Cheapest Rental Improvements For Your Money
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Today, I want to talk about the cheapest rental improvements you can make for your money.
I’ve used every DIY I can think of to make my small apartment feel like a real home. I’ve redone the kitchen four times in six years, and each time I do something completely different.
My daughter (who flips houses) helped me redo my kitchen this spring, and I absolutely love it. For around $500, the look of my kitchen has vastly changed.
A New Refrigerator:
I decided to buy a new refrigerator, a real treat for myself, simply because I hated the one that came with the apartment. This one looks spiffy and clean, with plastic shelves that were missing from the other one.
I paid around $700 for the refrigerator, but it’s well worth it. Of course, the fridge is above and beyond the $500 I mentioned above. It may not be the cheapest rental improvement for your money, but it was important to me to have it.
I removed the doors from the cabinets to make the kitchen appear larger than it is. And I redid the countertops. Again.
I applied contact paper the first time I redid the countertops around 2015. It stayed down pretty well for a while.
GianiGranite Countertop Kits:
Around 2016, I was gifted a DIY countertop kit from GianiGranite, another example of a cheap rental upgrade for the money.
This last time, I also used a GianiGranite product. They had recently released a pricier marble kit, which I purchased.
I didn’t want the marble look, so I skipped that step and went for a shiny, white countertop with epoxy. By no one’s standards could you say I did a perfect job because mistakes are everywhere. But they’re not something most people notice.
Years ago, I replaced the faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. I also tore out the vanity and the huge mirror and had my own vanity installed. With that ugly, probably 6-foot mirror gone, I replaced it with a simple scalloped mirror, hung from a nail for $21.
I had my own toilet installed before I moved in because I needed a taller one due to my chronic ankle injury. So, the only thing in my bathroom that hasn’t been replaced or improved is the bathtub/shower, including the floor.
Top 5 Improvements In My Rental Apartment:
I’ve listed below the top 5 improvements that made the most difference for the money in my rental apartment:
- cabinet hardware
- paint
- countertop kit
- cabinet trim for both kitchen & bathroom
- peel & stick subway tile
Apartments tend to be pretty generic. These were built in the ’60s, and few improvements have been made to them since then.
So I sat down and reviewed the changes I most wanted that would fit my budget. Over time, I made it happen.
Adding Wood Trim:
I purchased wood trim, had it installed in my bathroom and kitchen, and then painted it. I replaced the kitchen cabinet drawer and door pulls, adding some I ordered online. And I also ordered peel-and-stick subway tile, which my daughter added to the kitchen backsplash, and I redid the countertops myself.
No matter how long you live somewhere, it is your home. Give your rental home all the character and personality your budget can afford so that you will love it while you live there. And of course, what your landlord will allow you to do.
Switching Cabinet Hardware:
If you switch out cabinet hardware, keep the originals and put them back on if you decide to move. You can order cabinet hardware or shop at the store. I’m sure you can find a style that fits your kitchen.
You must decide whether it is worth spending your money to make these improvements. I want to love my home, no matter where I am or whether I own or rent it.
I’ve lived in my apartment for over 6 years and have no intention of moving anytime soon. Every improvement I’ve made has been well worth it.
I have to be happy with where I live. I won’t compromise that happiness because I rent instead of owning my home. Of course, it is your own decision, but I know I made the right one for me.
You might also be interested in reading these posts about improving a rental home…
- A Rental Bathroom On A Budget
This post is about how to redo a rental bathroom on a budget. I was anxious to renovate my rental bathroom and so I discussed it with the landlord. I consider it an investment in… - Change The Look Of Countertops With Contact PaperI will tell you how to transform and change the look of countertops with contact paper. It’s probably your cheapest fix. If you’re not patient, this project will be tedious and aggravating at times. But…
- Cheapest Rental Improvements For Your MoneyToday, I want to talk about the cheapest rental improvements you can make for your money. I’ve used every DIY I can think of to make my small apartment feel like a real home. I’ve…
I love your ideas and the finished products. Your kitchen is perfect.
Your kitchen looks wonderful! Is everything white or have you included some soft pearl gray? Is the colour on the cabinets the same as the walls? The back of the cabinets seem to have a faint reddish glow. So lovely.
Your kitchen is quite lovely. I love the look of open shelving but I know myself… I not as organized as you so they wouldn’t work for me. I really like the light above your kitchen sink… I can see how that ties in with your style. The gingham check is nostalgic for me… signs of a simpler time.
I love what you’ve done, and how you’ve provided a concise list – as well as a cheering section! – for making your rental your own!!! if this had a share button, I would definitely pin it to my board!
It all looks really beautiful, Brenda. I think your money was well-spent. There are so many things I would like to change in my house but can’t really afford to do plus with my daughter and her two boys living here things have changed and been re-arranged to her convenience and liking. I am considering moving out and letting her have the house so I can have my own space again. I don’t know if or when that will be possible but I think about it every day. I have been quite ill over the last month and a half and I don’t think I will be quite well again until I can have my own space. So I know how important ones’ satisfaction with their surroundings is.
Enjoy your space, as I know you do, and stay well.
Is there any type of senior or disability housing in your area you can get on a list for ? I’m thinking it would be something to look forward to. Now, the present apartment that I’m in – I’m in an in-law suite owned by friends who live in the house. It was a meeting on the corner of realizing how well we would get along, with me being in a desperately bad housing situation that was sucking all the money out of me. I feel that my present landlady and landlord were led to this decision by the holy spirit – by knowing me well as a friend, so they knew the situation I was living in. it pays to talk about yourself!
Hi. I think you’ve also added or replaced the storm door, and you’ve bought containers and things for your patio. I’d say your changes have been a good investment since you have lived there for so long.
I have read back through all the archives and I have to say I’ve loved every update you have done.
It has been fun seeing the changes that have evolved in the time you have lived there, as your tastes and creative direction change as you move forward with life. I commend you for making such a warm and beautiful home regardless of you rental status. Everyone should be happy and comfortable in their own home!
With that being said, I have been living in a house that is not where I wanted to be, but health and financial difficulties keep me here. With your blog, you have inspired me to truly make this a “home” and not wait until my circumstances change. Now I am excited about my life and enjoying the planning
and refurbishing things I already have for a different use. My creativity is back.
So glad I found your blog and thank you for your lovely posts!
Hi Brenda,
I applaud you for making the changes on your dime in your rental. Most people would not do that since they do not own it. I feel if you are going to make it your home and be there for sometime you should have it nice and feel good about how you live there. Your kitchen re do looks great.
Kris
Brenda, You are clever, creative and practical! You have created a beautiful home and it reflects your personality. Great Job! SherryB
I forgot to ask you about your washer being in your kitchen. Does it bother you being there or I’d that the only option you have? Where is your dryer?
My washer is in my kitchen also and it does bother me but to have it moved to where the dryer is located would involve moving the water line from one area of the house to another which would be “major” money!!
No, it doesn’t bother me being there, the washer. In Europe you see a lot of this. I do not own a dryer.
Brenda, I love your kitchen!!
I had to take a second look at the subway tile….it looks like the real thing!! Amazing!!
You have done a fantastic job
and it certainly looks like HOME!!
Your kitchen looks wonderful and I like the open shelves which display your dishes. You do such a great job with your decorating!