A Nigerian lady has gone viral after sharing her experience of taking matters into her own hands to renovate her rented apartment in Lagos, a move that has prompted widespread discussion across social media platforms and sparked debates on tenant responsibilities and DIY home improvement efforts.
Identifying the Issues in the Apartment
The tenant, identified on TikTok as @zika_ing, noticed several issues in her newly rented apartment. She observed that the walls were uneven, with noticeable holes and rough patches that could potentially harbor insects, and even affect the overall aesthetic and hygiene of the living space. Concerned about both appearance and comfort, she decided that the apartment required urgent attention to make it more livable and suitable for long-term habitation.
Planning and Procuring Materials
Determined to improve her living environment, the lady purchased a variety of building materials necessary for the renovation. Among the items she bought were a full bag of cement, a bucket of POP paint, and a 2kg pack of top bond plaster. These materials were chosen to properly smooth out the walls, fill in the holes, and prepare the surfaces for a fresh coat of paint, ensuring both structural and visual improvement. Her plan also involved hiring a skilled laborer to handle the technical aspects of the wall screeding, making the surfaces uniform and ready for finishing.
Hands-On Supervision and Additional Efforts
While a laborer assisted with the more technical aspects of the renovation, @zika_ing took a hands-on approach, supervising the process closely to ensure quality results. She occasionally purchased additional materials, including half a bag of cement and another bucket of POP paint, to address unforeseen issues and to guarantee a smooth finish. Her active involvement demonstrated her commitment to achieving a home environment that felt comfortable and personalized, despite the apartment being rented property.
Completion and Satisfaction
After completing the renovation, she expressed satisfaction with the outcome, highlighting that the walls were now smooth, even, and fully prepared for painting. The improved surfaces not only enhanced the visual appeal of the apartment but also made the painting process significantly easier. She emphasized that investing in the renovation improved her quality of life within the apartment, and she showed pride in the results of her efforts, even though she did not own the property herself.
Netizens’ Reactions and Debate
Her video quickly gained attention on TikTok and other social media platforms, sparking a variety of reactions. Some users questioned why she would invest time, energy, and money into a property that does not belong to her, considering it unconventional for a tenant to undertake extensive renovations. Others praised her initiative, attention to detail, and dedication, noting that it takes considerable effort to achieve such results independently.
Despite the mixed reactions, the lady maintained that she had no regrets about her decision to renovate the apartment. She pointed out that by screeding the walls herself, she not only improved the appearance but also enhanced the practicality of the space, ensuring that painting and future maintenance would be easier. Her video resonated with viewers who appreciated practical DIY solutions, and it sparked conversations on how renters can personalize and improve their living spaces responsibly.
See below;
@zika_ingSmooth walls, rough account balance!🥹😭😭 Lagos and wahala💆🏾♀️ #apartmentseries #househuntinginlagos #livingalonediaries #lagosliving #newapartment
♬ original sound – zika_ing