The Tense Beginning of a Happy Rented Ending
Lonely, empty
apartment…
Vacancy: it's a dirty word when you rent apartments. Since we opened the Lower Apartment at 1929 10th West to rentals, we've been spoiled by the clamor to rent it. We'd throw it open to show, and get six or seven quick applications, then sit back and choose. But now? Tough economic times has meant a glut in the apartment market. Go on Craigslist and you'll be buried in an avalanche of potential new homes. I had the Lower unit listed for over a month — the response? Two people were willing to come and look at it. Two. And it was clear that they both had plenty of other choices.
And maybe, too, the apartment has become a little worn, a bit less desirable than it had been. With no one interested in renting it, it seems like a good time to spruce it up, remodel the kitchen, fix some tile work, redo the front entrance. So that's what we're going to do. The classic apartment should be spruced up and ready to rent by January or February of the coming year. We're gold-plating it for someone out there — maybe someone reading this line right now.
Part of what had to change: the paint.
The apartment was first remodeled over 20 years ago. Sure, this means the insulation is code, the wiring is new-style (Romex), the windows are double-pane, the electrical service is modern, etc., etc. Totally modernizing then reconstructing the Lower apartment in period style has been a great success with renters. People have loved the classic looks with the modern conveniences. The kitchen, with its custom cabinets has been a hit. The new stone-clad deck should be popular, once we're done with the apartments outside area.
But there were certain things I don't think we did right from the start. The paint choices were namby-pamby (see blah lemon yellow, left). The tile in the kitchen was WAY 1970s, and I've hated it since we installed it. It will feel good to get that up and out. The tile in the bathroom has continued to crack up over the years, because we failed to make the floor rigid (tiles like rigidity). We shouldn't have left the cant to the porch deck that has become the front entry to the apartment, we should have leveled it so the stairs up felt right. We should have made a bigger point
And there are things that just need replacing due to wear. The intercom/secure entry system has become less functional. The entry way looks worn, the entry door has lost integrity. The cracked tile needs to be wholly removed, the floor strengthened and new tiles installed and grouted.
In the kitchen, the white tile look that was so fun two decades ago has lost its spark. The gas range is the original one we installed, and it will make the new counter/backsplash I plan look shabby. That should be a chunk of change, if I buy a nice one.
In preparation, I've called David to work with me. He'll tackle the kitchen, while I start at the front of the apartment.
MB -- Sundy, October 25, 2009
