So you’re finally moving out of your apartment. You’ve been there for years, and now it’s time to move on and live somewhere else.
If you have any intention of trying to get back some of the deposit that you paid, then it’s important to ensure that your walls are in good condition when you move out of your apartment or house.
Otherwise, your landlord will likely keep the whole deposit, leaving you with nothing to show for it.
Here are nine tips that will help you fix wall damage before moving out of your apartment or house.
9 Tips to Fix Wall Damage of Your Apartment
It’s best to take care of any damage before moving out so that you don’t leave any bad marks on your record. Follow these tips to help fix wall damage before moving out.
1. Remove Old Nails
The first step in fixing wall damage is taking care of any loose nails. Pull off and throw away any wood trim or molding that might be hanging on by a nail.
Be careful: if it’s been nailed into solid wallboard, you may need to score around it with a hammer and chisel before prying it out.
And if you hit a stud, you could end up doing some significant damage to drywall or worse – your hand!
2. Fix a Dented Corner Bead
One of your walls has a dented corner bead? Don’t panic! It’s a common problem, especially in older apartments.
It can be hard to straighten them out by yourself, but there are some things you can do. Once you know, how it takes less than ten minutes and is actually fun.
First, make sure you have all tools you need:
- Putty Knife
- Painter’s Tape
- Screwdriver
Step 1: You will notice that along one side of each dent is a little crack that looks like an arrow. This is where you want to start smoothing out the dent with your fingers or a small tool like a putty knife or small wooden spoon.
Be careful not to spread it more than necessary as overworking will cause more damage and cracks in the wallboard which will take longer to fix.
Step 2: Next cover the entire area with blue painters tape on both sides (it’s okay if it overlaps).
Step 3: Using a flat head screwdriver push through the center of the dent so it makes an impression on the wallboard on the other side, then repeat several times until the dent is almost gone.
3. Fill Holes with Spackle
Fixing wall damage often requires simply filling holes with spackle, an inexpensive material that hardens like glue.
Use a putty knife or small trowel to apply spackle, and then spread it thinly and evenly across all surfaces.
Spackle dries quickly and should be allowed to harden for 24 hours before painting over it. Allow at least a week between applying spackle and applying paint.
If your apartment walls are full of nail pops or dents from hanging pictures, filling them in is another quick fix that can make a big difference once you move out and prepare for new tenants.
4. Fix the Loose Joint Tape
Joint tape is what holds all those complex layers of drywall together, so when it comes loose, you have an empty space in your wall.
To seal it up right, first spread the joint compound over the hole and let it dry completely. Then smooth on more compound with a putty knife or taping knife, being careful not to overlap your application.
Finally, sand away any bumps or rough spots on your patch job. If you don’t fill that gap before moving out (and many renters don’t), be prepared for your new landlord to call you back later and ask you to fix that mess! Not fun!
5. Repair Broken Drywall
When fixing wall damage in your apartment, it’s important to fix it before you move out. The best way to do that is by repairing broken drywall. Fixing drywall involves installing new pieces and blending them with existing ones.
When trying to fix a hole or crack in drywall, it’s important that you follow these steps:
First, find a replacement piece from an adjoining area of your apartment. You can usually find leftover pieces from projects previous residents have done; if not, purchase a new one at any hardware store.
Cut out all additional layers between the damaged area and the replacement piece and repair that broken drywall.
6. Erase Scuff Marks
Scuff marks are among one of our most common tenant complaints, and it’s a battle we constantly wage.
The good news is that a few simple cleaning tricks can help erase scuff marks from your walls with minimal effort on your part. All you need is a simple solution and some elbow grease!
Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a small spray bottle. Spray onto scuff mark until lightly dampened, but not soaking wet. Wipe it with a clean cloth to erase all scuff marks.
7. Decide on New Hardware
If your current hardware doesn’t match your new apartment, you should purchase and install new doorknobs, locks, hinges, and peepholes before moving day.
You can buy these items at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. First, you’ll want to remove your old lock by removing all screws that hold it in place (if applicable) with a screwdriver.
8. Large Holes Require Repairing the Drywall
If the hole is large, you have to repair it in a proper way. First, use a utility knife to cut around the edge of the hole so you don’t damage the drywall next to it.
Then, use a screwdriver to pop out any loose pieces on the backside. Finally, use drywall compound to fill in the hole and then sand it down smooth with sandpaper. You can also use spackle if you want a more textured surface.
9. Get Rid of Mold from Wall
There are a few different ways to remove mold from a wall. You can use bleach, which might lighten your wall and leave behind an unpleasant odor.
You can also try vinegar—but if it doesn’t do a good job on its own, you may still need bleach. There’s also mold removal spray, which is relatively effective but can be expensive depending on how much wall you have to cover.
The most surefire way to get rid of mold from your walls is to hire a professional—that’s what they’re there for after all!
But if you want some help getting started on smaller jobs like these DIY projects that will save you money in repairs later down the road
Prevent Future Damage
During your time as a tenant, you may have watched helplessly as cracks or holes developed in your apartment’s walls.
Now that you’re moving out, it seems like an impossible task to get them fixed before you pack up and move on.
The good news is that some wall damage can be prevented, even if it has already occurred; take these steps for fixing holes and cracks in your walls before you move out.
1. Clean Your Walls Regularly
The most important thing you can do is clean your walls before moving out. Using a sponge and soapy water, gently wash any dirt off.
The best time to scrub is when you’re moving in, so your walls have time to dry before you start painting.
A simple toothbrush will help get into small cracks, and an old nail brush will remove any rust or loose paint chips.
You should also try and make sure your paint job isn’t too thick — applying two thin coats instead of one thick one will help avoid bubbles and peel-back issues later on. (Note: For more serious damage or a drastic color change, you may need to do some actual patching.)
2. Check for any Cracks in the Walls
A small crack may not seem like a big deal, but given enough time and moisture, it could grow into something much bigger.
Before you move out, check every single wall in your apartment for any cracks. If there are cracks, get them repaired immediately.
Smaller problems can be covered up with putty or even toothpaste (seriously). Larger holes should be patched and primed in preparation for painting.
3. Waterproof the External Walls
Although it may cost some money upfront, waterproofing your apartment is a surefire way to prevent further damage.
This process usually consists of painting a water-repellent substance onto your walls (that won’t peel off easily).
Waterproofing can help keep your property in good condition long after you leave. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, there are numerous companies that will perform these services for a reasonable fee.
Start Your Apartment Wall Repair Today
Hiring professional help not only ensures high-quality results but also protects you from liability, as repairs done by non-professionals are often subject to dispute.
If you are unsure about any renovation projects, contact Valet Works. Hiring Valet Works means working with an experienced team who has been working in this field for years.
Our dedicated team can renovate your property in no time. Just call us today to get more information about our services!
Contact us today!