Simpson
Before setting out on an apartment-hunting journey, you should take some time to think through and complete the list of your must-haves. Gathering this information beforehand will allow you to make more informed, thoughtful decisions that might result in securing the apartment of your dreams.
Apartment hunting often happens to be a long and tiring process, where you have to view plenty of different places before deciding which one you should rent. To make things easier, you should get your priorities in order. If the location is the most important factor, because you want to live closer to your workplace, there’s no point in looking at places on the other side of the city. On the other hand, if you drive your car a lot, you should pay close attention to the amount of parking space available.
Now that we’ve presented you with an idea of a few questions that might be worth answering before you decide to tour some apartments, continue reading for even more helpful information and things that people tend to point out as the essential amenities in their apartment life.
The Size of Your Balcony or Patio
Plenty of people enjoy spending time on their outdoor patio or balcony. If you want to be able to step outside in the morning with your cup of coffee or at night with your glass of wine, make sure that the balcony or patio is big enough for all of your needs.
A tiny balcony can become claustrophobic after some time. Still, if it’s spacious enough, you might even consider transforming it into your own mini-garden to grow some fresh herbs or vegetables. Alternatively, if you are a people person, you might want to purchase the best bookshelf speakers and throw a party at your patio!
A High Walk Score
An apartment located in a walkable neighbourhood, close to plenty of shops and restaurants, will be easier to live in. You’ll also be able to save some money on transportation costs and car maintenance. When choosing your favourite place to live, think about how much you’re willing to walk and how much time you’re willing to spend getting from point A to point B.
The Commute Time
The commute time might be as important as the location itself since it will determine how long it takes you to get from home to work and vice versa. It’s always better if your commute is short enough that it’s no longer than around forty minutes, even during rush-hour traffic.
If you work odd hours, though, or there are days where you can work from home, a long commute might not be a problem. Just make sure that you won’t be wasting too much time travelling back and forth between home and work every day.
Water Pressure
Low water pressure is something that can drive even the most patient people crazy, especially if you find out about it after you’ve already signed the lease.
To ensure that you won’t have to face any unpleasant surprises related to the water pressure that is too low to quickly fill a bathtub or rinse the shampoo out of your hair, make sure to test it during your viewing. Run taps in the kitchen and the bathroom, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the water pressure situation in the whole building.
The Internet Speed
Depending on what kind of work you do, the internet connection might be one of the first things that come to mind when choosing an apartment. Even if you don’t plan on using the internet often, it’s still worth checking how fast the connection speed is.
Do some research beforehand and find out whether the building has a fibre optic or cable internet connection. Make sure that the internet speed is sufficient and the number of available ports for connecting devices. Also, note whether there are any additional costs associated with using this service.
Parking Space
If you have a car, finding a place with available parking spots is significant. It is especially true if you’re moving into a city where parking can be expensive or hard to find. You might choose an apartment that has its parking lot or one that’s close enough to where you can find free street parking. The availability of parking might also affect your decision regarding location.
Appliances
If you like to cook, you might want to inquire whether the kitchen is well equipped. While some landlords provide their tenants with all the necessary appliances such as a microwave, a dishwasher, or an oven, others simply provide them with a refrigerator and a stove.
Remember to pay attention to the laundry situation. If there’s no washer or dryer in the apartment itself, ask if it’s in the building at all or if you’re going to have to make trips to the laundromat.
In Conclusion
Finding a living space where you can comfortably spend the next few years is a challenging endeavor. Nevertheless, it is not an impossible feat to accomplish.
Thanks to the ideas we listed above, you should be well prepared for your apartment-hunting journey. If you determine a critical feature for your future apartment, everything will become much more manageable.
Try to sit down and prepare your list of requirements. As a result, you will be able to point out the things you really want and those you do not care about as much. Deciding on your must-haves will allow you to narrow down your search and focus on places that fit your lifestyle. Happy apartment hunting!
