Install Wardrobes for IP

I have an IP that does not have any build-in wardrobe. I am in the process of doing some reno. Is it worth installing one or two? I got a quote of $2000 to put in a build-in wardrobe in the main bedroom. The other option is getting an Ikea wardrobe, which is much cheaper. Thanks

 

When I first bought my IP, I had a tenant ready to move in so I opted for the quicker and cheaper option -- $220 Ikea wardrobe for the main bedroom. Last year I did some reno so I had a build-in wardrobe included in the process, and had the old wardrobe escorted to the garage as storage space.

 

The Ikea pax wardrobe is pretty good value with the exception that it doesn't have a full thickness back. There's lots of people hacking it into built ins, probably take a handyman or chippie a day.

 

I've found properties with built in robes or freestanding robes in the bedrooms rent quicker, and takes away any objections about lack of storage . For $2k, I would try and fit robes in at least 2 brms.

 

I think if you want to add value to your IP then get a built in. I think tenants love 'em.

I had 2 put in an IP a while back, probably more than 10 years ago. Still got the same tenant and the robes (mirrored doors) are as good as the day they got installed.

Cost $1300 for the two back then. A place in Victoria St Smithfield did the job and they had a good showroom.

 

We had one property without any built ins. It was often mentioned during inspections.
We bought a second hand built in for $100 and put it in. If you aren't handy or nearby go the built in or freestanding if money is an issue.

 

You want a Hyundai not Rolls Royce - you don't need raised and fielded panels on the doors, polyurethane, wire baskets or any of the extras - prefinished board with mirrored doors, long/short hanging, open shelves & drawers, no back or plinth etc are cheap.

 

As per Travelbug you can buy 2nd hand ones real cheap and install yourself. The only problem is transporting the 2000-2400mm high doors.

We also use a guy called Kahil 0410 067 866 he supplies and fits 2400 x up to 3000mm wide for $650 cash.

 

Thanks for sharing your experience. The $2k wardrobe will be connected to the ceiling and looks like a standard built-in wardrobe. The IKEA option is certainly cheaper. I am concerned about its durability.

 

I will get a couple of more quotes. It could be a small investment with great long term benefits. With built-ins, I can possibly charge a higher rent.

 

Thanks. $1300 for two is quite cheap. The IP is in Brisbane. I will get a couple of more quotes. You are right, built-ins can increase the value of the property while stand-alone wardrobes can not.

 

Well done. This certainly saved you a lot. I live in Sydney while the IP is in north Brisbane. It is a little bit hard to organize pick-up and delivery of second-hand wardrobes from Gumtree.

 

Thanks. That was a very good price. I certainly need to get a couple of more quotes. I live in Sydney while the IP is in Brisbane.

 

Very cheap but remember that was 10 years ago.

Both of mine have two sliding doors and a set of 4 drawers. They are in a home unit so they do take a bit of space but when you think about it, ordinary wardrobes take up space and are inconvenient because tenants have to lug them around from place to place. I have no regrets with them at all.

 

I just put in 2 x builtins for a client in Mosman - nice simple 2 x sliding mirror doors with white frame, all internals included, bulkhead up to the ceiling, one side panel. Cost approx $1600 all up inc surcharge as it was on the 2nd storey with no lift.

Neat and tidy, option of white glass doors as a small extra. Much easier to rent out, having a built-in in each room opens up more options in tenants.

PM me if you want some contacts as we get them installed all the time.

 

Thanks, Mel. The house is in Brisbane. The rooms are quite small, 3.3m x4m and 3.3m x 2.8m. My PM is a little bit concerned that the built-in wardrobes will make the rooms look smaller, which makes the house less appealing to some extent.

 

I was very happy with the ones we got from IKEA recently. They look good, great quality and well-priced. The tenants find them very useful too- unlike a lot of those build-yourself cupboards which are useless (the worst ones aren't even deep enough for a coathanger!?).

 

It's all about placement & size - you don't need to take a whole wall with the robe 1200-1500mm is adequate.

 

Thanks. I am looking at having a 2m wardrobe for the main bedroom and a 1.5m one for the other bedroom.