The beauty of a custom home with Schumacher, if you can envision it, we can build it. Even if you’re building for someone else.
As the current housing market continues its unpredictable trajectory, rental properties further entrench their way into consideration as potential home buyers find themselves wrestling with low supply and high demand.
The recent turbulence of the last three years may have contributed to this recent increase in renting as a solution to the housing shortage. For over a decade, the number of people choosing to rent a home over owning one has been steadily increasing due to changing demographics and growing demand for large single-family homes outside of major cities.
Enter the burgeoning build-to-rent housing niche also known as B2R.
Although building a rental home has its advantages and disadvantages over other investments or even renovating an existing home, Schumacher knows the unique possibilities that can be found through customization to make your rental property stand out.
Unlike apartments or townhouses, single-family homes provide greater flexibility in space and configuration, which is one of the primary reasons for their growing popularity as long-term rentals. As a result, it is essential that every room in a custom home designed for rent be functionally versatile from the beginning. Our design team can help.
Unless you plan to rent your new home as fully furnished, it’s important to think about the inevitable moving process for future tenants. Furniture will have to be moved in (and out) of the home as tenants change. Your future tenants will thank you tenfold if you widen the doorways and stairs during the building process. It will not only make their moves easier, but it will also reduce scuffs on the wall from trying to squeeze a couch up the stairs
When focusing on the move-in and out process, another thing to consider is creating a defined TV wall. Having a space that is properly set up for mounting a TV can help you avoid having new holes in the wall every time a tenant changes. Thinking ahead means you won’t have to make repairs and your tenant will simply have to plug in and enjoy. It’s a win-win for all parties.
Unlike an apartment, townhouse, or other rental option, a single-family home even on a smaller lot has outdoor space advantages. Especially for families and pet owners looking for temporary or even long-term rental solutions, a front and/or backyard can be highly desirable, providing tenants with green space, fresh air, a chance to interact with neighbors, and an opportunity for outdoor activities.
Garages are also considered an amenity and are a smart investment in the long run. Not only do they add curb appeal for renters, but they also provide convenience, storage and extra security. Floor plans like the Dawson include a garage that works even on a narrow lot.
If you’re your new rental home is going to be a two-story plan, something to consider is easy access for any service-based repairs. This allows for a maintenance team to easily come and fix issues that may pop up. Not only does the provide minimal disruption to the rest of the home, but it also can help contain any problems.
Think of if the washer was to leak. You’d rather have damage contained to one floor instead of having water damage on multiple levels. Several of our floor plans like the Callaway, Fieldcrest and Chapel Hill all have laundry rooms conveniently located off the garage for easy repair access.
Building a custom home to rent or resale can be the balance of broad appeal and long-term rental needs, the culmination of versatile functionality, and the interest in short-term amenities. When it comes down to it, it’s the equilibrium between cost and durability.
For example, certain paint colors are preferred by landlords because of the neutrality they evoke and their ability to camouflage and outshine tiny blemishes. Countertops, windows, and flooring options are other areas where material selections should be carefully examined depending on whether you’re custom building to rent for tenants seeking longer lease agreements or for extended stay guests.
Renters want flooring and cabinets that are easy to clean and take care of in the long run. So, while the look of hardwood may be appealing, choosing something like Luxury Vinyl plank flooring may be optimal in the long run due to ease of maintenance and durability.
Part of the Schumacher difference is helping our customers select materials that not only work for their budget but accomplish their goals and ambitions. We’ll also help you tap into knowledge like what materials are suited best to the region you’re building; what materials are most popular for your home’s style and whether the materials you’re choosing are difficult to maintain over time.
Smart homes are one of the hottest topics when it comes to building a custom home. Recent studies show that 44% of American households plan to buy a smart home device within the next 12 months. These systems can be controlled right from your phone, tablet, or computer and set to your preferences so that every room in your home is just how you like it. This means you can control the air conditioning with the touch of a button, set lights to turn on or off at key moments throughout the day, turn your sprinkler system on or off while you’re on vacation, or even automate door locks to open and close as you approach or leave the home. There are so many options with this technology.
Smart Home technology provides security, comfort and even energy efficiency all through an app. With home integrations becoming more prevalent, including a smart home system is often expected in newer rental units. By building a custom home, you can integrate these types of products and systems up front, instead of retrofitting your home in the future.
No matter what type of technology you are looking to integrate into your rental home, our team and technology partner are here to help. Plus, in most cases, they can service your system remotely, leaving customers with quick service and zero issues with their security or other functions, even if dealing with an issue while out of town.
Like every decision when it comes to building a home, if you are transparent and honest with your builder about your long-term goals for your property and can align to a plan from the very first meeting, you will be in lockstep throughout the process.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 25 locations in 12 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award-winning company has built over 20,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends.