After moving in, it is common to feel that you would like to tailor the room a little more to your own preferences. Even if large-scale construction is not practical, it is still entirely possible to improve the usability and atmosphere of a room through small renovations that can be carried out while continuing to live there.
What are small renovations that can be done even after you have started living there?
Small renovations are minor-scale improvements that partially upgrade areas such as walls, floors, and lighting without requiring major construction work. Because they can be completed while you continue living in the home, disruption to daily life can be kept to a minimum.
Change the wallpaper
Simply changing the wallpaper can significantly transform the overall impression of a room. It is an easy option when traces of the previous occupant bother you or when you want to refresh the atmosphere. In rental properties, it is reassuring to choose a "peel-and-stick removable" wallpaper that allows the original condition to be restored.
Eliminate floor level differences to create a barrier-free space
If you have elderly family members at home, level differences in hallways or between rooms can be resolved with ramps or floor height adjustments. Before proceeding, it is also important to picture in advance how wide the hallway will remain after installation.
Switch the lighting to LED
Simply replacing incandescent bulbs with LED lighting can make a room brighter and also help reduce electricity costs. The atmosphere of the space can also be changed by choosing the color temperature (warm white, white, or neutral white).
What should you keep in mind when renovating?
If it is a rental property, always contact the landlord in advance
If you plan to renovate a rental property, contacting the landlord in advance is essential. Carrying out work without permission may result in a substantial restoration cost when you move out. If a defect is discovered immediately after move-in, there are also cases where the landlord bears the cost of the work, so early confirmation is important.
Create a plan that accounts for the construction period
During the work period, daily life may become somewhat inconvenient. If the work is likely to become more extensive, dividing it into multiple phases can help minimize the impact on everyday living.
Along with small renovations, you may also find ideas for making better use of Japanese-style rooms and tatami spaces helpful if you want to improve the usability of the room as a whole.
Recommended Reading
- How to choose interior decor to make a tatami room more stylish
- Rental property reheating installation guide | Cost ranges and key points for retrofitting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How much small renovation work is allowed in a rental property?
This varies by property and landlord, but in general, changes that can be restored to the original condition, such as removable wallpaper or detachable shelves, are more likely to be approved. Work involving equipment changes or drilling holes requires written confirmation in advance.
Q2. How much do small renovations usually cost?
Partial wallpaper replacement often costs several tens of thousands of yen, while switching to LED lighting can often be done for under 10,000 yen. Barrier-free work depends on the scale, but installing a ramp is generally estimated at around 50,000 to 150,000 yen.
Q3. Is DIY better, or should you hire a contractor?
Tasks that do not require technical skill, such as replacing bulbs with LED lighting or applying decorative sheets, are more economical as DIY projects. For large-area wall replacement or barrier-free construction, hiring a professional is the safer choice in terms of finish quality and safety.
