10 DIY Projects That Even Renters Can Do

MainStreet — 2012-07-23T13:30:00 00:00

Filed under: News,Home Improvement,How To

By Scott Gamm

NEW YORK -- Even though mortgage rates are at historically low levels, it's the rental market in many areas across the U.S. that is really heating up. Obtaining a mortgage is undoubtedly a strenuous process on the heels of tightened credit standards. Add to that the fact that many Americans simply can't afford a new home, the number of Americans still jobless or just getting by -- and many consumers are finding it easier, or necessary, to rent, which explains why the average rent nationally is at its highest level since 2007, according to researchers at Reis.

Testifying on Capitol Hill in the aftermath of the housing crash, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner spoke words that previously might have been considered political suicide: Geithner suggested that homeownership should no longer be considered a singular measure of the American Dream -- and maybe every American shouldn't own a home.

Welcome to the post-housing bubble renter's society. Geithner didn't mention it, but his words implied that the do-it-yourself projects associated with the American Dream of home ownership should be applicable to the growing ranks of renters across the nation.

When renting, it doesn't make sense to complete a major renovation, like flooring, new windows or a new kitchen. Throughout the duration of your lease, however, there are some easy and inexpensive projects you can do yourself to spruce up your rental. MainStreet asked design pros to weigh in on the top DIY projects for renters.

Replacing a Showerhead

If you've ever thought the weak water pressure in your shower has nothing to do with the low-flow showerhead installed by the building to minimize their water bill, think again. Chances are the showerhead in your rental needs to be replaced -- whether or not it's because the landlord installed a low-flow head. You, and your hair, will be very happy if you complete this project, and thankfully, this isn't a lengthy or costly job.

First off, it's helpful to know the types of showerheads so you can easily narrow your choices when selecting one at a home improvement store.

"There are two main categories of showerheads to choose from: fixed or handheld. But within these categories is a wealth of options -- from rainshowers to multi-setting versions," said Andrea Conroy, director of retail marketing at Moen.

And as for the actual installation of your new showerhead, here's what Controy suggests:

1. Unscrew the existing showerhead from the shower arm, using a crescent wrench if necessary.

2. Remove any old thread seal tape and apply new by wrapping the tape around the shower arm threads two to three times.

3. By hand, screw the new showerhead onto the shower arm. Use the wrench to tighten the new showerhead. If installing a handheld version, first screw the handheld bracket to the shower arm and tighten with a wrench. Then, attach the hose and handheld shower to the handheld bracket.

Choosing the Right Paint Color

Any time you move into a new place, chances are you'll be painting the kitchen, bedrooms and living room. When choosing what color to paint your rental, there's a "science" behind different colors.

"Blue colors elicit feelings of tranquility and confidence. This is the least appetizing color, so it should not be the main color in a kitchen," advises Chris Ring, v.p. of ProTect Painters.

"Yellow enhances concentration, speeds metabolism, and is perfect for kitchens and bathrooms," Ring advises.

Pink colors are on the tranquilizing end of the color mood scale, making a pink shade an appropriate choice for bedrooms.

For this and other painting tips below, do keep in mind that even if you are a Michaelangelo, you may have to repaint the walls to white when you move out, and/or take the risk of a landlord trying to claim part of a security deposit as a result of a custom paint job. As such, it's best to ask for a landlord's approval to paint and agree to terms before undertaking the project.

Painting the Bathroom

Painting a tiny bathroom makes for a challenge, especially when trying to paint around the sink, mirror and shower.

"Before painting, wash all the walls to remove any mildew with mildew remover or bleach and water," advises Joe Kowalski, training manager at Glidden.

And for your bathroom painting job, Kowalski adds these recommendations:

For walls, use either a semi-gloss or eggshell finish; both provide dirt and moisture resistance.
For the ceiling, paint with an eggshell finish is advised.
Paint that includes primer provides extra adhesion over a glossy surface.

More Storage Is Better

Whether you're sidestepping into your small studio rental or fortunate enough to be renting a place with enough closet space, tips for maximizing your rental's storage space always come in handy.

Janet Lee, author of Living In A Nutshell, shares these tips:

1. Place a removable, peel-and-stick wall decal on a bare surface (whether it's on a wall or the back of a door.)
2. Rub the surface of the sticker with a squeegee to ensure that the decal lays smoothly against the wall.
3. Add a hook onto the decal and apply pressure to ensure damage-free hanging.
4. Wait one hour before hanging hats, jackets, backpacks and other apparel.

Hiding Your Lamp Cord

Cords can make your rental a cluttered mess as well as an electrical hazard for children. Lee offers these easy steps for making the cord "disappear":

1. Use a hand drill to create a hole in the bottom of a metal gelatin mold.
2. Run a pre-wired pendant cord through the hole of the mold.
3. Insert a light bulb into the end of the cord.
4. Affix cords to wall in decorative loops using clear cord clips for damage-free hanging.

Read the rest of this story at TheStreet.com.

More from TheStreet:
Kids Off to College? Time to Sell Your Home
10 DIY Projects for Your New Home
10 Home Improvements You're Wasting Time and Money On

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10 Ways to Save on Moving Costs

MainStreet — 2012-06-11T15:26:00 00:00

Summer isn't all fun and games: It's also a time when many of us move, an experience most people find painful -- often in the lower back -- and definitely in the wallet.

We talked to some savings and relocation experts and they came up with 10 ways moving can be a little less painful to the wallet:

1. Pull your friends and family together.

Assess whether you really need a moving company. You might do quite well asking your friends and family to help you move, particularly if someone you know has a truck. Sami Cone, a savings pro, says getting people together might be easier than you think. "Just make sure to show plenty of gratitude during and afterwards and free pizza doesn't hurt either," says Cone.

2. Seek free boxes.

Those professional moving boxes look nice, but they can add up quickly. You would be surprised at how many boxes stores, particularly liquor stores, throw out each week. Many times, managers of these stores are happy to hold them for you. Cone says that restaurants and coffee shops are also prime places for sturdy boxes.

3. Start over.

Depending on where you're moving, you might be ahead of the game by packing only things that you can take in your vehicle and selling the rest. Bonnie Russell with Personal Public Relations says that when her father retired from Oregon to a village for members of the Air Force in California, he gave heirlooms to his family, sold the rest, and purchased only what he needed -- some of it used -- for his new, smaller digs.

4. Shop around for movers and deals.

Sometimes there is no getting around movers. If you have to hire them, look around at the local newspaper and daily deals sites, says Cone. You may even find some deals on moving trucks and storage facilities.

5. Tip well.

Aimee Elizabeth, author of "Poverty Sucks! How to Become a Self-Made Millionaire," says that she loves to move and has come up with a sure-fire way to make the movers move faster while saving money. Elizabeth calculates their hourly rate vs. the cost of an incentive for them to finish early. She then tells the movers that if they have the move completed by 2 p.m., for example, she will tip each of them $20.

6. Eat at home.

One of the biggest expenses for some families is eating out after all of the kitchen stuff is packed up and possibly on a truck to your next home. "Make some meals in advance," says Cone, "so after you pack your kitchen, you can just pull meals out of the freezer to eat right before you move, thus saving money on eating out."

7. Don't overlap residences.

"Don't overlap residences more than a month, so you don't have to carry two house payments," says Cone. Same goes for rentals. If you found that perfect next home and your lease isn't quite up on your current rental, ask the landlord if he will accept a deposit to hold it rather than having to put up a month's rent. You would be surprised how many will hold it a month for you, especially if your credit is good and you appear to be the perfect tenant.

8. Do some packing yourself.

If you are using movers, ask if you can save on their estimate by packing and doing at least some of the work yourself. Cone says you would be surprised at how much you can save if all they have to do is send two people out to pick up boxes already packed.

9. Look for tax deductions.

Tony Aguilar, founder of Amiti Advising, notes that if your move qualifies for tax deductions (talk with your tax accountant), make sure you keep all of the necessary receipts.

10. Retrieve utility and other deposits.

It may have been years since you last saw the money you put down as deposits on a rental home or apartment or utilities, but the money should still be there. Howard Dvorkin, author of Credit Hell: How to Dig out of Debt, says many people forget these, as well as pet deposits. Make sure to leave all of the property you're leaving behind in good working order and clean and you will get that money back.

See more on MainStreet:
10 Most Convenient Cities in America
8 Easy DIY Yard Projects
5 Best Real Estate Markets For Hipsters

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.
Find homes for rent in your area.

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