Chicago lofts
Entering a loft in Chicago, you are at once struck by a sense of space. You just love those enormous windows and very high ceilings which lend the loft that wonderful airiness. And this great natural light that?s from the skylights overhead. In contrast, when you look around, you catch sight of stuff that would normally be cache category in a modern construction project. Yes, those are pipes and air-conditioning ducts that you see running along or across the bare bricks making up the wall. A couple of doors lead into a bathroom and a kitchen and possibly a third one opening out onto a large deck.
This is what a loft is, far removed from the style of regular Chicago houses and apartments, but considered very chic by many. They would pay a lofty sum for such space and grab a place in the coveted list of loft dwellers.
LOFTS IN CHICAGO
Be it old lofts, restored old lofts, made-over lofts, contemporary lofts, or replicated ones, the demand for them in Chicago is continuously on the rise. They still make for stylish and trendy yet affordable living in the heart of the city, Chicago. Pipes, ducts and other ungainly architectural features are looked upon as objects- d-art in its very raw and basic form, something like industrial art. The same could be said about the other original loft specs such as concrete flooring, timber beams, and exposed corrugated steel material. The excellent lighting, large space and the fact that furnishing costs can be kept to a minimum have made lofts a very popular option with those on the look out for housing. As far as floor plans go, lofts embrace the open style with the use of partitions to demarcate spaces for specific uses. You, therefore have a free hand in planning the layout of your own living space.
Usually most lofts are located right where the action is; the said action, besides nightlife being schools, workplaces and public transportation hubs. Amenities such as parking, security, cleaning, and laundry are also provided. Those who prefer to be away from it all and spend their time at loft in peace and quiet need not fret; there are choices available to them in the more sedate and serene neighborhoods.
BUYING A LOFT
Once you have decided that your future home in Chicago is going to be a loft, then you need to focus on the choice you have in areas. The center of town with its vibrant nightlife and bustle, or closer to your school or office perhaps. You could head Downtown to Printer?s Row or maybe northwest to Bucktown. Whatever your choice of area you now get down to actually looking at the lofts. Prior to this, you need to know some common loft details which could make your search a lot easier.
All lofts consist of large open spaces which you need to partition off according to your preferences.
All lofts have high ceilings, 14 ft. from the floor or higher.
A large space with a separate enclosed space for the bathroom and kitchen as well, is known as a Hard Loft.
Just a large space without a toilet or even a sink is called a Raw Loft.
A large space with high walls not touching the ceiling and enclosing one or more than one bedrooms is a Soft Loft.
A large space with a comfortably finished kitchen and bathroom is a Moderate Loft.
A large space with a perfectly fitted out kitchen and bathroom, near to luxurious, is an Upscale Loft.
The size of lofts usually ranges from 700 sq.ft. to more than 2500 sq. ft. Loft prices correspond to size, area of location and attached services and amenities such as modern kitchens, more than one bedroom, gym facilities, doormen, and parking space. Rents would be $1000 to $2000.
Research, research, research! This is your next line of action. The specific project developer now comes into your line of scrutiny. Check out his credibility and his track record through his previous projects. Seek professional help if you must to verify that the developer?s reputation in the market is above board. Studying blueprints should tell you whether the construction meets required city standards.
Time now for the nitty-gritty of lofts. Find out the age of the building, if already constructed. Whatever the age, thoroughly inspect the heating and cooling systems keeping in mind the severe winters and the hot summers of Chicago. You wouldn?t want to be saddled with an inefficient system and repair costs later because your loft houses a system that groans with the load of having to adjust to a wide range in temperature.
Check for level and good condition floors. If the floors meet with your approval then you can be reassured that the insulation and soundproofing will be really sound! Badly laid floors will prove any type of insulation and soundproofing a failure.
The electrical system and connections will need to be thoroughly investigated to avoid any problems in the future, should you move in.
Make sure you get acquainted with the maintenance system as well as the persons involved. Find out how the repairs and other maintenance will be carried out. Confirm the property?s financial stability through its latest financial report.
Finally review all your findings and conclusions before you strike the deal.
In Chicago there is no dearth of lofts. The Windy City has a loft for everyone and to suit anyone?s needs and preferences. Let all loft-hunting paths lead to Chicago. That?s where the ideal lofts are.
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