Looking for a new apartment is an exciting time for you. There is the opportunity to live in and explore a new neighborhood that has always intrigued you, and you can look forward to putting your own stamp on your new apartment to make it into your home. However, there are certain factros that you should consider when looking around different apartment blocks to make sure that you are making the right decision on which apartment is best for you. To help you out, here are four points to consider when looking for an apartment.
1. Neighborhood
You might have found the perfect apartment with great amenities, all for an amazing price, but before you sign the lease, make sure that you research the neighborhood beforehand. Look up an area’s crime rate online, which will give you a clearer idea of just how safe a neighborhood is. Furthermore, research how far your prospective apartment is from amenities such as grocery stores, public transport, and your place of work—you could find that you will spend a long time commuting to and from the office. If possible, try to spend a few days in the neighborhood you are considering living in to get a feel for it; you may discover that is has a vibe that does not quite gel with you.
2. Elevator
The elevator is a small but important part of every apartment building that could have a huge impact on your daily life—you don’t want to discover on the day you move in, whilst struggling with all your luggage, that the elevator has major maintenance issues and spends much of its time in down mode. Likewise, an elevator that has fallen out of balance with the landing sill is a major trip hazard, potentially resulting in serious injury. Find an apartment building that regularly maintains its elevators using a professional servicing company such as ATIS, who will identify and resolve any issues before they become major problems.
3. Amenities
Consider the amenities the apartment has and whether this fits in with your lifestyle. For instance, if you have a car, you will need an apartment building with a car park; if you don’t drive, look for one that has good links to public transport. Is there a mailroom in the building that securely stores your post? Does your apartment have its own washing machine, or are you happy to use a local laundromat?
4. Security
With main doors being left on the latch and dingy communal areas, security can be a real issue for apartments. Find an apartment building that has made a real effort to ensure the safety of its residents. This might include having bright motion-sensor lights in communal areas that act as deterrents to would-be intruders, and a rigorous security system to prevent people from entering the building who shouldn’t be there. You could also see if there is a neighborhood watch group set up for the building for a sense of extra security.
