Apartment Rental Remodel in Oakland

7 years ago

Just finished a fun, one bedroom remodel where I took a tired and depressing one bedroom and freshened it up.

I pulled up the ugly vinyl and refinished the beautiful underlying wooden floors. I opened up the kitchen by taking down a wall. We had to put up a beam to support the larger opening and instead of covering the beam I decided to leave it exposed and stained it. I didn’t move any other walls but completely gutted the bathroom and kitchen and added an in-unit washer and dryer.

Some silly mistakes:
1. Didn’t realize the position of the fridge panel near the built in microwave wouldn’t allow it to open. They don’t make right swing microwaves. So put in a smaller microwave.
2. Didn’t measure the bathroom doors before ordering washer/dryer. Had to remove some door trim to get them through. Now just praying they don’t break down.

Some before and after photos.

Featured Answer

melle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/

7 years ago

It has a nice vibe, but was taking out the only bathtub creating too much limitation???

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Comments (19)

BCL
7 years ago
Love the new look!
Kendrah
7 years ago
wow. what a difference.
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cawaps
7 years ago
Nice! It should appeal to potential renters, which is the key thing.

Thanks for sharing your mistakes, too. I'm sure those were face-palm moments for you (I've had a few, too), but you sharing may help someone else avoid the same mistakes in the future.
mabeldingeldine
7 years ago
In our rentals, we deliberately removed the tubs as well. It has not been a problem in any way. That is a great refresh! I love the floor tile contrast colors, same tile in the kitchen and bath. Nice job!
Siddharth
Original Author
7 years ago
I think tubs become important for 2 and 3 bedroom apartments that families are looking for. For one bedrooms it hasn't been an issue for us. We rented this in one day.
cpartist
7 years ago
Great job and I know I'd be happy renting it.
sundowner
7 years ago
Beautiful!
PRO
Pearl Remodeling
7 years ago
Love the backsplash
Matthew Gandin
7 years ago
What neighborhood in Oakland? Just curious, I live here too, Dimond district. Just bought a single family home in Richmond 3/2 bed/bath that I'm currently gutting and renovating to be a rental property, will post before and after photos.
sheepla
7 years ago
Do you have a close up of the backsplash? It is beautiful.
PRO
PRM Custom Builders
7 years ago
Looks great!
Siddharth
Original Author
7 years ago
Mathew, this building is near La Farine and Peet's on Fruitvale but just on the other side of 580.
Siddharth
Original Author
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Hi Sheepla,

Here's a slightly closer image of the backsplash. We got these from Floor & Decor (Bayona Decorative Ceramic Tile - you can buy online or in store) but Home Depot has similar tiles too (not exact).
PRO
M&R Custom Millwork Inc
7 years ago
Great Job! Love the backsplash!
houssaon
7 years ago
Well done!
PRO
Door Corner
7 years ago
Wow! Really great job. Looks completely different and modern. Love the black and white.
cawaps
7 years ago
Highland Hospital area here!
Matthew Gandin
7 years ago
Awesome, Siddarth, glad to see more homes in my neighborhood getting renovated!