The loft life can be an exciting one.
You likely live in an urban area where there are lots of people and lots of action.
You do not have to worry about maintaining the exterior of a house, and if it snows, you can sit inside and watch someone else clean the sidewalk.
The same goes for the grass in the summer.
But before you decide to pull the trigger on a loft, here are 10 things you may want to consider.
Amenities Check to see what amenities are available.
The buildings in which lofts are found may or may not include a swimming pool, party room or hot tub, for example.
Also, see if there are laundry hook-ups in the loft.
Energy Many lofts are built in old industrial buildings.
They have high ceilings and exposed building material (often brick).
As a result, they do not tend to be very energy efficient.
If you are worried about heating costs, it is worth checking out before you make a decision.
Price It is likely you can find a loft that is within your price range.
But remember there are many factors that affect the price.
Location is one of the main ones.
So you may be able to find a loft for cheap, but it may not be in the most desirable part of town.
Location If you want to be able to walk to school or work, focus on lofts that are within biking or walking distance.
Proximity to public transportation is also a worthwhile consideration, especially if you do not own a car.
In the end, think about what is most important to you and then look for lofts in areas that provide what you need.
Other owners If you are a senior citizen, living among a bunch of young professionals may not be what you want at that point in your life.
The same is true the other way around.
While some buildings have owners of a wide variety of ages, so cater more to specific groups.
Space outside Check to see if there are any outdoor common areas, or any other spots where you can hang out outside the building.
Many lofts are built in industrial neighborhoods, so it is entirely possible all that's outside your building is a sidewalk, road and more buildings.
Utility of space Lofts for many people serve a dual purpose.
They function as both a home and an office.
Whether you are an artist, musician or photographer - or in some other line of work altogether - make sure the space will function how you need it to.
Storage Is there enough room to store all the things you own? Lofts tend to be very open, but check and see how much room there is in closets and cupboards.
If there is not room for everything, consider renting some storage space nearby.
It will probably cost you only a few bucks a month and can save you from living among clutter.
Hard loft? Hard lofts are lofts in the true sense of the word.
They are old industrial buildings that have been converted for residential use.
They have exposed brick or other building material, high ceilings and large windows.
They probably have very few amenities.
Soft lofts, on the other hand, are built to look like hard lofts, but they are specifically built for residential living.
Interior location Check the location of the loft in the building.
If you want the best view, choose a loft on one of the highest levels.
A corner unit may be better if you want quiet, and a street-level loft is best if you want to get in and out quickly.