So you’ve decided to rent an apartment! By now, you’ve probably figured out what area you’d like to call home, your ideal price range, and your list of must-haves. Your dream apartment is on the horizon. So what’s next? Scheduling that apartment tour, of course.
Touring apartments is the last exciting step before choosing where you’ll put down roots. With that in mind, here are 5 things you can’t miss.
5 Things to Look for on Your Apartment Tour
Understand that an apartment tour can be overwhelming — it’s a lot of information, sights, and sounds to take in at once. You’ll want to bring along a notebook and jot down your impressions as you tour.
1. Natural Light
For some people, lack of good natural light is a deal-breaker. To determine how much light you’ll get, check out the unit during the day and open all the blinds in each room. Still a bit on the dim side? Keep in mind that light paint colors, strategic lighting, and bright decor can help cheer things up.
2. Noise Level
As you’re touring, it’s good to get an idea of the type of noise you might be dealing with. Can you hear traffic from nearby roads? Are the walls thick enough to offer respite from potentially noisy neighbors? Can you hear anyone walking if the unit sits under another? What about music from the pool area? These are all good questions to ask yourself regarding noise level.
3. Cell Signal
An apartment can be otherwise perfect — but if you walk in and find yourself in an electronic black hole, that’s likely to become a serious annoyance. Do yourself a favor and determine your signal strength during your tour. Try making a call, sending a picture, and checking email from your smartphone. And do these things within the unit, not the office.
4. Electricity & Plumbing
Bad electrical work or faulty plumbing can quickly turn a fairytale into a nightmare scenario. Pretend for a moment you’re inspecting the apartment’s facilities — flush all the toilets, turn on all the sinks, and flip all the switches. Test lights, fans, and appliances. If you love the place but you find an issue, it’s critical to ensure the repair is written into your contract.
5. Overall Condition
When touring an apartment, it’s wise to get an idea of the complex as well. How are the grounds? Is the landscaping up to par? Are the restrooms clean? Is there adequate lighting outside? Does the place seem safe and secure? Are the amenities well-maintained? In general, what does your gut tell you?
If you pay attention to the 5 components above, you’ll be able to make a well-educated decision after your apartment tour.
Your Houston Apartment Movers
Found your ideal apartment? Now it’s time to hire reliable Houston area movers like Ameritex. With our help, you can experience a stress-free transition to your new home. Better still, we specialize in apartment moves. We’ll navigate tricky parking situations, elevators and stairs, and tight hallways.
If you’re ready to schedule your apartment move, call Ameritex Movers at 713.484.6683