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Decorating a rental property  – The checklist
 
One of the most time consuming processes of being a landlord can be decoration. If it’s something you do yourself you’ll know that it can be tedious. Don’t forget though – the quality of the decoration in your property can influence the price dramatically. We’ve created this checklist to make sure that you’re fully prepared. The items on this list can help you get the job done quickly and to a high standard.
 
Basic Tools
 
Screwdrivers – For opening paints and attaching fixtures.
Hammer – For budging stubborn objects or securing new ones.
Spirit Level – For aligning fixtures and fittings.
Tape Measure – For measuring wallpaper, fixtures and furniture.
Pens and Pencils – For marking anything you need to.
Cutting Tool – For opening items and cutting things to size.
3 Step Ladder – For reaching ceilings and the tops of walls.  
 
This set of tools can help you tackle almost any job in interior decoration. You can fit all of these into a small rucksack, making it a portable set too! All of these items can be had at any hardware shop for a relatively low price.
 
Painting Equipment
 
Dust Sheets – For covering furniture, fixtures and fittings while painting.
3 Size Rollers – Take a small, medium and large roller to make sure you can cover any application.
3 Size Roller Trays – To match the rollers I mentioned above, these will help you get the best coverage at all times and prevent paint wastage.
3 Size Paintbrushes – For those corners and other special applications. Make sure you have a small, medium and large brush to match the tray sizes you’ve bought.
Detergent – For cleaning up brushes and rollers after use.
Masking Tape – For ensuring that all your lines are clean.
 
As a Landlord you’ve probably developed your own style of painting a room. We always suggest using your masking tape to protect fittings first, then covering big areas with your big roller, then filling in the gaps with the smaller brushes and rollers. Try not to spend extended periods of time on your step ladder or crouching down, you don’t want to cause yourself back problems!
 
Wallpapering Equipment
 
Pasting Table – Cheap to buy and can last a lifetime provided it’s cared for properly.
Bucket of Clean Water – For helping scrape old wallpaper from the wall and improve the application of the new wallpaper.
2 Stripping Knives – For removing old wallpaper.
Filler – In case you find that there are some spots that need to be levelled out before wallpaper can be applied.
Wallpaper Brush – For ensuring wallpaper is applied as smoothly as possible for a professional finish.
 
Wallpapering is probably the toughest of these decorating jobs. However, with the right technique, you’ll be able to create a professional finish. There are lots of tutorials out there if you’re not feeling confident. A differentiated wall with patterned wallpaper really can improve the presentation of a room.
 
Miscellaneous
 
Mobile Phone – You never know when you might need to call for help, more paint, or a certain tool
Portable Music Player – This can double up as your mobile phone, but make sure that you’ve got something to keep your ears entertained.
Water Bottle – Keep some chilled water close, its thirsty work decorating!
A Companion – If there’s one thing that you want, it’s a friend / colleague / family member to keep you company and helps you speed through the day. I can’t tell you enough how much easier this makes things.
 
So there you have it - the essentially kit for any decoration jobs you need to do in your rental property. Let me reiterate, as I said at the beginning of this article, high quality decoration can dramatically improve your rental income potential. 
 
Hopefully, with the help of this checklist, you’ll be able to decorate your property with a little less stress than normal!
 
*This blog was written by Sam Barnes on behalf of Linens Direct.

Comments

  • icon

    Great tips.

    We talk a lo about maintenance over at our blog and it's something we have problems with reguarly.

    Our last tenant left the property in a filthy state - see here http://gcpropertylettings.co.uk/keeping-rental-property-good-condition/

    At least all the cleaning suplies bring down the ta return profit!!

    • 22 October 2014 13:13 PM
  • icon

    I like this post - it is great. I know still when i was faced with refurbishing my first property it can be a little daunting!

    So having a check list is really handy! Also the next step after that is also sometimes difficult, now your property look all new and shiny you need to put some furniture in - OK i know there is some arguments going around going furnished or unfurnished but I really think (out of experience) a property lets faster with some nice furniture in it (even if you are just dressing it up to let) I got a furniture package http://www.roomservicebycort.com/property-marketing/dress-let - plus you can get the furniture that will appeal best to the people you would like to let to

    • 25 September 2014 10:28 AM
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