aceitunilla

Location: Travelling around with work. In Chile at the moment.
Member since: 31st July 2010
Followers: 98

I just love all things nice... I sometimes look for the "hang up" button on a normal telephone receiver Boyfriends who call themselves architects PRICELESS

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Investment or waste?...
Part of being away on holiday has beed dedicated to checking up on my attic flat, since my tenants had just finished their contract and I have been saving- to -and- planning-to re-decorate (with help from some Mydeco friends :)). I'm going to have a good three months back home before the baby is born, plenty of time for shopping and painting.

The place needs a good makeover, not only in terms of decoration, there are a lot of little things that need to be improved/changed or at least I WANT them improved.

Anyway, the discussion with my husband is this, he says that, since the place is going to be rented again, there is no point in making changes or redecorating, putting new furniture, re-painting... I have to agree that the place "can do" without it.

BUUUUT I have put so much time and effort in this place, (it is just mine, I bought it before I even knew hubby...) that for me it's like a matter of pride. I don't want my place to look so shabby and empty, I don't care if I dont live there! Besides I think a house which is not well taken-care of, deteriorates quickly... even if I won't be enjoying the improvements myself.

So what do I do? I don't want to seem like I'm throwing away money, but I hate that everytime I get a chance to see this place I end up feeling like I have nothing worth it.

Well just ranting here sorry...If you care to give me your opinion I would like to hear what you think, specially if you have been in a similar situation of disagreement with your dear ones...
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  aceitunilla
  
  aceitunilla
  
  3rd November 2011
  
  update update!! I'm going ahead with this!!! My inlaws are staying at my place while olivier is born (I'm staying at my mums) and my FIL said he will be happy to do all the painting so he doesn't get bored while he waits. I've chosen a wine colour for the righthandside wall (more aubergine I'd say) and for the long loooong wall, a light champagne shade. I have also bought a large table (black wood, shiny metalic legs) and leather imitation chairs in black, with tall slim backs... I'm soooooo happy :)! best of all is the cost has really gone down since my FIL will be doing the painting... MIL said she'll do japanese curtains to match (I'm lucky eh!! ;)!)... I've decided also I will not be renting anymore, it is too much hassle with being away most of the year. I'll post pictures shortly as soon as it's painted!
  
  aceitunilla
  
  aceitunilla
  
  11th July 2011
  
  Thank you all for your comments. I think I will definately be spending some money on my place, but perhaps it is sensible to just focus on the things which are basic (i.e ensure the place is clean, well painted, and everything works) and cutting down on the decoration, like Toadfool suggested. BTW I wish I had Theadora's "convincing" skills LOL
  
  Tam
  
  Tam
  
  9th July 2011
  
  Make the place nice, you will feel much better for it and you will feel proud and virtuous that you have bothered to make the effort for someone else. But do it on a budget and have fun, thats my piece of advice anyway.Tell hubby you can then charge more rent, that should do the trick.
  
  Theadora
  
  Theadora
  
  9th July 2011
  
  I think your hubby is losing the "battle" here ;) My daughter just moved to Montreal and her apartment is being renovated before she moves in. Wood floor refinished, walls painted white, kitchen appliances updated. If you rent your flat furnished you should replace the shabby looking furniture with plain contemporary. It all comes with being a good landlady. You will attract a better class tenant who might want to stay long term and you can probably charge a higher rent (doesn't that make it a bit more appealing to your husband?) After 33 years of marriage we still have disagreements - this summer I want my new kitchen and he wants his new sundeck - in the end we will agree on a new kitchen :)
  
  toadfool
  
  toadfool
  
  9th July 2011
  
  plain walls, hard wearing floors, privacy, everything in working order - NO DECORATION.
  
  Sudasal
  
  Sudasal
  
  8th July 2011
  
  I agree with Hunny! your investing in your own property by keeping it well maintained and updated...
  plus it can be a start for a new biz ;)
  
  aceitunilla
  
  aceitunilla
  
  8th July 2011
  
  Thanks Hunny, don't worry, I've also suffered the effects of a "mean lanlord" and I agree with you 100%!
  
  hunny
  
  hunny
  
  8th July 2011
  
  sorry, just realised I vented at you about my problems.. didn't mean to and I think it could only be an investment and looking after your property is never a waist.
  
  hunny
  
  hunny
  
  8th July 2011
  
  To be honest, from a renters point of view there is nothing worse than renting an apartment with dated or broken fittings/furniture, bad carpets and paint job and there is NOTHING you can do about it because the landlord isn't willing to replace it and you aren't allowed to throw it away without spending money on something and having to leave it behind to replace what you got rid of. So if it were up to me, I'd make the best of the space just so your tenants can live in a space to feel proud of. I've had to live with a broken bathroom floor and a chest of drawers with draw bottoms that fall out if you put more than three items of clothes in them... It isn't ideal but I can't do anything about it.

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