Pros and Cons of an Efficiency Apartment

An efficiency apartment may be all you can afford or it may be all that you desire for your living arrangements. While many people think of an efficiency apartment as a “bare bones” apartment, they can actually be quite comfortable and upscale as well as completely serve all of a tenant’s needs. Below are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of an efficiency apartment

Pro: Less Upkeep

Because an efficiency apartment is one large room divided used for multiple purposes, there is very little upkeep of the apartment as a whole because it is not that large. This means that you will not have to spend much time cleaning multiple rooms or pieces of furniture

Pro: Open Floor Plan

One of the aspects of an efficiency apartment that is often overlooked is the fact that it has an open floor plan. Since all a tenant’s living space are in one area the whole space is open to the other spaces. This means that light and air conditioning will not have to traverse through walls or into other rooms, and that you will be able to see into and use the other spaces simultaneously.

Pro: Cheaper

Because they are smaller, most efficiency apartments are significantly cheaper in their monthly rent. This can lead to substantial savings, particularly in major cities where rents are typically higher. Living on a small budget is easier when you do not have to dedicate a large portion of your paycheck to rent. Because of this, it is also a great option for those individuals who do not want a roommate but cannot otherwise afford a large apartment.

Pro: Same Amenities

Efficiency apartments are found in the same buildings as larger apartments and will have the same finishing touches and amenity access. Parking, pools, gyms and other apartment perks will be available to tenant’s of an efficiency apartment just as they are to every other tenant, but will not cost as much in rent. This means that your building and lifestyle may be impressive without costing a fortune.

Con: Size

An efficiency apartment is by definition the smallest of apartment options, and unfortunately this size often carries over into the apartment’s appliances, closet space and bathroom. Bathrooms and closet space may be quite teeny, and it is not unusual for there to only be one closet in such an apartment. Rather than a full-size refrigerator or dishwasher, there may be no dishwasher and a half or even miniature size refrigerator.

Con: Inability to Host

Because an efficiency apartment is one large room, it is very difficult to host guests without them stepping into your private space. You will need to share a bathroom and quite possibly a bed with anyone staying overnight in your apartment. A sofa bed or blow up mattress may be used, but will take up space when being used that may make the apartment feel cramped.

Con: No Separation of Space

While having an open floor plan can be good, it can also be quite difficult to furnish and make usable for different purposes. Your r kitchen may have to double as your office or your living room as your bedroom. Also, it may be impossible to place your bedroom near the closet or bathroom.