Blog Post

A Garage Can be a True Asset to Your Long Beach Rental

Dustin Edwards • August 9, 2021

Creativity with a Garage Can Help Add Real Value to Your Rental

Garage with Doors
Throughout Long Beach and Los Angeles County, most garages go unused for a variety of reasons. Either your tenants carpool, they leave their car in the driveway out of convenience, or their car cannot squeeze into the garage. Regardless, chances are your Long Beach rental garage is sitting empty and collecting dust. However, you can repurpose the underutilized location with a host of enhancement that could interest your tenants and add value to your property. 

Storage
Most commonly, people use their empty garages to store all the belongings they cannot fit within their house. For tenants, extra storage can be extremely helpful, especially if they only plan on staying in your rental for a relatively short period. For more information on the ways you can make your garage into the ideal storage space, check out the following blog post: Garage Storage Enhancements for Your Long Beach Rental.

Home Gym
With the hectic schedules most Long Beach residents face, a home gym can save your tenants both money and time otherwise spent at their local fitness center. Furthermore, installing a home gym can fit your rental with a distinct amenity to draw potential tenants and increase your rental rates. 

Though there are various exercise machines to choose from, it is best to stick with simple, frequently used equipment such as treadmills, ellipticals, dumbbells, and/or power racks. You can find a range of options at Gym Source or your local fitness store. 

Playroom 
When looking for a rental, a playroom may be the deciding factor that makes tenants with children choose your property. Additionally, like a home gym, you can charge higher rates for the added space. 

Converting a garage to a playroom requires new flooring that is safe for children and also durable, such as luxury vinyl tile. Then, simply put in some storage for toys and a few kid-sized tables and chairs for activities. 

The benefit of redesigning the garage to a playroom rather than a home gym is that it is a cheaper but altogether equally lucrative investment. There are just as many budding families as there are gym rats searching for rentals in Long Beach. 

Home Office
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses either have yet to return to in-person work or plan to remain online indefinitely. As such, tenants may prefer a home office to operate in rather than their kitchen or living room. 

If your rental does not have a separate home office, it may be smart to implement one in the garage. All you need is a desk, a chair, a printer, easily accessible electrical outlets, and perhaps some storage.

Depending on the size of the garage, you could even combine the home office with a home gym or playroom to make it a multipurpose space. This would make your rental more desirable and more valuable. 

Accessory Dwelling Unit
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an addition to your rental property that consists of its own entrance, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry. Essentially, it is a separate structure commonly referred to as a Granny Flat or Casita. 

Converting a garage into an ADU can be a long process that is certainly more expensive than the aforementioned alternatives. Nevertheless, an ADU garage conversion can effectively double your single-family rental and significantly increase the value of your property. With the recent rise in popularity of ADUs, the financial benefits should ultimately exceed the initial costs. 

That being said, developing an ADU can be a complicated endeavor, and there are various state and country requirements to follow. 

Finding the ideal purpose for your Long Beach rental garage can be difficult. To better understand the long-term value of these potential additions and determine which one is right for you, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247, or you can fill out our Owner Application online

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By Dustin Edwards December 19, 2024
If you're properties are suffering from lack of heating this winter, these 3 common issues could be the cause.
By Dustin Edwards December 12, 2024
Although Southern California’s winters are typically mild when compared to other parts of the country, tenants still value a warm home during the cooler months. Taking steps to maintain a comfortable living environment shows your tenants that their needs are being prioritized. This is crucial for tenant satisfaction, especially during the holidays. Below are three methods to help keep tenants warm during the winter season. Maintain Heating System It's required for landlords to provide rentals with a working heating system, however, it's not uncommon for these to fall into disrepair either because of lack of maintenance or negligence. Scheduling regular inspections and maintenance before the coldest weather can help to ensure the heating is reliable and efficient. Cleaning air filters, and checking for cold spots, or irregular noises can help prevent small issues from escalating into expensive repairs. Preventative maintenance can help to reduce the chances of inconvenient calls for emergency repairs. Being proactive with your maintenance can also help you protect your investment while earning goodwill from your tenant. Another factor that can affect your heating system is drafts around windows and doors. These drafts can cause your heating system to overwork which makes the system less efficient, and reliable and ultimately reduces the lifespan of your heating system. You can address this by inspecting the seals around doors and windows for gaps or cold spots. Replace worn-out seals and caulking where it's needed. Offer Smart Thermostats Consider providing your tenants with a smart thermostat for energy-efficient heating. This can not only give tenants control over their comfort, but it's also a great tool to reduce energy usage. By providing this upgrade to your tenant, you show a commitment to your tenant’s satisfaction which can in turn result in a long-term tenant. These kinds of devices definitely benefit your tenants, though they can also contribute to the longevity of your rental property as well. Additionally, you can give your tenant a smart thermostat as a holiday gift . This can show your tenant that you’re not simply collecting rent while protecting your investment. Reverse Ceiling Fans The direction in which a ceiling fan rotates is oftentimes overlooked, and it can have a great effect on the temperature of a home. A ceiling fan is typically seen as a way to cool down a home during the hotter seasons without using the air conditioning . Reversing the spin of a ceiling fan can help to circulate warm air more efficiently during the cold season . This is because warm air rises, and a fan rotating clockwise will push the warm air back down helping maintain warm temperatures. Most fans have a switch on the motor and it is easily accessible for most people with a step ladder. This easy adjustment helps reduce the need for your tenant to use the heating system. Tenants will notice a more consistent and comfortable temperature indoors. This should also help reduce costs on their energy bill. Reversing the rotation of the ceiling fans also takes some of the strain off of the heating system. This helps to ensure it operates efficiently for years by reducing the wear and tear on it. Taking proactive steps this winter season to ensure your tenant’s comfort demonstrates a landlord’s commitment to their tenant’s comfort. A comfortable tenant is a satisfied tenant , which can lead to a long-term tenant and steady rental income. Consider it a small investment for long-term success. If you need help keeping your rental warm or managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards December 5, 2024
Discover 3 Gift Ideas for your tenants this holiday season.
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