Renovations as a Renter
It might surprise some readers to know that we’re renters.
With the amount of time we’ve been here and the renovations we’ve undertaken across the cottage, garden and even the neighboring tiny house, most people understandably assume that we own the property.
Once folks discover that we rent, they usually ask why we’ve poured so much money and effort into home modifications and improvements.
Does the landlord pay for the work or deduct the costs from our rent?
(No, but I assure you that he is generous, supportive and wonderful.)
Are we on a rent-to-buy plan?
(No.)
My thought on renovating our rental has always been that if the update is reasonable and within our modest, allotted budget, the investment isn’t a waste. Sure, I’ll never get the money back, but I find genuine value in the pleasure sparked by the end results.
Committing a little savings to an improvement here or there slowly over time has helped us stay comfortable in our home as we evolve, and it has sustained our excitement about being here— even after nearly a decade. This is helpful, as we weren’t in a position to buy a home (tiny or otherwise) for the vast majority of that time anyway.
Besides, an improvement to our home is also an improvement to my office, since I’ve worked here, full-time, since day one.
I’ll only consider substantial upgrades if there is something that is really bothering me every single day. Eventually I’ll target the issues, draw up my creative plan, review the scope of work, obtain a realistic estimate, and then consider the following: If we were to unexpectedly leave within the year, would I regret making this investment? If I believe the answer is no, I go for it if it feels doable and responsible, and if our landlord signs off.
Regarding the financial investment, let me be transparent: While we’ve put money behind our upgrades, we’ve also been able to offset some of the costs due to the nature of my small business. Yes, this is a privilege— absolutely. But it’s worth firmly noting that it’s also an enormous amount of work beyond/behind the renovation itself. (Thankfully, I really love my job.)
There are still updates we’d like to make. For example, our floors are extremely distressed, and while I feel somewhat sentimental about the stories that the wear-and-tear tells, they are in such a state that they look grimy 100% of the time. The same goes for the fronts of our cabinets and drawers. Also, the color of the stain on many of the built-ins is more saturated than I like, but there is so much detail and beveling throughout the wood that I can’t bring myself to commit to the time and resources required to change the look.
The updates we have made have brought us so much happiness, and I don’t regret a penny I (carefully) spent. As a result, we are as in love with our home as ever, and we are grateful to be in this cottage— even if we don’t own it.
I suspect that most of our larger changes here are done. The economy is in turmoil, our small business is struggling (like so many others), and we’ve already poured so much into this beloved space. As such, I think we’ll stand-by for whatever adventures await us in the years to come…
First photo by Lucia Doynel.
