Loft living is a magnificent way to enjoy urban views and conveniences, especially on the West Coast, where urban hubs like Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle take reign. Lofts typically involve open-concept living, tall ceilings, exposed industrial features, and expansive windows for that ultimate urban oasis feeling. You’re going to want to look beyond the pretty views and grand ceilings in order to find an option that meets your needs and budget. You’ll also want to watch out for a few loft red flags.
Proximity to Water
The west coast has plenty of gorgeous waterfront views, like Santa Monica on the Pacific Ocean or Portland’s riverfront. There’s nothing wrong with a nice waterfront property, but be careful. Being close to the water likely puts you in a major flood zone. Flooding can lead to extensive water damage. Sloped landscapes or inadequate drainage can also create major water damage. If you’re considering a loft near water in an area like Portland, study the building’s history and make sure there’s proper drainage and no previous water damage; otherwise, you’ll need to find Portland water damage restoration sooner than later, which can be expensive. Loft buildings may even have flood doors or gates to help mitigate damage.
Structural Integrity Against Earthquakes
Most of the West Coast, particularly in California, is situated on or near a major faultline. Californians are familiar with regular earthquakes, but they can still be scary; they come without warning and can cause extensive damage to buildings and other infrastructures. Lofts are usually in older buildings, meaning they’ve likely seen a few earthquakes. Inspect the home for structural damage, and you may want to see if it has been reinforced or renovated for strength against earthquakes. You may want to explore earthquake insurance as well, and it may even be required. Even if the loft is a new construction, structural integrity is very important; new doesn’t always mean strong!
Noise Levels
If you’re looking for a loft lifestyle, you’re likely going to hear some noise. Most lofts are in urban areas, where traffic or neighbors can be audible from time to time. Some areas are noisier than others, however. If you’re sensitive to noise, be sure to tour the loft and spend some time there to see if the sound levels aren’t too much to handle.
HOA Regulations and Fees
Most lofts are considered condos or are a part of condo associations. The fees for building maintenance, landscaping, and other upkeep tasks typically come in the form of Homeowner Association (HOA) fees. These fees can range in price, and extremely upscale lofts can come with hefty HOA fees to consider. HOA properties can be subject to some rules and regulations that could also limit your freedom. Make sure the fees and regulations are suitable to your lifestyle and goals.
Window Views
By definition, most lofts will have sizeable windows. What these windows show will vary, however, and if you’re dreaming of an incredible loft view, you may be disappointed if you don’t tour the home and see it for yourself. A large window may have an uninspiring view of the back of a building or a dumpster area. Other windows may not be able to be opened, limiting your enjoyment of fresh air if desired. Some windows may face a direction that heats up your space with excessive sunlight. Window cracks can cause uncomfortable weather drafts or leaks. Make sure the windows aren’t hindering your enjoyment of the space.
Parking Arrangement
Lofts typically belong to multi-unit buildings that can have some interesting parking situations. Before choosing your loft, make sure you know where you can park and how limited the parking is. If there is high competition for parking spaces, you may find yourself with nowhere to put your car at the end of a busy day. Some places may only have street parking, which can be inconvenient. If you have to pay extra for parking, you’re going to want to know.
Updated Electrical and Plumbing
If your loft is part of an older building, make sure the electrical and plumbing is safe, updated, and adequate for your needs. Some older buildings may not have been updated for modern needs. A home inspection will let you know if there are any safety issues with the loft’s wiring or pipes, but repairs may be expensive. You’ll want to check for insulation, ventilation, and other important mechanical updates as well.
Заключение
Before purchasing any property, ensure you get a proper inspection of the unit. A home inspector has professional expertise in spotting any structural issues or building code violations that need to be addressed before your loft purchase. You may want to get a good history of the loft’s building as well. Lofts tend to be in older buildings and its history may reveal fires, water damage, or other issues to watch for. The key to thriving in a beautiful urban loft is to make sure you’re not falling into a money pit or dangerous living situation. When you come prepared, the loft of your dreams is right around the corner.
