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A loft is a building’s upper storey or elevated area in a room directly under the roof (American usage), or just an attic: a storage space under the roof usually accessed by a ladder (primarily British usage). Adding to the confusion, some converted lofts include upper open loft areas.
What classifies an apartment as a loft?
A loft apartment is a large, open space with very few (if any) interior walls. It’s very similar to a studio apartment, as neither have a separate bedroom, but lofts tend to be much larger — 1,000-2,000 square feet, as opposed to a studio’s average of 600 square feet.
What is the difference between an apartment and a loft?
An apartment complex is owned by an individual or group that rents apartment units to tenants for a period of time agreed upon in a lease. A loft is a large, open, adaptable space that has been converted for residential use. Lofts can be apartments or condos, depending on the ownership structure.
Why do they call it a loft?
The word ‘loft’ is thought to derive from Old Norse word ‘lopt’, meaning the upper chamber, upper region or sky, similar to the Old High German word ‘luft’, meaning air.
What is loft area?
The word Loft by the dictionary means a room or space directly under the roof of a house or other building used for residential or commercial purposes. Another meaning of the word is a large, open area in a warehouse, factory or other large building that has been transformed into a living space.
Is a loft considered living space?
Finished space that lack permanent stairs or direct access, such as plant shelves, are not considered living area. Finished spaces only accessed by ladders, such as lofts, are not considered living area. Lofts and finished attics must be accessible by a conventional stairway or other access to be counted.
Is a loft considered a bedroom?
Open Loft Area A loft bedroom in a home or an apartment is an open area on an upper floor that is usually contained by some type of railing and a staircase or permanent ladder leading to it. The loft area may be viewed from below and contains a bed, dresser and other bedroom furniture.
Is a loft a flat?
The term “loft” specifically designates the space of the top story of a building that is directly under the eaves of the roof. While the term “flat” is not specifically an architectural term, the word “loft” is a technical architectural term.
Is a loft cheaper than an apartment?
Is loft apartment living any more expensive than a regular apartment? How much more? The price is about $150 – $200 more than an apartment in a complex. In my area that prices the loft around 40% more expensive than a comparable apartment in terms of square footage.
What’s the difference between loft and duplex?
Duplex: Two suites in a complex (house) each with its own separate entrance; can also be a dwelling composed of three (triplex) or four (fourplex) units; also described as a townhome. Loft: Residential units that are very wide and open, usually boasting exposed beams, brick, and sometimes plumbing.
Do Brits say loft or attic?
Loft and attic In British usage, lofts are usually just a roof space accessed via a hatch and loft ladder, while attics tend to be rooms immediately under the roof accessed via a staircase. Lofts may have a specific purpose, e.g. an “organ loft” in a church, or to sleep in (sleeping loft).
Is a loft considered a story?
A loft must meet the same criteria as an attic in order to be considered a story. As long as they have ceilings that are at least 7 feet high and meet the other IRC guidelines, they will be considered in the overall square footage of a home, but won’t be considered an extra story.
What is Kitchen loft?
A kitchen loft design moves away from conventional home interiors and creates something that’s innovative and purposeful. Loft spaces are often referred to as the attic, areas which are closer to the roof of a building or an apartment.
What is a loft in a house UK?
The secret living space in British homes In conventional, older style homes many people intentionally raise one floor higher, accommodating extra bedrooms in areas that were once insulation filled voids. Your loft may be an office or a bolt hole for teenagers, a craft room or even a bedroom.
What is a loft used for in a house?
A loft, such as the one in the Oakmont home design, is a general-purpose upper-level area typically at the top of the stairs. While it may not serve as a regular bedroom, due to lack of privacy, it can still be used as a sleeping space when you have an overflow of guests.
What is loft in construction?
loft, in architecture, upper space within a building, or a large undivided space in a building used principally for storage in business or industry. In comparison with an attic, a loft is usually opened on one side, similar to a balcony, as with a hayloft—the space under the roof of a barn.
Does adding a loft increase square footage?
As for rooms in the house that aren’t finished, like basements or attics, they should not be included in the total square footage. As for lofts and attics, the ceiling rules still apply, and you can only include them if you can reach them by stairs.
What counts as livable space?
The key word is “living.” When calculating GLA, each space must be considered a living area. This definition includes bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms, per guidelines laid out by the American National Standard Institute (ANSI).
What is considered livable space in a house?
HABITABLE SPACE is space in a building for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilets, hallways, storage areas, closets, or utility rooms and similar areas are not considered habitable spaces.
