Wood Paneling
I plan on holding a property to rent, and I think that the flimsy wood paneling that are on may of the walls looks cheap, but that is just me opinion. Would it be better, to paint over wood paneling, or rip it off and sheetrock it? Also is sheetrocking easy to do with the assistance of a helper, since I would like to try it so it but have done so before?
This is the first fault of new investors, fixing things that don't need to be fixed.
If the paneling is in good reasonable shape,and other rentals in the area generally have paneling too, then you'd be spending unnecessary time and money on something that doesn't need changed.
Roger
I wouldn't change it unless you think you could charge more rent if it was drywalled.
Drywalling is very easy although time consuming. The first step (after you're down to the walls) is to put the drywall up. You'll need to cut out holes for your light switches, outlets, etc and basically put the puzzle together. Next you will need to apply drywall tape to the joints and use joint compound to smooth over. Sand the joints to get them smooth. The hardest part in my opinion is to make sure you don't see the joints. Next spray your texture. You can get this in an arosol can if you have a small area or you can rent a sprayer. Then paint and you're done!
GOOD LUCK.[ Edited by myfrogger on Date 04/11/2004 ]
The panelling was probably installed over sheet rock to start with, you maybe able to just remove it, touch up the plaster or drywall underneath and paint.
Or just paint the panneling, The real issue here is not whether you think it looks cheap or not. The question is whether your target market (the tenants) will like it.
Paint it - use a good sealer and then two coats of paint. Did this to a mobile rehab - looks *great*!