We’re Transforming Our Old Utah Bachelor Pad into a High-End Rental on a Budget

If you’ve been following along, you know home isn’t just where the heart is. A lot of the time, it’s where the hard work is, too.

We are officially diving back into an old bachelor pad in Utah—the very first home my husband and I shared as newlyweds. After years of renting it out, it is finally time to give this place the high-end transformation it has needed for a long time.

The goal is to update it beautifully, raise the rent, and eventually prepare it for our sons to live in. But before we get anywhere close to that jaw-dropping reveal, we have to face the part nobody really wants to talk about.

The prep work.

And let me tell you, it is dirty work.

Facing the Reality of Tenant Damage

Walking into a condo after years of renting is a major reality check.

There were moments where I genuinely wondered if the place had been cleaned in years. We spent the first stretch just vacuuming hair, grime, and who knows what else just to make the space livable enough to work in.

Before I touched any of those surfaces, I made sure my hands were protected. This is exactly the kind of job where I reach for my Aleah Nitrile DIY Gloves. They give me the heavy-duty protection I need for the grimiest parts of a project without making me feel like I’m fighting my tools or my materials.

And, of course, the surprises started almost immediately.

I was hoping the washing machine just needed a deep clean. But after testing it, we realized it would agitate but wouldn’t spin, which left everything soaking wet. At nearly 18 years old, it just didn’t make sense to pour money into a repair. Sometimes the smartest renovation decision is knowing when to let something go and move on.

So the washer and dryer were out, and a new set went on the list.

My Sourcing Hustle: High-End Looks for Less

When I’m trying to create a luxury look on a budget, I know I have to be willing to hunt.

One of my first stops was the Habitat for Humanity ReStore, and it paid off. I found a gas range in excellent condition for $350, which was a huge win. Then at Lowe’s, I kept my eyes open for floor models and found a dishwasher for $440.

That is the kind of sourcing that makes a budget transformation possible.

The biggest design challenge in this condo is the kitchen cabinets. They have a very strong red-orange undertone, and replacing them completely just isn’t where I want to spend the budget. So my mission became figuring out how to tone them down and make the space feel more elevated without gutting the kitchen.

For the flooring, I went to multiple stores and tested samples directly against the cabinets. That part matters. You cannot choose flooring in isolation when you’re working around existing finishes. I needed an LVP that would work with the orange tones instead of fighting them, while still making the whole space feel more modern.

For the countertops, I started leaning toward solid black granite. The black helps ground the orange cabinets and gives the kitchen a cleaner, more masculine, contemporary feel. I also looked at remnant pieces for smaller areas like the bathrooms because remnants can be such a smart way to get a high-end stone look without paying for a full slab.

When I’m measuring, sketching, and laying out samples for details like this, I love having my Aleah Silicone DIY Work Mat nearby. It protects the surfaces I’m working on from scratches, spills, and all the little messes that happen when you’re deep in planning mode.

For the backsplash, I initially considered a white brick-look tile. I liked the clean contrast, and I didn’t want anything competing with the cabinets. But I also know better than to make that final call too early. Sometimes you need to wait until the countertops are installed so you can see how all the tones actually play together in the real space.

The Power of Quality and Details

Paint is one of those areas where I really believe you get what you pay for.

For this project, I wanted to stick with a higher-quality paint line, like Sherwin-Williams Emerald, because it tends to be less drippy, covers better, and holds up longer. In a rental, that matters. I don’t want to repaint constantly, and I want the finish to feel clean and professional.

For the wall color, I wanted something modern and bright without going stark white. Balanced Beige lightened to 75% strength gave me that softer, warmer look while still helping the space feel fresh.

And then there are the little details—the ones that don’t seem exciting until you see the difference they make.

Old almond-colored outlets and switches can instantly date a space. Swapping them for updated white rocker switches is such a simple, affordable fix, but it makes the whole condo feel newer and more intentional.

For those quick updates, repairs, and installation moments, this is exactly why I created tools like the Aleah Cordless Power Drill Bundle. I wanted a drill that had real power and professional capability, but that also felt comfortable and natural in a woman’s hand. Because the right tool doesn’t just help you get the job done. It changes the way you feel while you’re doing it.

Finding Joy in the Renovation Journey

A project like this can be a lot, but it can also become a family affair.

Having my parents and daughter involved made the long days more manageable. There’s something special about working together, even when the work is dusty, exhausting, and not even close to glamorous yet.

And yes, we took breaks. You have to. Between sourcing trips and demo days, sometimes you just need fuel. In our case, that meant treating ourselves to “Better Than Anything” cupcakes, which absolutely helped keep the spirits up. It’s important to recharge your batteries to avoid burnout in a large-scale project like this. I’ve unfortunately learned this the hard way.

Safety is another thing I don’t compromise on, especially during long renovation days. Whether I’m drilling into drywall, clearing debris, or working around old finishes, I want my eyes protected. That’s why Aleah Safety Glasses are part of my routine. They give me the protection I need without making me feel like I have to sacrifice style.

There are also these little moments during a renovation that remind me why I love doing this. Sometimes it’s helping someone else, leaving cash for someone who needs it, or simply trying to make someone’s day in the middle of all the chaos.

Because even when a project is stressful, I still want to move through it with purpose.

Tools Designed for the Way We Actually Work

Taking on a renovation like this requires confidence, patience, and the right equipment.

That is a big part of why I created Aleah.

After years of using tools that clearly were not designed with women in mind, I wanted to build something different. Tools that were beautiful, powerful, and made with women in mind from the beginning.

Not novelty tools. Not watered-down tools. Real tools.

Tools with the strength and capability needed for real DIY work, but with the comfort, style, and usability that make the experience better.

Whether I’m repairing drywall, swapping outlets, installing fixtures, measuring for countertops, or cleaning up after a long day, I want tools that fit, feel right, and help me keep going.

Because there is nothing like the moment when you step back, look at what you built, and say, “I did that.”

That is what Aleah is about.

Power tools are built so you can rise.

This old bachelor pad has a long way to go, but I can already see the high-end soul hiding underneath the grime, dated finishes, and orange cabinets. We’re going to bring it out one decision, one tool, and one workday at a time.

Want to see the full transformation in action? Watch the entire journey from bachelor pad to high-end home on the Aleah DIY YouTube Channel, and subscribe for more luxury decor looks for less, real renovation progress, and major DIY transformations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tone down orange or red-toned kitchen cabinets without painting them?

When I’m working with orange or red-toned cabinets, I try to ground them instead of fighting them. Dark, solid countertops—like black granite—can help calm the warmth and make the cabinets feel more intentional. Flooring matters too. I always bring samples into the actual space and test them against the cabinets so I can choose an LVP that softens the undertone instead of making it stronger.

Are remnant granite pieces really worth the hunt?

Yes. Remnant pieces can absolutely be worth it, especially for smaller areas like bathroom vanities. They let you get the high-end look of real stone without having to purchase a full slab, which can make a big difference when you’re trying to stretch a renovation budget.

Why choose a higher-quality paint instead of a cheaper option?

In my experience, better paint is always worth it. A higher-quality paint line often gives better coverage (fewer coats), drips less, and holds up longer. Even though it may cost more upfront, it can save time, costs, and frustration—especially when you want a cleaner, more professional finish.

What is the benefit of using tools designed with women in mind?

A lot of standard tools were not designed around the way many women actually grip, hold, and use them. Aleah tools are built to deliver real power and capability while also considering comfort, balance, and fit. When a tool feels right in your hand, you work with more confidence and less fatigue.

How do I choose the right LVP flooring for a rental?

For a rental, durability is key. I look for LVP with a strong wear layer and a color that works with the fixed finishes in the space. I never choose flooring from a tiny sample under store lighting alone. I bring samples home, place them against the cabinets, walls, and trim, and see how they look in the actual light before making a decision.