5 Apartment Upgrades You Can do Without Your Landlord’s Permission
As we spend more time at home, those of us who live in apartments or smaller spaces are noticing how our space might not be the most functional. Our homes now serve as offices and schools so we want them to be both functional but also somewhere we love spending time. If you rent an apartment, you’re more limited in the changes you can make. But there are still plenty of simple improvements that can make a big difference! Here are five small projects that you can tackle without your landlord or landlady’s permission:
1. Replace cabinet pulls, outlet covers, or anything else that unscrews
It’s incredible how much of an impact little accents can make on the look of your place. And on your mood. You should be able to swap out anything that unscrews and can be screwed back into place before you move out. Swap out old cabinet pulls or outlet covers for more modern ones. You could even replace your interior door knobs. There are lots of easy updates you can make with just a screwdriver.
2. Upgrade your shower head or faucet
We recommend checking with your landlord just in case but they probably won’t mind if you install a fancy new shower head or upgrade the faucet on your kitchen sink. A new faucet costs anywhere from $30 to $150 on the higher end. Check out our DIY faucet guide to learn how you can replace yours in just a few steps. If you run into trouble, Fixer is here to help in-home or by video.
3. Hang a swag light to brighten your workspace ????
Swag lights are a great choice for renters because they are easy to install and not too intrusive. A swag light hangs from a hook or two on the ceiling. You could even use decorative adhesive hooks if the fixture isn’t too heavy. And there’s no need to call an electrician since it just plugs into an outlet on the wall. They come in a variety of styles and price points. Overhead lighting also doesn’t take up as much space as a lamp.
4. Install a new toilet seat
Has your toilet seat seen better days, or does it slam shut? It’s easy and low cost to replace it with a new one. Your landlord won’t mind. In fact, they’ll probably thank you. You can choose a basic style, a soft-close, or one that has a design if you’re feeling adventurous. The only thing you have to match is the bowl shape — get a round or elongated seat, based on the type of toilet you have.
5. Assemble some functional new office furniture
A sturdy desk, comfortable chair, and plenty of organized storage space can help increase productivity while working from home. Need help assembling a new cabinet or desk? Fixers provide friendly, expert furniture assembly via video chat or in-home in the Chicagoland area.
Small improvements can go a long way in making your home office feel more homey. You can find all kinds of temporary wallpaper and even stick-on backsplashes to personalize your small space. Don’t know where to start? Book a one-on-one video call with a Fixer for personalized guidance before you DIY.