If you watch our show often you know it’s about helping homeowners improve their homes. But, for lots of folks, the house they rent is home.
We helped my middle daughter, Melanie, and her two roommates, Kate and Laurel, make some improvements to their rental house. The changes made their home more functional, secure, and attractive, but they weren’t intended to be permanent.
After all, when Melanie and her friends leave in a few months or a few years, they’ll want to take their investments with them.
Hanging Poster Board Behind Shelves
The first thing we tackled was the dark, dated den.
By adding poster board behind the built-in shelves, we brightened the space with a temporary backing.
While we used classic white poster board, you could use any color or pattern to suit your decor.
Watch How to Hang Poster Board Behind Shelves for details on this project.
Installing New Shower Wands
To make bathing their three dogs a little easier, we replaced the old shower heads with Delta In2ition 2-in-1 shower wands.
Before installing a new shower head, remove any rust or mineral deposits on the shower thread pipe. Then wrap Teflon plumber’s tape clockwise around the threads two or three times before carefully screwing on the new shower head.
Watch Replacing a Shower Head for step-by-step instructions.
Stringing Patio Lights
The roommates’ backyard only had two small lights, so the area was too dark to enjoy at night.
To light up their patio, we strung strands of Moonrays LED string lights for a retro-inspired backyard.
We screwed eye hooks on the eves of the house and attached supports to the fence to hold the strands.
Wifi Video Doorbell and Electronic Lock
To make their home more secure, we installed the Ring video doorbell, so they can see who is at the door before opening it.
We also installed an August Smart Lock, so they can control and monitor their door from anywhere using an app on their smartphones.
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Tip for Dusting Under Furniture
Some areas are impossible to vacuum, such as under low furniture. Make a dusting wand out of a yardstick covered with a cotton sock, secured with a rubber band. Watch the video.
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Feit Electric LED Dusk-to-Dawn Light Bulb
Feit Electric makes an LED bulb with a photocell light sensor that turns the bulb on at night and off during the day. It has a twistable base to adjust the built-in automatic on/off sensor. It is available at The Home Depot.
Watch the video.
