The signs are there, wherever you look. Your unit can use a refurbishing project to restore its former glory or beauty or at least to freshen up the place.
Indeed, it can make sense to make renovations at your apartment if you intend to stick around for years. You may have to talk with your landlord about the specifics of the project. Otherwise, redecorating or renovating the unit is as evident as the writing on the wall with the following signs.
Refurbishing the Place You Call Home
Dark, damp, dusty. Your space has probably seen better days in terms of appearance, function, and security. Whether you are up for a wholesale or piecemeal makeover, the opportunity to upgrade your place is on you.
Sign No. 1: The Walls Need a New Coat of Paint
It is the paint’s job to bring life to the four walls of your home. And if it makes your space look worn and tired, you can take it as a sign to repaint the walls.
You may have to settle for a color that is easy on the eyes and the next tenants. You can do the paint job yourself by going through the necessary preparations like priming the walls if you are painting over a dark color and covering the floors and anything else with canvas.
Sign No. 2: The Carpet Needs Cleaning
Vacuuming is not carpet cleaning, as one online news website noted. Your carpet needs to be professionally cleaned at least once a year. There are many reasons for the professional cleaning, warranty purposes included. Above all else, cleaning the carpet means improving the quality of indoor air and minimizes the chances of dust mite allergy and related respiratory ailments.
Sign No. 3: The Ceiling Light Fixtures Need Checking
Burned-out or flickering light bulbs require immediate attention. You can replace the burned-out ones, or the switch itself may have caused the lights to turn on and off. Also, check the recessed lights for any issues. Use this opportunity to replace your light sources with energy-efficient ones, like LEDs, which can last years.
Sign No. 4: The “Normal Wear and Tear” Needs Repairs
“Ordinary wear and tear” is used in the context of rental properties. It refers to normal deterioration or natural aging of the property. For instance, worn carpets, scraped floors, and scratched windows can happen in the ordinary course of living in the property. These repairs fall under the landlord’s responsibility and are not to be interchangeable with damage born out of neglect by tenants.
Sign No. 5: The Old Linoleum Needs Replacement
Yes, linoleum flooring is durable and can last for years. You know you need to replace yours when it has yellowed or faded, peeled off in some places, or absorbed moisture over time. You can buy a new sheet of linoleum or substitute it with vinyl or laminate.
Sign No. 6: The Security Needs a Boost
Don’t underestimate the power of locks to deter trespassers and burglars. Like door handles, door locks can be upgraded to boost your unit’s security. Shop for swing bars, deadbolts, and other protective mechanisms for your doors. You can test their strength with an electric lockpick gun that works with most cylinder locks.
When did you make improvements to your apartment? Did your refurbished place live up to what you have in mind? Comment below.
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