Hard Loft Disclaimers: What To Know Before You Buy A Hard Loft

When you account for the character and originality found in most hard lofts, it’s obvious why condo buyers love the idea of calling one of these authentic suites home. Of course, things aren’t always what they’re cracked up to be and some buyers find that their impressive industrial loft isn’t quite so impressive when lived in.

At Strata, we love lofts just as much as our buyers do, but it’s often important to acknowledge some of the potential downsides that can come with a hard loft. This list isn’t meant to dissuade — but to inform. If you’re considering purchasing a hard loft in the near future, here’s some things to ponder.

Price and Competition

Exclusivity and desirability go hand in hand — hard lofts are scarce in the condo market and as a result, very desirable. Hard loft buildings tend to be smaller and contain fewer units than most modern condos, further increasing their rarity. And as that wasn’t enough driving factors, they contain features that aren’t found in most condos.

All of this equates to higher price tags; there are exceptions to the rule, such as Robert Watson Lofts and 250 Manitoba, but both of these buildings are found outside of the downtown core, so it’s wise to expect pay a little more if you want a loft downtown.

Open Concept might feel too open at times

Falling into the category of ideas that are better in thought than in practice, open concept layouts can occasionally create problems, particularly when coupled with soaring ceiling heights. A single artist whose loft doubles as a studio mightn’t mind that noise travels in their unit, but families with a night owl in the home could have problems.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that industrial materials like concrete and brick are great for keeping noise from transferring between units, but do nothing to reduce the likelihood that noise will travel within a unit; sound can bounce around your cavernous loft with no walls or carpets to disrupt its flow.

Poor Insulation

Many industrial lofts are like vaults — nothing gets in or out — but others…not so much. When a property is converted, it’s key that developers take pains to ensure that sound proofing measures are installed where necessary; unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen.

If your walls, ceilings, and floors are concrete, this probably won’t be an issue. But if you’re living in a former office building or have features like wooden ceilings, you might have to listen to the footsteps of the resident who lives above you.

Another issue you might encounter is that you’re loft isn’t so efficient when it comes to keeping the heat in and the cold out; something you don’t want to learn in the middle of January.

No Amenities

This could be viewed as an incentive or a deterrent: Hard lofts often come with few if any amenities. Looking for all of the bells and whistles? Look elsewhere. Because hard lofts are the result of a conversion, space is at a premium, and amenities are usually sacrificed in favour of larger units.

There are some hard lofts that do offer gyms on site and party rooms, but they’re definitely not the norm.

You probably won’t get a balcony

Condo balconies can be quite small, but that tiny slab of concrete can make a huge difference to one’s enjoyment when summer rolls around. It’s rare for developers to add balconies to the outside of a previously built structure; it happens, but not often. Some lofts feature shared rooftop patios or ground level gardens, but access to outdoor space isn’t always a priority.

Conclusion

Like any living arrangement, there are downsides to hard lofts. However, the reasons to appreciate these unique suites vastly outweigh the reasons to avoid them. From value to style to authenticity, hard lofts are unmatched in the condo market.

If you’re interested in buying a hard loft, the best way to search is with the help of a qualified agent. Noise transfer, amenities, insulation, outdoor space, price — whatever your issue, an agent can tailor your search to avoid buildings that don’t meet your criteria, saving you time and sparing you from heartache.