Tips: Shopping for studio apartment

Tips: Shopping for studio apartment

When you're looking for a studio apartment, some of the things
that are merely important in other apartment searches become
critical. What do you really need to think about? Space, light
and color are going to be your most critical considerations.

If you are thinking about buying one, practical tips written
by apartment specialist Sandra Clockedile in property website
apartment.about.com (below) can help you find your dream studio
apartment.

Space: When you first walk into the apartment, what feeling do
you get? Does it feel closed? Airy? Open? Is there good flow
space for traffic? Is most of the floor space in the apartment
usable (e.g. is there a long hallway that isn't useful as living
space)? Do windows and doors break up the wall space?

Storage: Closet space and storage facilities outside the
apartment are important to anyone shopping for an apartment, but
they are especially so when you will not have a bedroom or other
area to "hide" unsightly or out-of-season items.

Does the complex provide storage facilities for tenants? Ask
to see these facilities, and make sure that they are secure, dry,
accessible, and ample.

Light: Any interior decorator can tell you that light will
make a space seem larger, whereas a lack of light can have the
opposite effect. So, make sure the lighting is sufficient enough.

Color: It is a fact of life of the apartment dweller that
there are certain things you simply must live with. Chief among
these are the colors on the walls and floors. In some cases,
painting (and risking losing your security deposit) may be an
option, but for the most part, you're stuck. Dark paneling or
carpeting can make even a large space seem cave-like. Look for
light colored walls and lighter neutral shades in flooring.

As you're thinking about what you want and looking at
apartments, keep in mind: how does the space feel; how much
storage space is there; is there extra usable space; will you
have ample natural light; are the colors going to enhance the
available natural light?. JP/apartment.about.com