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
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.
Share this post
Have you considered including utilities in your rent? Here are some of the most common utilities that help tenants see a greater value on renting your property
Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
Do you own multiple properties with sufficient
