Apartments vs. Lofts

Do you desire a carefree sort of living situation in which immovable walls and preset distinctive rooms do not define your space for you? Do you feel the need to have every aspect of your life set into a pattern? Do you crave the wide-open floor plans of a loft style apartment, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows revealing a full, panoramic view, or do you prefer the structured living style of a more traditional apartment? If you're unsure of the direction that your living arrangements are heading, continue reading to hear the best (and worst) of loft-style and traditional apartments.

To sum it up, a traditional apartment has definitive rooms separated by floor-to-ceiling walls and accessible through doorways with or without a door. The square footage of such a home varies upon the number of rooms, such as a one or two bedroom with or without a den or office. Bathrooms are always separate and are not included in the overall square footage.

On the other hand, a classic loft-style apartment is one grand space with an average living space of 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. High ceilings (with windows to match), worn wooden floors and exposed building elements such as brick, pipes, beams and duct-work with cavernous spaces beyond the reach of the average resident are just a few of the aspects that lure tenants to the city-life, industrial-chic abode.

The historic Soho district of New York City is the proud address of the creation of the loft apartment. Stuck with large manufacturing buildings that couldn't support modern technology, the building owners of the 1950's risked losing everything if these colossal buildings remained unoccupied. The art community of the area was struggling to find affordable studio space that was large enough to house their apparatus and spread it out so the atmosphere could compliment that necessary of an artist. The combined efforts lead to the loft-housing boom, as the artists couldn't afford both an apartment and a studio to work. A series of pulleys and trap doors were installed to hide any domicile items of the resident when a nosey landlord would come around, as it was slightly illegal to live in such a building.

Even though the classic loft apartment is converted from an old manufacturing or warehouse building, more and more contractors are actually meeting the growing demand of loft apartments by creating these buildings from the ground up. These new-fangled reproductions are referred to as "hybrids".

Both a traditional and loft apartment come in different shapes and attributes, with or without fireplaces and such details. Secured video entry, in-house fitness center and a pool are a just a few of the luxury items that may or may not come with your apartment, no matter which style you choose.

Finding a NYC Apartment, No Broker Fees

When people speak of New York City, of its bright lights, cosmopolitan vibe and constant hustle and buzz, they're most likely thinking of Manhattan. Not to diminish the importance or the far bigger land space of the other boroughs, but Manhattan is the shining star of the city when it comes to densely packed and eye-popping sights, sounds and attractions. For vacationers anyway, this is where it's at.

Nothing compares to your first time in Manhattan. Movies, TV shows, famous photographs and glimpses of the New York Times have all probably acquainted you with the general idea of the city, but the gritty, vibrant atmosphere and overwhelming size of it all, from the skyscrapers to the personalities, must be experienced firsthand. Your gaze will fly from the shops to the high-rises and from people's faces to the brilliant billboards, but at the same time the business-like flow of the foot traffic will keep you moving. The last thing you'll want to do is stand out like a sore thumb, so don your blackest and most fashionable attire and keep yourself from openly gawking.

You may not be able to help showing a sense of wonder from time to time though, which is just fine. There will be plenty of other tourists alongside you as you take in the traditional scenes; the Empire State Building, the United Nations, Central Park, Bloomingdale's...the list of must-sees is as long as the subway line and you'll need every minute of your vacation to see it all. In case you haven't figured it out yet, this isn't going to be the kind of trip that involves a lot of lounging around; Manhattan requires energy and your full attention, and you'll probably find these pretty easy to give.

Catch a Broadway show (savvy travelers can pick up half-price tickets the day of), eat a giant sandwich at an authentic deli, watch the street performers at Washington Square Park, and shop (or window shop) to your heart's content at all the stores you've so far only heard mentioned in magazines. Wander from downtown to uptown, Greenwich Village to TriBeCa, Chinatown to Little Italy. Plan a schedule but don't be surprised if you end up straying from it; there is always something unexpected that will catch your eye, like an old record store or a cozy bench in the park that will tempt you to pause and experience a corner of the city that isn't mentioned in the guide books.

This cultural capital is brimming with big-time museums and intimate galleries, so if you're in the market to buy or just look you'll certainly have the chance. MoMA was just recently remodeled, and packs in several floors of well-known pieces that you've probably seen represented on t-shirts and coffee mugs but never with your own eyes, until now. You'll repeat this experience again and again while you're here, "so that's what it really looks like..." Chances are you'll be repeatedly thrilled, and glad you're finally getting to see the real Manhattan.

You'll certainly work your legs as you walk around the city, which gives you the best views, but taking a cab and hopping on the subway should also be given a whirl. Unless you're coming from another metro area, these novelties will add authenticity to the whole trip. Nothing introduces you to a city better than chatting with a cab driver, and sitting beside the commuters as you speed underground will be the best people-watching experience of your life.

To sink into the culture even more, consider doing something unconventional; instead of reserving a hotel room, rent a vacation property. You may think these exist only on the beach or in the woods, but contemporary apartments and posh condos are scattered throughout the city and allow visitors to live like locals. With a view from the top and all the amenities you need to feel cozy and taken care of, Manhattan Vacation Rentals provide an elegant and convenient experience that will only add to what is certain to be an amazing trip.

Soundproofing From Loud Upstairs Neighbors In Condo Or Apartment

One of the most common soundproofing questions I hear most is “How do I soundproof my condo or apartment from those noisy neighbors who live above?” Generally the most annoying noise is what is known as “foot fall” or “impact noise” Impact noise is noise that is caused by heavy walking on the floor of the neighbor above. It can also be caused by chairs dragging across a hardwood floor above or simply the impact of a fork or plate that is dropped on the floor above.

Impact noise is transmitted through the structural members of the floor/ceiling assembly and generally travels down through the floor joists and into the ceiling below at lightening speed. Impact noise is the most annoying noise you will ever have to deal in your condo or apartment. Sometimes it can actually feel like you neighbor is living in your unit. Sound familiar?

When dealing with impact noise, it is always best to completely remove the existing ceiling and start from scratch. This can be a real chore especially if your ceiling is plaster and not drywall. (For plaster ceiling consult local drywall contractor) Once the ceiling has been removed, it is then recommended that you fill the joist cavities with sound batt insulation such as rock wool, mineral wool, or cotton batt insulation. RoxulÔ and GreensoundÔ are common brand names for these batt materials. It is always best to completely fill the cavities with one of these materials, but if you don’t have enough of these materials you can always fill the remainder of the cavity with common fiberglass insulation. Just make sure that the first layer of insulation (the layer against the sub floor above) is cotton, mineral wool, or rock wool.

Now that your joist cavities are filled, you will then want to “float your ceiling” on sound clips and furring channels. Float my ceiling? What are you talking about dude?

I’m glad you asked; a floated ceiling is a ceiling that is connected to the ceiling joists using a device called a sound clip. Sound clips isolate the joists from the new drywall that will become your new ceiling. Here’s how it works. You will screw the sound clips onto the bottom face of the joists and they will run parallel to the joists. The sound clips are then fitted with a metal furring channel also known as “hat channel” because it looks like a Dick Tracy hat if you look at it from the side. Furring channels come in 20 and 25 gauge steel, you can use either gauge with the AmericlipÔ sound clips. The furring channels will run perpendicular to the joists as they are fitted into the sound clips. Once you have all of your rows of sound clips and furring channel installed, you are ready to drywall. There is a trick to floating a ceiling and that is to make sure that your new ceiling drywall does not touch the adjoining walls and is completely independent of the ceiling joists. You will screw in your new drywall using self-tapping drywall screws that will screw through the drywall and into the metal furring channels. Once you are finished screwing the drywall to the furring channels, you will make sure that you have maintained a ¼” gap around the entire perimeter of the new ceiling. This gap will be filled in with acoustical caulk that is designed to remain pliant throughout the life of the caulk. Now that the new floated ceiling is installed and you have caulked in the ¼” gap around the perimeter you’ll then tape mud and paint the new ceiling as normal.

Now if you are looking for the ultimate in soundproofing from impact noise as well as airborne noise from above, it is recommended that you float 2 layers of 5/8” drywall on the sound clips and furring channel, and between the layers of drywall you will apply a product called “Green GlueÔ”. Green GlueÔ is a visco elastic damping compound that when applied between 2 layers of drywall or any rigid wall board, acts to deaden both layers of wall board thus not allowing the drywall to resonate or transmit sound. When the sound is unable to pass through the drywall it dissipates rapidly and turns into heat energy.

To sum this up, the absolute best way to soundproof your ceiling from the noisy neighbors above is to float the ceiling using the Sound clips and furring channel, and then installing 2 layers of 5/8” drywall suspended from the sound clips and furring channels with Green Glue sandwiched between the 2 layers of drywall.

Now if space is an issue or money is a concern, you can get some great soundproofing and impact protection by simply adding another layer of 5/8” drywall to your existing ceiling, applying the Green GlueÔ to this new layer of drywall and then simply screwing the drywall over top of you existing drywall or plaster ceiling. This method will not be quite as effective as the complete floated ceiling system using Green GlueÔ, but if you are on a budget and need effective protection from the impact noise from above, Green GlueÔ is a great way to go.

Apartment-Hunting Season Returns: How to Arm Yourself

If you're on the hunt for an apartment right now, you've probably noticed that you're in good company. Each weekend, hordes of hunters arrive at the newest and most luxurious complexes. The apartment business is growing increasingly competitive in many markets, and leasing companies are offering tempting specials to sweeten the deal and lure prospective renters away from competitors. Working in this kind of "every man for himself" climate, however, requires a little prior knowledge before you begin your search. It really is a jungle out there.

Afraid you're beginning your search too soon? Forget it. It used to be that renters began looking for their next apartment right before their leases were up. Not so anymore. Apartments are snapped up almost as quickly as they become available. In order to ensure yourself as many alternatives as possible, begin your hunt at least six weeks prior to the expiration of your current lease. Apartment communities generally know what their availability will be six weeks in advance.

Research each community before you visit, and find out if it's even worth your while and the gas money. Find out rental rates and what they include. Believe it or not, some communities don't supply microwaves for their residents, for example. If you don't own a washer and dryer, it's going to make all the difference in the world to have one present in your apartment. Even if you love an apartment, lugging your laundry to an on-site facility is going to color your outlook -- and soon. Ask about utilities. While many communities pay for water consumption, some don't. Whether you stand to gain by paying only for the water you use remains to be seen. To help you get a good estimate of anticipated utility expenses, ask the community representatives for a ballpark estimate of monthly utility expenses. Then call the utility provider to verify the accuracy of that estimate. It's also important to ask leasing agents if the community is willing to take any measures to help residents cut down on their utility expenses. Some communities go so far as to install a transparent screen on windows if residents are experiencing high electricity bills due to an abundance of summer sunlight, for example.

Before you start your hunt, decide what's negotiable and what's not in terms of amenities. Then base all of your decisions on that list. For example, if a security system is top priority with you, don't be swayed by an otherwise great apartment. If having a security system gives you peace of mind, it's worth the effort to find another great apartment with a system installed. And you'll find one -- particularly if you live in a major metropolitan environment with a cutthroat-competitive rental market. Another point: If your prospective new home has particularly high community fees, ask yourself how often you'll really take advantage of those services. Are you a fitness nut? Do you need that fitness center? Do you need drive-through mail service? All of these amenities make life easier, of course, but some of us still don't mind doing things the old-fashioned (and cheaper) way.

If your upcoming move is being prompted by an increase in rent where you live now, take a moment to consider the costs of moving. Adding to your expenses will be a new security deposit, application fees, boxes and packing tape, moving service, and new phone service, among other things. Now, does paying an extra $25 each month seem awful? And if you're considering a quick move up the road or a few streets away, it may not be worth the expense.

Should you decide to take the plunge and move, be sure you notify your current landlord, insurance company, post office, and credit-card companies of your upcoming move. And don't forget that you'll need to make revisions to your driver's license and automobile registration, as well.

Plan to move into your new apartment on a date that overlaps with your current lease. A period of one or two days is a good guideline, according to Cathy Macaione, author of The Apartment Hunter's Survival Guide and the president of a multihousing company. Allowing yourself that time gives you a degree of assurance that you won't be rushed from your current residence into your next one. In such a scenario, items get lost, are broken, or you run out of time to do things like clean the apartment you're vacating -- which means you're going to lose part of your security deposit at precisely the time you could use a little extra cash.

Moving is fraught with emotion and stress, and apartment hunters aren't immune. But doing your homework -- and starting it early -- is your best defense.

Apartment Locators

When you do a search on a Search Engine for "apartments" you are going to come across two types of Website resources; apartment locator sites and apartment database sites. Which is the best for you? Well, that depends on what your needs and circumstances dictate. It also has a great deal to do with your privacy comfort level.

The Apartment Locator Site:
If you are relocating to an area of the country that is totally new for you, someplace where you are unfamiliar with neighborhoods, schools, job centers, transportation, etc., then the apartment locator may be your best choice. These folks respond to your query by making telephone contact with you. You will describe your circumstances, needs, budget and other preferences.

The apartment locator is usually extremely knowledgeable about the area and the local rental market. They will be quite helpful in finding you rental accommodations that suit your particular needs. In most cases, this will be a totally free service. The apartment locator is normally paid a commission or “finder’s fee” from the landlord or rental agent. With regard to your privacy, however, keep in mind that you are required to share your telephone number with the apartment locator and be open to the idea of personal contact. You need to decide if, or how much, that is acceptable to your sense of privacy.

The Apartment Database Site:
Unlike apartment locators, apartment database sites offer a broad selection of on-line apartment listings. They give you intricate descriptions of apartment complexes including, but not limited to, maps, amenities, rent ranges, contact information, etc. Pictures of the apartment units, inside and out, are usually included. An excellent amount of data helps you decide if any particular rental unit meets your needs and satisfaction. When you are moving to an apartment that is located within your present living area or when you are relocating to an area that you are totally familiar with, an apartment database site might be the one for you. Most require a simple registration process which usually asks for name and email address. You need not submit your telephone number and you will not be contacted personally by anyone. Like the apartment locator, most apartment database sites are free to you. Sometimes you are even offered a bonus of $100.00 or more if you list their site as your referring source when you sign your apartment lease.

So, which is better for you, the apartment locator site or the apartment database site? The answer to that question is answered by your own unique needs, desires, situation and limits of personal privacy.

Good luck on your apartment search and good luck in your new apartment.