Thursday 28 January 2016

Renters think before you act!

Renters be aware: think before you act and save yourself a lot of time and money!
Before going to an open house get on the front foot and be prepared to plan the space to fit your life. 
Suggest: Take photos and measuring tape! When inspecting a property take photos of the rooms and make sure you measure them so that you can plan how to make the space your own. This will help you recall the setting so you can think about what you have that will fit and where it will go in your new home.
Once you are approved as the successful applicant ask the agent if there is a floorplan for the property they could forward you, otherwise from your measurements and the trusty photos you took, draw up the floorplan and pencil in where your furniture will fit in. Ideally on the day you receive the keys, go into the empty space before you move anything in and consider your options.



Floor plans: sketching out where your furniture will fit in the space is a very clever move; it could save you a lot of time and money, think of paying a removalist to bring your baby grand only to find it won’t fit in the lounge or even down the hall!

Photos: planning ahead with a few photos and a measuring tape can do wonders, need we say more……..
Also remember to consult with your agent if you are going to interfere with the property in any way that will leave a trace, you will need to get approval from the landlord if for example you plan to put in nails for paintings, take down curtains or repaint a room etc. Also anything you remove must be stored somewhere that will not cause any damage to it, as replacement costs  will be taken off your bond unless the landlord has approved permanent removal.

Thursday 21 January 2016

How to make your rental home your castle

You may be renting your property but it’s still your home. Whether on a long or short lease, you will still want it to feel like your place, not temporary accommodation. However there are restrictions on what you can do in terms of structural changes and what is financially worthwhile. Small things can make a big difference.  Unlike homeowners, who can knock down walls and rip up floors to transform a space, renters can’t even put a nail in the wall without the owner‘s permission. Even if you are blessed with the most open-minded landlord, you’re unlikely to want to spend any significant time or money on a property that’s not your own, or on anything that you can’t take with you when your leave. The solution? Think inexpensive, reversible and portable and you’ll be ready to transform even the most drab rental house into a home.

Portable: use portable work spaces and storage for apartments where space is an issue, these trolleys can be fixed to one spot or moved to make more space for entertaining



Reversible: why not personalise your walls with removable adhesives, this gives a sense of your own personality and style which can easily be removed without taking the paint work with you when you leave




Inexpensive: styling your home need not be expensive, why not recycle, reuse or repurpose your old items into something new and unique, and amaze your friends with your creativity and ingenuity