It’s a common wish to decorate particular rooms when you move to a new apartment. But, before you make holes, you must be sure can you drill holes in apartment walls. You should know the rules fixed by the owner.
Drilling holes in apartment walls is usually alright unless you cause any damage. You might be limited to making holes, like not more than 4 or 5. But making holes to enhance your apartment’s glory is permissible. However, we suggest you check the owner’s rules and restrictions before drilling or nailing. Let’s get the details!
Can You Drill Holes in Apartment Walls?
Rarely some apartment owners don’t allow the lease takers/ renters to drill on the wall to prevent wall damage. The good news is that most apartments are free to decorate independently.
However, after moving into a new apartment, you must check out the below factors before you drill the wall:
Owner’s Written Checklist
In every apartment renting system, the renters are given a written checklist to go through. It’s because of informing them clearly what to do and what’s not to keep the apartment well-maintained.
At that time, you should read the entire document thoroughly and be well-informed about your limitations. You can only proceed with this DIY work if it’s written that wall drilling is permitted. And if it’s forbidden, you shouldn’t deny the owner’s rules.
Call/ Talk to the Property Manager
Sometimes the drilling issue doesn’t come into the written document, which can overwhelm you. In this case, you should call the property manager or the owner to be sure. It’s a serious issue, and you shouldn’t forward it without clear instructions.
Consider the Wall Appearance
Observe the wall’s present condition and whether or not it’s alright to make holes. If there are several holes already, avoid making new holes. Because it will get an ugly look to the interior look.
Sometimes drilling holes can cause permanent damage to the apartment wall. Therefore checking out the wall condition is a must-do job. However, if there are holes, you can use them to fit your decorative items. It will save you time as well.
You may like to read: How To Drill A Square Hole In Wood
What Happens If You Don’t Obey the Owner’s Rules?
The checklist is a written document where the owners are supposed to take your initial on it. So, if you don’t follow the owner’s instructions and drill the wall without his permission, you have to pay for it. For example, before leaving the apartment, you must either fill the wall holes or pay the damage cost.
In maximum cases, the owners claim a security cost before leasing the apartment. And this is because of disobeying the owner’s rule sometimes. So, if you don’t want to get a financial penalty, you should follow the owner’s rules.
Walls that Are Fit for Drilling Holes
The skeleton-structured building consists of either steel or concrete. Walls are constructed into different structures, for instance-
Wall-Bearing Structure
If it’s a wall-bearing structure, you must ensure the number of holes isn’t excessive. It won’t be damaged until the holes are fewer in number.
Concrete-Based / Masonry Structure
Most walls are concrete and filled with block, brick, or gypsum board. If your apartment’s wall is a concrete-based wall, it’s perfectly fit for hole drilling and won’t negatively impact the structural integrity. But you have to ensure the following factors-
- Keep the depth of the holes 25mm max, or else it will damage the wall structure and will cause dampness
- In terms of the bigger size holes, you must consult the PMC
Besides, analyzing whether the drilling on the wall will cause any particular damage is also essential. If so, you shouldn’t drill holes in your apartment’s wall.
You may also like to read: How to Drill a Hole in Tempered Glass
Places to Avoid Drilling
Some places aren’t safe to drill, which can occur the unexpected situations. Therefore it’s better to avoid these places to drill. The most dangerous places are around the socket and switches.
Electric wires might be set vertically and horizontally, and it’s not fixed. If you get confused about how much space you should avoid, check out the basement and attic. And see where the wires are set up/down through the framing.
Reasons to Drill Holes in Apartment Wall
People drill holes in their apartment walls for various reasons. No house you’ll get where there’s not some couple of paintings. So, hanging them in the right place becomes urgent after shifting the accommodation.
Also, you cannot avoid hanging paintings in your drawing room/bedroom/ study room when you love paintings. Besides, electronic gadgets like TV, lamp, etc are another unavoidable reasons to drill holes.
Also, different modern and stylish wall shelf are available nowadays that requires holes in the wall to set.
FAQs
Is it risky to drill the wall?
Sometimes, it’s risky because the drill machine can cause electric shock sometimes. It also can cause wounds, cuts, punctures, etc. Sometimes it can hamper your eyes, and you can get a severe eye injury. Therefore, the drill machine should be checked properly to determine whether or not it’s faultless before applying it.
How can I fill or repair the apartment wall?
You can repair it in several ways, but determine the hole size and the wall type before that. If it’s a small hole, fill it simply with toothpaste as a dry solvent. In terms of drywall, sheetrock Putty can be the best solution. On the other hand, you need a veneer plaster for holes on the plaster wall type.
To Wrap Up
Owners can feel your decorative necessity and keep it allowed to drill holes in the apartment wall. Yet, if you are confused, can you drill holes in apartment walls, you shouldn’t grab the hammer before ensuring this issue.
It’s a sensitive matter for the renters to follow. So, there’s no way to avoid taking the owner’s permission before your drilling task.
