When you move into a new apartment, it’s likely that it won’t have everything you want or need. While there are probably many things you want to add to your apartment, it’s important to remember that you should only add things that are acceptable within your lease, and won’t make your landlord angry. There are many different types of upgrades you can make to your new home, without breaking your lease.
1. Upgrade the Hardware
As you take a look around your new apartment, you’re probably going to notice that most of the hardware is pretty basic. Doorknobs and cabinet handles may be old and dull. You can easily make your home look better and more presentable by simply changing out the hardware. The cost depends on the new pieces you choose. Changing these pieces can make the whole house look and feel better. On top of this, it’s not a permanent change, and when you leave you can easily change the hardware back to what was there when you first moved in. Just make sure you keep the old pieces.
2. Upgrade the Appliances
When you first move in, it’s likely that there are few to no appliances in the apartment. You may have some of the essential kitchen appliances, like a stove and fridge, but many apartments leave it there. However, one of the best ways you can upgrade your apartment and save you a lot of stress is to get a new washer and dryer. If you don’t have a lot of space, consider looking at washer dryer combos. You'll be able to wash your clothes at home, ensuring that you actually have clean clothes when you need them.
3. Upgrade the Fixtures
While it’s not always as easy as upgrading hardware, upgrading the fixtures in the home is also not difficult. It’s a good idea to get the landlord’s permission before you do this, however. Even if you plan to replace the fixtures with the old ones before you move out, your landlord will notice if they come by and the light fixture is different. Other options for upgrading the fixtures in the apartment include the showerhead and the faucets in the bathroom and kitchen.While you’re at it, contact an expert to look at the apartment’s plumbing and fix any problems that are found. If there is something wrong with the plumbing, it is better to have it repaired before a major issue occurs because it can save the apartment, and your belongings, from serious damage. You can also call a plumbing services contractor to clean the pipes before you begin using your new fixtures. This is a good idea because you never know what the previous tenant has put down the drains and if something is seriously clogged, it could easily flood your new place.
4. Upgrade the Storage
Depending on the size of the apartment, you may not have a whole lot of storage space. Luckily, it’s easy to upgrade your storage. Take advantage of every area in the apartment. Is there room under your bed? Don’t let things just get thrown under there. Instead, buy or make boxes to store your keepsakes in. You can also buy or make bookshelves that can store more than books. These shelves can be used to hold anything you want to display.
5. Upgrade the Color
For this one, you'll definitely need to talk to your landlord ahead of time. Some landlords will allow you to paint in the apartment, while others won’t. If you are able to paint, it’s still a good idea not to go too crazy. Paint a single wall as an accent wall. If you’re not allowed to paint, consider adding a little color by using removable wall decals. These can be taken off before you leave, and you can take them with you to the next place.
6. Upgrade the Floors
Is there a wood or tile floor in the apartment that just looks horrible? Cracked or ugly floors can easily be upgraded with a rug. Since rugs aren’t permanent, there’s no reason not to use them in areas that you simply don’t like the flooring. Another option is to get tile stickers if you really don’t like the pattern of the tile. These are removable and come in a variety of different styles, allowing you to find some that you actually like.
Making upgrades to your apartment can be a difficult process. You need to make sure that you’re not getting in trouble with your landlord, but at the same time it’s important to feel at home in your place. Replacing items that can be changed back, and getting permission from the landlord beforehand are great ways to satisfy both needs. Buying a home might be the next step if you aren’t up to renovating your apartment, checking out www.haltonhillsonthemove.ca is a great place to start if you have any questions.
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