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Five Amenities That Matter >
When you’re hunting for that perfect apartment, there are certain features, including cheap rent, a great view, lots of space, or a beautiful bathroom that push you to sign a lease quickly. While these are no doubt key elements of any great apartment, there are also some smaller factors that you may not have thought about. Here are 5 key amenities that if they’re good you’ll never think about, but if they’re bad – can be very big problems.
1. Windows
In addition to being your source of natural light and hopefully a great view, windows are also key to your comfort in your apartment. First, ensure that the windows actually open. Many times in older apartments or lofts, the windows may be shut permanently. Not only will you get no or little fresh air, but it would also mean the end of your plans to put in an air conditioning unit. You’ll also need to check to see if the windows actually seal out the outside air when the windows are closed. Typically, this is only an issue in older apartments and it’s not just an issue of staying warm, but if you’re responsible for paying for utilities, a leaking window can have a detrimental effect on your heating bill.
2. Electrical Outlets
You’ll notice the issue of a lack of electrical outlets quite a bit if you start looking for it – especially in houses that were converted into apartments. Often times, if larger rooms have been converted into two or more smaller ones, only one of rooms will have an electrical outlet which can be quite frustrating, especially once you start blowing fuses. While often this isn’t a reason to not rent a place, you’ll definitely need to be cognizant of which electrical appliances you’re using at the same time.
3. The Size and Shape of the Doorways and Hallways
Assuming you already own a good portion of your furniture, a key concern should be whether you can actually fit all of it into your new apartment. Many times, large items, like a box spring or a couch simply won’t fit up the small stairwell to your 3rd floor apartment or through the doorway once you’ve got it that point. Moving is stressful as it is, but a situation where you can't get your beloved furniture into your place will make you want to pull your hair out. If you know that your new place is going to have these issues, either figure out alternative ways of getting your furniture into your place (i.e. through the window) or be ready to get rid of it if it doesn’t fit and sell it on craigslist.
4. The Condition of the Lobby and Public Stairways
This is one of the best predictors of the state of an apartment building and how responsible the landlord is with repairs. There are countless apartment reviews on myhood.ca that talk about bad situations in the stairwells – drugs, urine, etc. While you’ll naturally get a chance to check out the lobby, we highly recommend that you check out the stairwell – and more than just from one floor to another. If you see or smell bad stuff – that’s a good indication of what you might be getting yourself into.
5. Neighbours
Your neighbours – the people above, below, across and to the sides of your apartment have the potential to make your living experience a horrible one. It could be a “stomper” above you, a fighting couple beside you, loud music below you – all are factors that are going to drive you crazy, and usually at the worst times, like when you want to fall asleep. While the best way to avoid a bad situation is to speak to neighbours, this is easier said than done – especially if the landlord is with you. As such, we recommend checking out myhood.ca to see if there’s an apartment review to find out the inside stuff of that apartment building.
Five Amenities That Matter
Five Amenities That Matter >
When you’re hunting for that perfect apartment, there are certain features, including cheap rent, a great view, lots of space, or a beautiful bathroom that push you to sign a lease quickly. While these are no doubt key elements of any great apartment, there are also some smaller factors that you may not have thought about. Here are 5 key amenities that if they’re good you’ll never think about, but if they’re bad – can be very big problems.
1. Windows
In addition to being your source of natural light and hopefully a great view, windows are also key to your comfort in your apartment. First, ensure that the windows actually open. Many times in older apartments or lofts, the windows may be shut permanently. Not only will you get no or little fresh air, but it would also mean the end of your plans to put in an air conditioning unit. You’ll also need to check to see if the windows actually seal out the outside air when the windows are closed. Typically, this is only an issue in older apartments and it’s not just an issue of staying warm, but if you’re responsible for paying for utilities, a leaking window can have a detrimental effect on your heating bill.
2. Electrical Outlets
You’ll notice the issue of a lack of electrical outlets quite a bit if you start looking for it – especially in houses that were converted into apartments. Often times, if larger rooms have been converted into two or more smaller ones, only one of rooms will have an electrical outlet which can be quite frustrating, especially once you start blowing fuses. While often this isn’t a reason to not rent a place, you’ll definitely need to be cognizant of which electrical appliances you’re using at the same time.
3. The Size and Shape of the Doorways and Hallways
Assuming you already own a good portion of your furniture, a key concern should be whether you can actually fit all of it into your new apartment. Many times, large items, like a box spring or a couch simply won’t fit up the small stairwell to your 3rd floor apartment or through the doorway once you’ve got it that point. Moving is stressful as it is, but a situation where you can't get your beloved furniture into your place will make you want to pull your hair out. If you know that your new place is going to have these issues, either figure out alternative ways of getting your furniture into your place (i.e. through the window) or be ready to get rid of it if it doesn’t fit and sell it on craigslist.
4. The Condition of the Lobby and Public Stairways
This is one of the best predictors of the state of an apartment building and how responsible the landlord is with repairs. There are countless apartment reviews on myhood.ca that talk about bad situations in the stairwells – drugs, urine, etc. While you’ll naturally get a chance to check out the lobby, we highly recommend that you check out the stairwell – and more than just from one floor to another. If you see or smell bad stuff – that’s a good indication of what you might be getting yourself into.
5. Neighbours
Your neighbours – the people above, below, across and to the sides of your apartment have the potential to make your living experience a horrible one. It could be a “stomper” above you, a fighting couple beside you, loud music below you – all are factors that are going to drive you crazy, and usually at the worst times, like when you want to fall asleep. While the best way to avoid a bad situation is to speak to neighbours, this is easier said than done – especially if the landlord is with you. As such, we recommend checking out myhood.ca to see if there’s an apartment review to find out the inside stuff of that apartment building.