Hard wearing fixtures and fittings

[robbo23]

Hi everyone I am a relatively new landlord who has a property that needs refurbishment prior to being let.

I understand that all works need to comply with building regs etc however I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions about brands or types of products which are hardwearing and relatively tenant proof.

I'm thinking about heating - gas or storage?
Carpets?
Kitchens
Bathrooms
Has anyone found a brand of paint that covers well and can put up with the rough and tumble of lettings?

Any help gratefully received!

[Snorkerz]

This may help http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?35033-The-Tenantproof-House

[JK0]

Yes, I would definitely want my house to be antproof :)

More seriously, I would always favour storage heaters over gas. I have paid out thousands over the years having boilers inspected and repaired, but as yet never had to call a repair man for a storage heater. (A few cut-outs have needed changing, but it is easy to do this yourself with a screwdriver.) Last year I bought a couple of replacement storage heaters very cheaply on Ebay, but if you are installing system from scratch you have to get new building regs compliant ones.

However, I would try to get a place with a gas supply, as I read that from 2019 you won't be able to let somewhere under Band D energy rating, so at that point you may be forced to install central heating.

Kitchens, I would have a tiled floor, and bathrooms tile or vinyl.

[robbo23]

Thanks everyone much appreciated