Simple property upgrades can improve the quality of life of its residents, and they are worth it even if you are renting.
1. Pros and Cons of Apartment Living
There are people who love living in apartments, and then there are those who dread it. Although it is matter of personal taste and lifestyle choice, here are the pros and cons when we take emotions out of the equation.
Easier to maintain without sacrificing comfort
Apartments don’t have gardens or yards or exteriors to maintain. You can still have all the benefits of a large space without sacrificing comfort as you can choose an apartment with a balcony.
Close to amenities
Most apartments are within close proximity to shops and restaurants.
On the other hand, there are potential negative aspects.
Noise
Although this can also happen if you live in a house, the fact that only a wall separates you from other tenants and that apartments tend to be in more urban areas, living in an apartment can exacerbate this issue.
Privacy
Hopefully, if you are respectful and considerate of your neighbors, hopefully they will return the favor, but this is often something you need to compromise on.
No pet-policy
Many apartment buildings do not allow pets.
2. Is Upgrading My Apartment Worth It
There are a few reasons why making an apartment upgrade is worth it.
You will feel happier
Your home is where you spend most of your time, so you want it to feel like home.
You can take many things with you if you decide to move
Many people are reluctant to make upgrades thinking they will only live in an apartment temporarily. The truth is that it is worth it even if you will stay for a couple of years as you will divide the costs accordingly. Moreover, if you keep the ‘originals’, you can take the upgrade with you when you move like a kitchen faucet, drapes, lighting and shower head.
Inexpensive updates can make a BIG difference
A fresh coat of pain is cheap, yet it can make the whole place look like a new and entirely different if you change the color. Do some research on color psychology in interior design and think about the emotion you want to add to your home and your everyday life.
Your landlord might even thank you for it
Landlords prefer someone who takes pride in the place than have a tenant who trashes it. As long as the changes you make are an improvement, most landlords should be happy that you made them as it adds value to their property.
3. Best Upgrades for Your Apartment
Here are a few simple upgrades that increase the value of the rental property while making tenants happier.
Installing smart devices
If your apartment has central AC a great upgrade is adding a smart thermostat that will increase the comfort and aid in lowering your Centerpoint Energy utility costs.
Add a fresh coat of paint
It is the easiest way to make a room look good.
Add shutters or curtains
Older curtains or shutters can really date a property. Replacing windows can be pricey but if it is aging (and therefore, drafty) adding a storm window or thick curtains will help insulate the apartment.
Let there be light
A well-lit room sheds light on the beauty of the apartment. Use natural lighting as much as possible. Mirrors can further emphasize it. When natural lighting is not available, use artificial lighting and bright neutral colors to at least evoke a sense of light. Bedrooms require soft lighting whereas kitchens demand bright lighting. Install dimmers so you can set the mood and also save a few bucks on the electricity bill.
Restore flooring
New flooring can make a big difference both in terms of beauty and comfort, but if it’s too expensive for you, just restore the existing one. Wooden floors can be refinished with a new shine, it’s easy and inexpensive and it will make a room look much cleaner.
Takeaway
Like everything in life, living in an apartment comes with its pros and cons. But, you should never hesitate to make upgrades that will improve your quality of life, even if you are just a tenant. Life is too precious not to enjoy it to the fullest and your home should be your oasis.
