As summer comes along each year, I start thinking of exterior projects at my rental properties.  Considering that I plan to own my buildings for a long time, I am always trying to think of ways of making them easier to maintain in the future.  As much as I love the look of traditional old materials such as wood siding, you end up having to paint it every 5 years or so.

The easiest way to have a low maintenance building is to buy it that way, but having the trim wrapped in aluminum, for example, is a great way to avoid having to do regular maintenance like painting.

 As far as the inside of the unit goes, we often talk about materials that are "tenant resistant".  You can fantasize that things are "tenant proof" but unless your unit resembles the inside of a padded cell at an asylum, there is no such thing.  Always choose durability over beauty when replacing kitchen cabinets, bath vanities, etc.  Try to get ones made out of plywood if you can. 

Carpet is tricky.  You want to get something that looks good so you can attract quality applicants, but you also want it to last.  It can be a tough "balancing act".

In general, besides it being my nature, I try to spend a little more and not get the cheapest materials, paint, carpet, etc.  The small additional initial investment often means that you don't have to replace, repaint or recarpet.  Do your homework.  Your investment in knowledge will pay off at least as much as your investment in real estate.

John Kostecki