DIY your rental balcony! A thorough guide to arranging your balcony and things to be aware of

How to DIY your balcony even if you are renting

Even if you're renting, your balcony is a place you can customize to your liking.

What's more, you can customize it yourself through DIY.

First, here are five steps to DIY your own balcony for a rental property.

1. Check with the management company or landlord
2. Veranda design and planning
3. Preparation of necessary tools and materials
4. Balcony cleaning and inspection
5. Do-it-yourself work

1. Check with the management company or landlord

When doing DIY customization of your balcony, it's important to check with the management company or landlord.

The veranda of a rental property is classified as a "shared area with exclusive use rights."

Therefore, you are required to restore the property to its original condition when moving out, and you may not be able to customize it freely.

Also, depending on the management company, there may be certain rules and standards.

For example, there may be restrictions on the types of plants you can have on your balcony or the paint colors you can use.

Therefore, before doing any DIY work on your balcony, be sure to first consult with the management company or landlord and get permission.

Even if you receive permission, it is a good idea to document the modifications with photos and drawings and submit them to the management company or landlord so that the balcony can be restored to its original state.

2. Balcony design and planning

Before you start DIYing your rented balcony, you first need to think about the design and plan for the balcony.

Think about the size and shape of your balcony, as well as any customization ideas you'd like to have, and make a detailed plan in advance.

Based on your customization ideas, we will prepare the necessary materials and tools and proceed with planning while taking your budget into consideration.

It is also a good idea to plan the placement of furniture and decorations based on the size and shape of your balcony.

For example, if your balcony is rectangular and narrow, you can make effective use of the space by installing shelves and storage space along the wall.

You can also create a small flower bed to add some greenery into your space.

By carefully planning and designing before starting work, we can create the ideal, original balcony space.

3. Preparation of necessary tools and materials

To customise your balcony, you will need to prepare the tools and materials you need.

For example, if you are laying carpet, you will need a cutter, scissors, double-sided tape, and carpet.

If you want to have plants, you will also need pots, soil, fertilizer, watering supplies, etc.

Before you start gathering your tools and materials, it's important to decide what kind of customization you want to make, what you want, and the atmosphere you want to create.

Once you have decided on that, gather the tools and materials you will need.

If you do DIY in a rented property, you should do so within the scope stipulated in the rental agreement and be careful not to damage walls, floors, etc.

Also, when purchasing at a home improvement store or online, be sure to check the amount and size you need before making your purchase.

4. Balcony cleaning and inspection

Cleaning and inspecting your balcony is an important step to take before starting any DIY project.

Since balconies are normally exposed to the outside air, they may be exposed to wind, rain, and dirt.

If you try to DIY without changing those parts, the finished product may not be of the highest quality.

So, first of all, let's clean the balcony.

Remove dust and dirt with a vacuum cleaner or brush, then rinse with water.

Next, inspect the balcony.

Be sure to check even the small details, such as whether fences or handrails are warped, whether there are scratches or cracks in the walls, and whether drainage is poor.

If there are problems, repairs or modifications are required.

Cleaning and inspection will help your DIY work go smoothly and help you create the space of your dreams.

5. Do-it-yourself work

Once you have completed all of the above preparations, you can begin the DIY process.

Let's customize the balcony with our own hands based on the plans we made earlier.

Specific tasks include, for example:

• A planter for placing plants
• Installing lighting fixtures
• Deck tile installation
• Paint

And more.

It is important to be careful with the tools and materials you use and work safely.

Also, if you are renting a property, be careful not to violate the property rules or laws, such as not being able to change the balcony railing.

Customizing is the most fun part of DIY.

As you customize your balcony with your own hands, you will grow to love it even more.

When you are able to complete your plan, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Maintenance is required after DIY customization of rental balcony

After completing the DIY work on your rental balcony, maintenance will be required.

Next, we will explain in detail the maintenance methods required after DIYing a rental balcony.

The Importance of Maintenance

After enjoying some DIY work on your rental balcony, it's very important to maintain it.

If you neglect maintenance, your DIY balcony can become damaged and, in the worst case scenario, become dangerous.

For example, a DIY flower pot can become so heavy that it loses balance and falls over.

Also, if you replace the flooring on your balcony yourself, it may peel off due to rain or sunlight, or mold may grow, so you will need to clean and repair it regularly.

Balcony maintenance is also important to keep it safe.

Regular inspection and maintenance will ensure that your equipment will last for a long time.

Maintenance frequency and methods

After completing your DIY project on a rental balcony, regular maintenance is required.

The frequency of maintenance will vary depending on the situation, but it is recommended that you have it done at least once a year.

Please clean and inspect it regularly to detect dirt or damage at an early stage and provide proper maintenance.

When it comes to cleaning methods, choose the appropriate method depending on the material.

For example, wooden furniture should be wiped with a soft cloth, while metal furniture should be cleaned with an oil-based detergent, and so on. Different materials require different cleaning methods.

Also, when caring for your plants, pay close attention to how you water and fertilize them.

However, if major repairs are required, be sure to consult with the management company or landlord.

Securing a maintenance budget

DIY rental balcony maintenance involves regular cleaning and repairs, which can be costly.

To secure a budget, first determine what kind of maintenance is required and how often it needs to be done.

For example, if your plants need to be watered and fertilized regularly, estimate how much this will cost.

You will also need to consider the cost of repairs if there are leaks or waterproofing is required.

To keep track of your budget, it's a good idea to include maintenance costs in your monthly household budget.

You can also get great deals on DIY supplies and tools by taking advantage of sales and campaigns.

By setting aside a budget, you can perform regular maintenance and keep your balcony looking nice for a long time.

Easy even for beginners! 7 DIY arrangement examples for rental balconies

So far, we have introduced ways to do DIY on a rented balcony, but I'm sure there are many people who would like to see some examples of what is actually best to do.

Next, we will introduce seven examples of DIY projects for rental balconies that even beginners can easily do.

• Add some greenery with hanging planters
• Make a stylish wooden deck using pallets
• Create a comfortable space with cushions and rugs
• Ensure privacy with wooden fences and screens
• LED lights create a beautiful nighttime veranda
• Change the atmosphere with a DIY accent wall
• Create a stylish balcony using artificial grass

Add some greenery with hanging planters

Having plants on your balcony can help you feel more relaxed and have some fresh air.

You can incorporate some greenery into your home by using hanging planters , which are plants that you hang from the ceiling.

To make a hanging planter, you will need a flower pot, some rope or chain for hanging, some soil, and a plant.

Making one is easy; just fill a flowerpot with soil, plant a plant, and hang it with a rope or chain.

Hanging planters allow you to display plants without taking up much space and are easy to make even for beginners, making them a great option for DIY balcony arrangements.

Make a stylish wooden deck using pallets

Pallets are an easy arrangement that even DIY beginners can try.

Pallets are a great way to create stylish DIY balcony floors and walls.

By building a wooden deck using pallets, you can easily create your own stylish space.

First, gather the palette you need.

Next, combine the pallets to fit the area of ​​the balcony.

You can combine them however you like, just use wood screws to secure the pallets together.

Once your wooden deck is complete, be sure to perform maintenance.

Depending on the weather and season, wood may rot or discolor.

In such cases, please use special cleaners and paints to maintain the product.

Create a comfortable space with cushions and rugs

One DIY way to turn your balcony into a comfortable space is to use cushions and rugs.

The cushions make it more comfortable to sit on and allow you to relax.

Rugs also provide a soft feel underfoot and protect your feet from cold tile or concrete floors.

Cushions and rugs come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, so it's a good idea to choose one that suits the space on your balcony.

What's more, there are many stylish designs available, so you can create a stylish look for your balcony.

Choosing cushions and rugs that can be washed will make them easier to maintain.

Ensure privacy with wooden fences and screens

To make your rented balcony more usable, we recommend using a wooden fence or privacy sheet to ensure privacy.

A wood fence can block views from outside by creating an enclosure using wooden boards.

A privacy screen can be used to block views using a net-like cloth.

You can build a wooden fence yourself by purchasing lumber at a home improvement store and using tools such as a saw and a hammer.

In addition, the privacy sheet can be easily installed by simply securing the net-like cloth to the balcony railing with wire or duct tape!

You can also add a stylish accent to your balcony by using a wooden fence or privacy sheet.

LED lights create a beautiful nighttime veranda

By installing LED lights on your balcony, you can create a space where you can feel comfortable even at night.

There are many types of LED lights available, including types with adjustable brightness and types with changeable colors, and many stylish ones too.

It can be easily purchased online or at a home improvement store, and installation is also easy.

For example, simply attaching an LED strip to the railing of your balcony can create a stylish and bright atmosphere.

In addition, by illuminating with LED lights, you can create a bright and spacious impression even if there is a privacy fence or screen to protect your privacy.

Installing LED lights may require knowledge of power sources and wiring, but there are also types that are easy to install, so choose the one that suits you.

Change the atmosphere with a DIY accent wall

By creating a DIY accent wall for your balcony, you can easily create a stylish atmosphere.

An accent wall is a technique that changes the atmosphere of the entire space by using a special color or material on just one wall.

Even if you're renting a property, you can easily transform the space into a stylish one by simply changing the wallpaper or installing wood paneling.

Materials that can be used for accent walls include wallpaper, tiles, and wood panels.

If you find it difficult to apply it yourself, we recommend using an accent panel, which is easy to install.

If you use wallpaper or tiles, choose removable ones so you can enjoy DIY safely even in a rental property.

However, be sure to check the property rules before doing any balcony work.

Create a stylish balcony using artificial grass

Using artificial grass, you can easily create a stylish balcony.

Unlike natural grass, artificial turf does not require watering or fertilizer and is easy to maintain.

Also, unlike natural grass, it is not affected by temperature or humidity, so it can always stay beautiful.

When arranging a balcony using artificial turf, it is important to first cut the artificial turf to fit the area of ​​the balcony and then lay it down.

You can create a more natural atmosphere by adding flower pots and a wooden deck.

However, before laying the artificial turf, the balcony floor must be thoroughly cleaned and leveled.

Also, artificial turf is sensitive to heat, so it should not be laid in direct sunlight.

Keep the above points in mind and create a stylish balcony using artificial turf.

Things to keep in mind when trying to DIY your balcony

DIY balconies are easy to do even in rental properties, so many people have been trying it in recent years, but beginners may end up failing.

Next, we will introduce three points to keep in mind when trying to do some DIY on your balcony.

1. Check the terms and conditions for using the balcony
2. Avoid bothering your neighbors when doing DIY
3. Pay attention to safety

1. Check the terms and conditions for using the balcony

Before attempting to do any DIY on your balcony, first check the "Balcony Management Regulations" established by the management company of the apartment or condominium where you live.

In addition, Article 11, Chapter 3 of the National Association of Condominium Management Association's "Model Detailed Rules for Use of Mid- to High-Rise Apartment Buildings," entitled "Prohibited Activities on Rooftop Terraces in Areas Exclusively Used by Balconies," states the following:

(i) Installation or construction of flower beds, etc. (including lawns) using bricks, mortar, concrete, and large amounts of soil and sand.

(ii) Installation or construction of houses, warehouses, storage sheds, sunrooms, vinyl greenhouses, verandas, play facilities, and other structures

3) Installation of amateur radio antennas, audio equipment, lighting equipment, etc.

4. Installation or abandonment of items that hinder emergency evacuation

5. Installing or attaching objects that may damage handrails or cause them to fall

6. Sprinkling a large amount of water

7) Any other use of balconies and rooftop terraces other than their normal use (obligation to restore them to their original state, etc.)

Source: National Association of Condominium Management Associations

If you do not comply with these rules, you may be subject to warnings or penalties from the management company.

It may also be a nuisance to other residents.

Therefore, before doing any balcony DIY work, first be sure to check the rules of the property you live in and enjoy your DIY work while following the rules.

2. Don’t disturb your neighbors when doing your DIY

When doing DIY work on a rented balcony, you need to be careful not to disturb your neighbors.

For example, your neighbors may be able to hear the sounds of tools being used or shouts of joy while you're doing DIY.

Therefore, make efforts to prevent trouble with your neighbors by notifying them of construction plans in advance and limiting construction hours.

It's also important to be careful that some of the tools and materials you use for your DIY project don't fly onto your neighbor's balcony.

For example, when using tools that generate strong vibrations, such as a drill press or drill, you can reduce the vibration by placing an anti-vibration mat on the balcony railing.

Also, when doing DIY, objects or tools may fall onto your neighbor's balcony, so it is important to prevent accidents by warning your neighbor in advance.

3. Be safe

When attempting to do any DIY work on your balcony, it is very important to pay attention to safety.

Depending on the material you choose and how you use the tools, injuries and accidents can occur, so you need to be careful.

Beginners in particular should be careful.

For example, when using power tools such as hammers or drills, it is important to fully understand how to use them and handle them safely.

Also, when lifting heavy objects, be careful not to strain your back, arms, etc.

Additionally, be aware of your surroundings while doing your DIY work.

If the work space is small, be careful not to fall or bump into anything, and make sure there are no people or pets nearby while you are working.

As mentioned above, when attempting to do DIY balcony work, you need to pay attention not only to the choice of materials and tools, but also to safety concerns.

What to do if you encounter problems while doing DIY on a rental balcony

If any trouble occurs while working on your rented balcony, you can rest assured knowing that you will be able to deal with it yourself.

However, if you encounter a problem and don't know what to do, you may panic.

Next, we will introduce what to do if you encounter problems while doing DIY on a rented balcony.

Report it to the management company or owner immediately

If any trouble occurs while doing DIY on a rented balcony, report it immediately to the management company or landlord.

There are various types of problems, such as "The balcony was damaged because of DIY work" or "My neighbors were inconvenienced."

If this happens, report it to the management company or landlord immediately so that the problem can be resolved before it escalates.

The method of reporting will vary depending on the contract and rules.

Be sure to report appropriately, following the methods specified by your management company or landlord.

When reporting a problem, it is important to provide specific details about the problem and its circumstances.

The management company or landlord who receives the report will take swift and appropriate action.

Record the details of the problem

If you encounter any trouble while doing DIY on a rented balcony, it is very important to report it to the management company or landlord immediately.

However, it is also important to keep a detailed record of the problem before reporting it.

The contents to be recorded are as follows:

• The date and place where the problem occurred
• Trouble situation and cause
• Extent of damage

Some examples include:

Taking photos, videos, and other evidence as much as possible will be helpful when reporting the incident.

Also, when recording, try not to get emotional and record from an objective perspective.

Depending on who you report to, the contents of your record may also be affected.

When a problem occurs, it is important to remain calm and keep an accurate record of the details of the problem.

Identify the cause of the problem

If you encounter trouble while doing DIY on a rented balcony, it is very important to determine the cause of the problem.

By pinpointing exactly what caused the problem, you can prevent it from happening again.

To pinpoint the cause of a problem, you need to understand the circumstances and history of when the problem occurred.

For example, if the cause is found to be materials used in DIY projects, it is important to check the type and amount of materials used, as well as how they were installed.

Also, if the cause of the trouble is your own mistake, you need to reflect on it carefully and be careful not to repeat the same mistake.

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, report it promptly to the management company or landlord and ask for appropriate action.

Looking for a solution

Once you have identified the cause of the problem, you need to think about how to eliminate it.

For example, if a handrail that was installed by DIY comes off, it may be due to improper installation.

In this case, the problem can be solved by re-installing the handrail securely.

However, if you do not know the cause of the problem or how to solve it, consult with the management company or landlord and ask a specialist to investigate.

In particular, if there is a problem with DIY work, you may want to contact the contractor you hired to do the work.

The solution to a problem will vary depending on the cause and circumstances of the problem.

Therefore, do what you can yourself, consult with the necessary experts, and consult with the management company or landlord to find the best solution.

[Finally] Enjoy DIY on your balcony while following the rules and etiquette

In this article, we have introduced ways to customize your balcony yourself, even if you are renting, as well as some points to keep in mind.

It is very important to get permission from the management company or landlord before doing any DIY.

Also, pay close attention to safety and be careful when using tools and working at heights.

Some DIY ideas for your balcony include laying artificial turf or changing the atmosphere by using stylish flower pots and lights.

However, when doing these things, you need to be careful not to violate any restrictions or rules of the property.

If any trouble occurs, report it to the management company or landlord immediately and keep a record of the details of the problem.

Please keep the above points in mind and enjoy your DIY life.