vicarz: (One eye'd cat)
vicarz ([personal profile] vicarz) wrote2014-03-30 10:23 pm
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Scoping out basement rentals

Haven't heard back from the contractor or city yet, been slightly over 2 weeks.
Today I toured 2 open house basement rentals further south but in the same general area. Both were recently renovated:
Door #1 was a recent full renovation, with hvac and all elec sep'd out as I'm planning. It was carved into a 2 br. Asking $2500.
Door #2 was renovated some time ago without full ceiling height (they inferred they were permitted but said it was grandfathered in - they knew the ceiling height off the tops of their head). Asking 2k.

Observations:
2br may bring in more money, but I think it harmed more than it helped by reducing the open feel and living space of the house.
The kitchen makes the house - I'm wondering if I can get away with seamless shower enclosures rather than tile bathrooms.
A door in a bedroom isn't as crazy an idea as I once thought, there are many options for bar gates/doors, and my available windows with the house are a major benefit.
Tile floors look fine and make the place lighter, but if you're confident enough to put in a rug, keep it clean ew.
Cabinets have to go to the ceiling or bulkhead - it's not negotiable.
Owners talked about how bad the area was a short time ago. I think I'm glad I wasn't here to tough it out, though the 4-10 years would have led to a significant profit.
I might be able to get good money from the basement. But...I need to get it done.

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