Blog Post

How a Driveway Can Help Your Long Beach and Lakewood Rental

Dustin Edwards • Jul 24, 2020

A Few Driveway Details Can Help your Long Beach Rental Stand Out

Driveway with Paver Stones
When you first evaluate rental property it is unlikely that the driveway is at the top of your list. After all a driveway is just where your tenants park their cars, why is it such a big deal? While it might not be a “big deal” to you, consider the following:

  • If there isn’t a driveway it could result in lower rent
  • If your driveway is cracked it could result in poor drainage or cause damage to a tenants vehicle.
  • If a driveway is done well it can make it easy to get trash cans to the street on a weekly basis and keep a tenant happy.
  • If a driveway is larger it could accommodate more cars allowing you to possibly enjoy an increase in rent.
  • If a driveway offers curb appeal it could inspire tenants to stay longer
While none of these are absolute, the one absolute that remains true is that a driveway is a home feature that is used nearly daily. To help you maximize your rental for rental value and even long term value (i.e. when it comes time to sell) we invite you to consider the following aspects when it comes to your driveway.

Concrete Driveway for Your Rental
Concrete is the most widely used material in driveways throughout Long Beach and Lakewood. It is durable, has a long lifespan, and is cost effective (~$6 a ft). With a concrete driveway a key aspect is to have rebar used as part of the process. Without rebar the weight of cars will result in premature premature cracking.

Pavers for Your Rental
Pavers provide some of the most visually engaging driveways as you can have different design patterns that even enhance the curb appeal of the home. You will find these done in select homes throughout both Lakewood and Long Beach. Driveways using pavers aren’t as common due to the cost which can range from $10 per sq ft for brick pavers, $40 per sq ft for concrete pavers and $70 per sq ft for cobblestones. With the more expensive options consider the aspect that the tax code does support you investing in your rental through depreciation. When you want that cobblestone option for your rental consider asking both your CPA for advice on the expense as well as a property management company to share their thoughts on the impact to future value and impact to the monthly rent.

Incorporating Details with the Driveway for Your Rental
When you are looking to replace your driveway you have the opportunity to invest in a few details that can help your Long Beach rental out for the long haul. Consider a few of the following options:
  • Drainage - With any driveway there is a requirement for it to slope towards the street to support drainage. In some scenarios you might need more drainage support. You might want to enhance the look. Consider designer trench grates to get the benefit of drainage and a style that offers curb appeal.
  • Lighting - One of the finer architectural elements that can be seen at night is that of well done outdoor lighting. Consider incorporating outdoor lighting as part of your driveway feature that makes it inviting to pull one’s car up at night.
  • Plants or Hardscape - To go along with the lighting you could also incorporate small shrubbery, grass, or even rocks as part of your driveway design.
  • Design Element - You don’t have to go with pavers to maximize the design impact. With concrete you could cut “ribbons” of used brick into your design on the edges or in horizontal sections to provide a touch of design that is still structurally sound.
When it comes to understanding what could be done with the driveway for your rental there generally isn’t a wrong answer. A new driveway is a new opportunity to enhance your asset.  When you want to understand how the driveway will impact your rental we invite you to fill out our Free Rental Analysis or call us today (562) 888-0247 and we will be happy to share more.


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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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