How We Transformed an 1899 Apartment Into a Rental That Listed in 8 Days

When we first walked through this residential townhouse built in 1899, we saw what most people would overlook, potential. Decades of wear had left their mark: cracked walls, stuck sliding doors, a kitchen barely functional, and a bathroom that had seen better days. But underneath all of it was a home worth saving.

Our goal was clear: maximize return on investment without sacrificing beauty or livability. As we've shared in a previous post, rental renovations require a particular mindset: durable, timeless materials that hold up over time and appeal to tenants who want to feel at home the moment they walk in.

As a result, this 1899 apartment was listed for only 8 days. Here's exactly what we did.

Structural & Whole-Home Updates that Transformed the Apartment

Before any cosmetic work could begin, we had to address what years of settling had done to this century-old structure.

Wall repair: Large cracks had formed throughout the apartment over the decades. Our crew applied mesh tape to reinforce each crack before skim-coating and smoothing the surfaces which is the right way to do it, so repairs last.

Electrical cleanup: Wires were running everywhere throughout the unit. We removed all exposed and unnecessary wiring from the walls and installed a dedicated, built-in spot for the router to make it organized and functional. 

Switches & outlets: Every light switch and outlet was outdated and visibly worn. We replaced them all with modern Decora-style switches and outlets, a small detail that makes the whole home feel updated.

Sliding doors: Sticky, dragging sliding doors are one of the most frustrating things for tenants. We serviced and repaired every sliding door in the unit so they glide like new.

Paint: Fresh paint throughout every wall, ceiling, and trim. 

Hardwood refinishing: The original hardwood floors were refinished throughout the main living areas, restoring their warmth, honoring the home's character while making it feel brand new.

Kitchen vinyl flooring: The kitchen received new vinyl plank flooring for a practical, water-resistant choice that holds up to heavy use and looks great doing it.

Pendant lighting: We selected and installed matching pendant lights that tie the space together. 

Kitchen Renovation

The kitchen was barely functional. The entire countertop measured just 36 inches wide which is barely enough space to prep a meal without dropping a dish. 

Countertop expansion: We built a new custom cabinet that extends to the stove, adding usable countertop space by 18 inches. That's a 50% increase in prep surface which is a meaningful upgrade for everyday living.

Quartz countertops: We replaced the laminate countertop with quartz: durable, stain-resistant, and sharp-looking. It's the kind of upgrade tenants notice immediately and landlords appreciate for years.

Cabinet refresh: Rather than replacing the cabinets entirely, we repaired and repainted them along with the built-in pantry unit, bringing them back to life at a fraction of replacement cost.

Drawer slides: Sticky, broken drawer slides were repaired so everything opens and closes smoothly.

Pantry shelving unit: We procured and installed a dedicated pantry shelving unit to organize the microwave, food, dishes, and ingredients, turning wasted space into practical storage.

Appliance upgrades: New appliances were selected and installed to match the updated aesthetic and give the kitchen a fresh, move-in-ready feel.

New undermount sink: The old sink was swapped for a clean undermount model which is easier to clean and more modern in appearance.

Bathroom Refresh

The bathroom needed attention in every corner. It didn’t need a gut renovation, but a precise, high-impact refresh.

New vanity & countertop: We replaced the old vanity with an engineered marble countertop: beautiful, durable, and a clear step up from what was there before.

Grout & tile deep clean: Years of buildup between tiles and along seams were thoroughly cleaned out. This alone transformed the look of the entire bathroom.

Faucet replacement: Swapped the old fixture for a stainless steel corrosion-resistant faucet, consistent with the rest of the updated finishes.

Medicine cabinet: Added a medicine cabinet for functional storage (a feature renters always appreciate).

The Takeaway

This project is a perfect example of what strategic renovation looks like. We didn't tear the place down and start over. We made smart, targeted improvements by fixing what was broken, upgrading what was dated, and adding value where it counted most.

If you have a rental property that needs a thoughtful renovation focused on durability, ROI, and making the space genuinely livable, reach out to Buddy Warren Home. We'd love to walk through it with you.