4 Tips to Help You Pick the Perfect Living Space

by Kevin Smith Author

Everyone wants to score that perfect apartment, but few realize the work involved in finding that ideal place. Not only is location, size and proximity important so is making sure the apartment you select will meet all your needs for the duration of your time there. The easiest way of ensuring the condition of your living space is to conduct your own inspections as you tour Athens, Ohio, student rentals; here is what to check out.

Test the Outlets

This is particularly important in older houses. Make sure you test every standard outlet with at least a power-block for a smartphone. You should also test any special outlets which usually are reserved for power-sucking equipment like appliances. If possible, buy a voltage tester (available at a hardware store for around $15) and document the power capacity of each outlet; if any are not working or seem under-powered, discuss it with your real estate agent and insist it be fixed before you sign a lease.

Water Pressure

Water pressure ensures you will have enough pressure to take a shower that can get you clean, but it also ensures that other appliances, like a dishwasher, have enough pressure to clean dirty dishes or a washer can sufficiently do your laundry. Run the shower and have someone turn on other faucets in the apartment. Notice if the pressure remains constant; then, flush a toilet and see what happens. While not as vital as power, an apartment with water pressure problems can indicate plumbing problems.

How Many Bars?

A big part of all of our lives is our smart devices, which are all but worthless if they cannot get online. Make sure, even if you have Wifi that your phone and other IT devices have sufficient bars to work effectively. Then check the Wifi and make sure even if your cell reception is limited that you can still get online and that the connection is strong enough to let you do what you need to do.

Parking

It is great that a place has “ample parking,” but what does that mean? If, for instance, half the parking lot is buried in snow in winter, the ample parking part is of limited use. Also, if every unit has multiple visitors every night, you may find yourself on the short side of “plenty of parking.” Visit the site after hours and see what the parking volume is.

These four tips alone can help you select the best Athens, Ohio, student rentals available. Insisting on at least these four will ensure you get the space you need in the condition you want.