Photo courtesy:urbanful.org
Ownership is not a requirement in turning a house into a home. The problem is many renters feel restricted because they have rules to adhere to that have been set by their landlords. The good news is there is a lot that can be done with a rental that will not compromise the integrity of the property. Here’s a list of them, to name a few.
- Entry – there is no need to put up with flimsy or uninviting doors. Sliding doors in particular are easy to replace. The old one may simply be stored someplace else and reinstalled come moving day. Door handles are also easily manageable. Attractive, heavy-duty, and stylish door handles are available at most hardware stores.
- Lighting – the right amount and intensity of lighting can do wonders for any home. Since they are easy to replace, renters can store the old and original fixtures while they make use of something that is more to their liking.
- Floors – click flooring is exactly what it sounds like: a click-together flooring solution. There are different styles to choose from to transform any floor into something more appealing. Due to its easy-on, easy-off nature, renters can take this with them should they decide to move house.
- Walls – dirty or extremely old-looking walls can make any space feel damp, dark, and downright grotesque. For rentals, washable wall colours or temporary wallpaper is the perfect solution to livening up and renewing the look of the walls. These can be removed easily before moving out.
- Windows – this is perhaps the easiest upgrade to make in a rental. Modern-looking curtains and blinds can easily update the look of a property and make it cozier. Standard-sized windows are the easiest to shop for – and as long as the old ones are kept and stored properly, this should not become a problem with the tenant.
- Storage – most rental properties have with them a very strict policy on damage. This makes it hard for tenants to add shelves they can use for displaying and for storing. Luckily, there are many shelving options in the market, including leaning shelves that do not need to touch, much less be attached, to the wall.
- Drawers – for houses that already have ample storage space in the form of cabinets and drawers – liners are the best solution. Drawer liners not only keep clothes and other items clean, they also look better, and the best part? They can be thrown away when it’s to move out.
Keep in mind that when making changes, no matter how minimal, it is always a good idea to consult the landlord first. Getting permission for non-permanent and non-damaging renovations is usually not required, but it is always better to check than to get in trouble.
