-range price. Speak to your plumber and electrician to get their advice and if you’d like any other recommendations for local tradesmen or suppliers, just call into your nearest Your Move branch.
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