Viewers seem to be fascinated with Fixer-Jay student Don Collins.  Many have asked Don to share his fix-up knowledge about kitchens.  Is it Possible to fix-up rental house kitchen’s economically?  Following is Don’s inexpensive (Cheap) checklist for kitchen’s and laundry rooms.

Kitchens are the most important rooms and quite often the most expensive. These minimum fix-up requirements are necessary to product am attractive functional kitchen.

12 Item checklists follows:

 Kitchen Faucet: and stops must work easily or be replaced.

SINKS : Replace ugly sinks with chips and  dings.

ALUMINUM SINKS: are best for economy rentals.

COUNTER TOPS: Replace damaged work countertops with redi-made Formica tops.

CABINET’S:  Re-work,  don’t replace unless impossible to fix or repair them.  Finish with interior semi-gloss ·paint.  Add new pulls if needed.

KITCHEN RANGE:  Furnish good used or new economy model kitchen range.

DOORS : All interior doors and key-sets must work properly.  Also check cabinet doors.  Replace pulls and catches as needed.

ELECTRICAL:  Decorative lighting fixtures add charm. All switches, outlets must work properly.  Test each!  Do not allow electrical outlets within 36″ of sink and faucet. Make sure garbage disposal unit works, otherwise replace.

WALLS:  Fill holes, repair as needed. Then paint with good washable interior (semi-gloss) latex white.

FLO O R S:   Must be clean and attractive.  Repair damage of possible.  Remove good tiles from non-visible areas to replace damaged tile.  If repairs not feasible, replace with competitive grade (FHA standard) linoleum.

WINDOWS:  Must open and close properly.  Must have locks.  If older wooden frame windows involved, consider replacement.  Single-hung or sliders can be obtained to fit existing framing.

FIXTURES : Towel bars, paper roll hangers and a telephone jack are inexpensive items people look for in the kitchen.

CURTAINS/WINDOW COVERINGS : Window dressing (inexpensive) provides a “finishing touch”. Colorful curtains or plastic mini-blinds are suitable choices.

FIXING HOUSES LANUDRY ROOM – PORCHES – GARAGES CHECKLIST

WASHER/ DRYER: Make sure washer and dryer have safe working electrical receptacles. 220-volt dryer – 110-volt dryer.

WINDOWS: Windows must open and close properly – equipped with locks.

FA U C E S / VALVES :  Laundry room faucets must be in good condition. Standpipe or laundry tray is needed for washer discharge hose.

DOORS:  Exterior doors must be in good condition and have entry key set with deadbolt for security.  Key locks to match other entrance doors.  One key for all doors is cost saver and much more convenient for owners and tenants alike.

PAINTING: Rooms must be clean, fresh looking and painted.Use semi-gloss water-base latex. Medium grade, off-white is best. White paint gives rooms large appearance and adds brightness. The opposite is true with darker colors. 

SHELVING:  Shelving and cabinets are needed in laundry room. One (1) set double-door wall cabinets, 36″ x 24″ (birch veneer), are economical and very useful. Same goes for base cabinets. Formica, ready-made top can be an attractive addition to laundry rooms and storage areas.

ELE C T RI AL:  Check for exposed wiring. Cover wires with plastic guard or wooden molding to avoid damage. Porches should have adequate lighting, also, exterior light fixture outside entry door.

FLOORS:  Wood or concrete floors can be painted (laundry room and porches). Battleship gray is excellent color choice! Roll vinyl linoleum is recommended for newer houses where “classier” job is called for.