ud83dudcda Entryway Renovation Series u2014 10 of 10
u2190 Entryway Renovation Vol.9: Switch Installation u00b7 Series Index u00b7 (last article) u2192
Hi there u2014 DIY Dad here! The final chapter of the first-floor entryway renovation u2014 it’s done! The entryway is complete!
Stepping back to see the full picture u2014 this is what it looks like from a distance.
And the view from the opposite end. Clean, uncluttered, and surprisingly sharp. The whole space came together nicely!
2026 Update u2014 Looking Back on the Completed Entryway
ud83duded2 RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Door Lock Replacement Sets
Change the lock between every tenancy u2014 security is non-negotiable.
Compared to the bathroom renovation, the entryway had far fewer steps u2014 it’s one of the more beginner-friendly spaces to tackle. But in terms of bang for your buck, transforming an entryway might be the single highest-ROI renovation you can do on a rental property. The entryway is the first thing a prospective tenant sees, and a clean, fresh one signals that the property is well cared for.
Puttying Determines the Finish
After stripping the old wallpaper the walls are always left with screw holes and surface irregularities. Fill them with joint compound before hanging new paper u2014 no exceptions. Skip the putty and every imperfection will show through the new wallpaper. The golden rule: thin layers, broad coverage, multiple passes. Spread it thick in one go and it will crack as it dries. The process is: first coat (base layer) u2192 dry u2192 second coat (finish layer) u2192 sand smooth.
Choosing Wallpaper for the Entryway
The entryway wallpaper needs to be durable and wipeable u2014 bags get bumped against the walls, hands brush the surface every time someone comes home. Choose a vinyl wallpaper with a tough surface. DIY Dad went with Sangetsu’s SP series u2014 excellent stain resistance, easy to wipe down, reasonably priced, and widely available in large quantities.
Shoe Cabinet u2014 Off-the-Shelf with DIY Adjustments
The shoe cabinet installed here was an off-the-shelf unit from a home improvement store u2014 the wall-mounted type, which makes installation straightforward. The critical detail: fasten it to the wall studs. Drive screws into empty drywall only and the weight of shoes will pull it right off the wall. For anything heavy, always anchor to a stud.
What DIY Dad Felt as a Landlord When It Was Done
The moment the entryway was finished, the whole property felt different. When a prospective tenant walks in the door and that first space looks bright and clean, it immediately communicates: this property is maintained with care. After 15 years as a landlord, DIY Dad can say with confidence u2014 spend 100,000 yen on an entryway renovation and you can raise the rent by 5,000 yen a month and still get applicants. That’s a full return on investment in under two years.
Tools & Materials Used
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Entryway Flooring & Tile Kits
Entryway flooring takes the most wear u2014 invest in durable material.
The two items that earned their keep on this project: the impact driver and the laser level. The laser level in particular u2014 I kept thinking, why didn’t I buy one of these years ago? Incredibly useful.
Originally published: December 17, 2016 (old Seesaa blog) | Rewritten: May 8, 2026
ud83dudcda Entryway Renovation Series u2014 10 of 10
u2190 Entryway Renovation Vol.9: Switch Installation u00b7 Series Index u00b7 (last article) u2192
DIY Renovation Quote Review Manual
How to read, compare, and negotiate contractor quotes. This manual saved me u00a5800,000 on a single renovation project.
ud83cudfe0 More from DIY Father
15 years of landlord experience u00b7 3 apartment buildings u00b7 DIY renovations that saved millions of yen. Browse all articles at diytosan.com
