For property owners who own rental properties, maximizing your investment’s value is the aim. Sometimes, this means renovations, upgrades, or even additions to your home. One example is the issue investors face is “is it worthwhile to build a basement for the rental?” While this is one of the most profitable upgrades with a high return on investment, it may be prohibitive for landlords who aren’t able to afford it. The benefits, there are several issues to consider before converting to a basement that will get finished in the future. Read on for some helpful tips on deciding whether or upgrading your rental property is the best option for you.

Can a Finished Basement Add Value to a Rental?

In the end, finishing a basement or renovating an unutilized basement can increase the value of an investment. Additionally, a completed basement can be a selling point when investors want to repair and flip the property or sell it later. Therefore, to comprehend the advantages, you can read about the benefits of having a finished basement in a rental.

Additional Living Space

The dimensions of your basement and the process of finishing it can provide a significant functional space to your home. Renters and potential buyers would appreciate an extra bedroom, bathroom, or bonus space. The extra space is crucial in an era of post-pandemic, in which many people are working or attending classes from their homes.

DIY Potential

If you are considering a renovation or any other type, this generally requires a significant financial investment. But landlords with some construction experience could result in substantial savings. The possibility of doing some finishing work, such as drywall or framing your own, allows you to invest in more specific tasks like electrical or HVAC. Additionally, selecting materials is essential to keep costs low to guarantee a good return on your investment. Be aware that nothing has to be expensive. Instead, concentrate on high-quality materials that will endure rental properties’ greater rents.

Positive Return on Investment

Even though it is not considered square footage for resale, a basement that needs to get finished in a rental can be used to create additional living space. But that doesn’t mean that the investment isn’t worthwhile. In general, basement remodeling projects yield about 70% ROI on investment. But, landlords have to review their financial situation and the local market to ensure that the additional rent is a fair amount to offset the cost.

Does a Basement That Gets Finished in a Rental an Excellent Idea?

Deciding to remodel the basement of an apartment rental can result in high costs. It is contingent on the work’s scale and size and whether the owners decide to DIY certain aspects of the project. A finished basement can provide extra space and an increase in rent or the value of resales. It is especially true when landlords can create an additional bathroom or bedroom within the area.

Because many renters work from home after the epidemic, having extra space is on any renter’s list of essentials. In rental properties, additional value is provided by adding area, specifically additional bedrooms or flexible rooms. A finished basement for a renter could enable owners to boost their cost of rent and, consequently, earn more money. However, before deciding to invest in the expense of a remodel, examine the following aspects:

  • What is the value of the property’s rental without a basement?
  • How much will the renovation cost?
  • Does the basement that gets finished raise rent? If so, by what amount?
  • What is the time frame to pay back the costs of the remodel?

Are You Aware of the Value of Your Rental Property?

Success in the rental property market requires careful planning, diligence, and responsible financial decisions to protect profit margins. Knowing how renovations could influence your bottom line could appear complicated if you are a landlord. For instance, deciding to build a basement for a rental can be a substantial financial gain or make it difficult to break even, depending on your local market.

In Ottawa Home Pros, we collaborate with owners to help make an educated choice about the rental of your property. Our property management and leasing experts know how local markets work and collaborate to maximize your profits. So, if you’re wondering how much you may get for your rental property or want to learn more about full-service property management, give us a call at (613) 288-9145 or email us at info@ottawahomepros.com today.