That’s the story of Unit 6 at 228 Main St in Decatur. A month ago it had worn-out carpet, a kitchen with a base cabinet that was literally falling apart, and appliances that had seen better decades. Today it has a new kitchen, a new bathroom, new floors, new lighting — and someone who calls it home.

Here’s how it got there.

First, Everything Had to Go

You can’t build a good apartment on top of a bad one. So the crew started by taking Unit 6 back to the basics: carpet and old flooring pulled up, cabinets and countertops torn out, the old toilet and garbage disposal removed. The old appliances were lined up by the dumpster to wait for a scrapper.

It’s the least glamorous part of the job. It’s also the part that makes everything after it last.

The Final Push, Day by Day

With the unit cleared, painted, and prepped, the last stretch moved fast. Straight from the crew’s own notes:

Day one. Kitchen ceiling and walls painted. New cabinets set. Countertops cut to fit, right there on site. Bathroom tile floor finished. The entryway into the kitchen and the back landing were leveled so the new floor would sit flat.

Day two. Every light fixture went up. The new toilet was set. The countertops were stained — twice, for a finish that holds up. The entryway flooring was finished, the kitchen floor was carried down the back steps, and the overhead vent went in above the range. Two trash runs kept the place clean.

Day three. Trim went around the floors. Doors went back on their hinges. Outlets and plugs were finished. And the stained countertops went in for good.

A walkthrough and punch list caught the small stuff, and a last round of baseboards, grout, caulk, and new door knobs closed it out.

What’s New in Unit 6

In the kitchen

• New cabinets and custom-cut, hand-stained countertops
• New oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher
• New faucet, sink strainer, and plumbing underneath
• Overhead vent above the range

In the bathroom

• New tile floor
• New toilet and faucet
• Fresh grout and caulk

Throughout

• New flooring and underlayment, front to back
• New light fixtures and a ceiling fan
• New outlets, cover plates, and updated breakers
• New smoke/fire alarms
• Patched drywall and fresh paint on walls and ceilings
• New baseboards, quarter round, and door knobs
• A leveled, refinished back landing and stairway

Why We Do It This Way

Unit 6 isn’t the only thing happening on this stretch of Main Street, either. A few doors down, the commercial spaces at 240 & 242 Main St are ready for their next businesses. New neighbors upstairs, new storefronts at street level — that’s how a block comes back.

Missed Out on Unit 6?

It’s taken, but it won’t be the last one. Browse what’s open on our Houses page, or send us an inquiry with your bedrooms, budget, move-in date, and pets — and we’ll tell you when the next freshly updated home is ready.

The post Inside the Unit 6 Renovation at 228 Main St appeared first on Quality Home Locator.

Inside:

1. Declutter and donate:

Fall is a great time to go through your closets, drawers, and cabinets and get rid of items you no longer need or use. Consider donating gently used clothing, toys, and household items to a local charity or shelter.

2. Deep clean carpets and floors:

Before you start spending more time indoors, give your carpets and floors a thorough cleaning. Vacuum carpets and area rugs, mop hard floors, and steam clean carpets to remove built-up dirt and grime.

3. Clean windows and window treatments:

As the sunlight begins to decrease, make sure you’re still getting as much natural light as possible by cleaning your windows inside and out. Don’t forget to clean your window treatments as well, such as curtains and blinds, to remove dust and allergens.

4. Dust and sanitize high-touch surfaces:

With flu season approaching, it’s important to keep high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and countertops clean and sanitized. Use a disinfectant spray or wipes to kill germs and prevent the spread of illness.

Outside:

1. Clean gutters and downspouts:

As leaves begin to fall, it’s important to keep your gutters and downspouts clear of debris to prevent water damage to your home. Use a ladder and gloves to remove leaves and other buildup from gutters and downspouts.

2. Pressure wash siding and driveways:

Fall is a great time to give the exterior of your home a facelift by pressure washing siding, decks, driveways, and sidewalks. This will remove dirt, mold, and mildew that can accumulate over the summer months.

3. Trim trees and bushes:

Before winter arrives, trim back any overgrown trees and bushes that could potentially damage your home or property during a storm. This will also improve the overall appearance of your outdoor space.

4. Store outdoor furniture and equipment:

As the weather starts to cool down, it’s time to store outdoor furniture, cushions, and equipment like grills and lawnmowers in a safe and dry place. This will help prolong the life of your outdoor items and prevent damage from the elements.

By following these fall cleaning tips both inside and outside your home, you’ll be able to enjoy the season ahead in a clean and organized space. Happy cleaning!

The post Inside and Outside Fall Cleaning Tips appeared first on Quality Home Locator.

Start with a Budget:

Before you start searching for rental properties, it’s important to set a budget. Consider all of your expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation costs. Make sure to factor in any extra costs, such as security deposits or application fees. Limiting your budget to a realistic amount will help you narrow down your options and avoid any financial strain.

Research the Area:

When looking for a rental property, it’s essential to research the neighborhood and surrounding area. Consider factors like safety, access to public transportation, proximity to campus, and the availability of amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and parks. Visiting the area in person and talking to current residents can give you a better sense of what it would be like to live there.

Know Your Rights as a Tenant:

As a renter, it’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities. Familiarize yourself with your state’s landlord-tenant laws and read through your lease agreement carefully before signing. Make sure you know who to contact in case of maintenance issues, how to handle security deposits, and what the process is for renewing or terminating your lease.

Inspect the Property:

Before moving in, thoroughly inspect the rental property for any existing damages or maintenance issues. Take note of any problems and make sure they are addressed by the landlord before signing the lease. Document the condition of the property with photos or videos to avoid any disputes over the security deposit when you move out.

Consider Roommates:

If you’re looking to reduce costs and enjoy living with others, consider finding roommates to share the rental expenses. Make sure to choose roommates who share similar lifestyle preferences and have a clear agreement in place regarding rent, utilities, chores, and other household responsibilities.

Renting your first college apartment can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to approach it with caution and careful planning. By following these tips and being proactive, you can make the most out of your renting experience and create a comfortable home away from home during your college years. Good luck with your apartment search!

To get in touch with Quality Home Locator, visit our Facebook or find our contact information on our website.

The post Renting in College: What to Expect appeared first on Quality Home Locator.

Living in a rental property can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. From managing your budget to dealing with household repairs, there are a lot of factors to consider when living in a rental property. To help you make the most of your time in your rental property, here is a ultimate guide to student living:

Budgeting:

One of the first things you should do when moving into a rental property is to create a budget. This will help you keep track of your expenses and ensure that you are able to pay your rent and utilities on time. Make sure to factor in costs such as groceries, transportation, and discretionary spending so you can avoid any financial stress.

Communication with your landlord:

It is important to establish a good line of communication with your landlord from the start. If you have any concerns or issues with the property, make sure to address them with your landlord in a timely manner. This will help to ensure a positive relationship and a smooth living experience. To get ahold of Quality Home Locator you can call 1 800-967-0846, email quality@qualityhomelocator.com or direct message us on Facebook!

Household maintenance:

As a tenant, you are responsible for maintaining the property and keeping it in good condition. This includes basic tasks such as cleaning, taking out the trash, and reporting any maintenance issues to your landlord. Keeping the property in good shape will not only make your living experience more enjoyable, but it will also help you secure your security deposit when you move out.

Personal safety:

Living on your own for the first time can be an exciting experience, but it is important to prioritize your personal safety. Make sure to lock your doors and windows, especially when you are not home. Additionally, consider investing in a renter’s insurance policy to protect your belongings in case of theft or damage.

Roommate dynamics:

If you are living with roommates, it is important to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the start. Make sure to communicate openly and respectfully with your roommates to resolve any conflicts that may arise. Remember that everyone has different living habits, so it is important to be flexible and understanding.

Overall, living in a rental property can be a rewarding experience as a student. By following these tips and staying organized, you can navigate life in your rental property with ease. Enjoy this exciting time in your life and make the most of your student living experience! To see what options Quality Home Locator has for student housing, reach out to team either on Facebook or our website.

The post Your Ultimate Guide to Student Living: Navigating Life in Our Rental Properties appeared first on Quality Home Locator.