A commercial loft for rent is generally small, affordable, and offer great flexibility of design, meaning they are oftentimes in great demand. Great demand, of course, can often mean hard to find and inflated pricing.
That is the condensed version of this discussion. Let’s expand on all of that in this article about a commercial loft for rent and how it may be right for you. We are RDS Real Estate, serving the Greater Fort Worth Metro area with over three-million square feet of industrial space and commercial property for rent. Call us at 817-439-3224 for more information.
What is a commercial loft for rent?
Before we proceed, let’s get a basic definition established.
A commercial loft refers to upper-story space, usually in a commercial or industrial building with higher ceilings; a second-story area for storage or offices above may be added within the original space used by a previous business occupant, effectively becoming a mezzanine area within the commercial loft space. In most situations, though, a commercial loft is a separate space, and it is used primarily for commercial purposes. The zoning of any area defines what a specific loft can be used for.
Pros of a commercial loft.
A quick list of the advantages of a commercial loft for rent:
- Lots of space: Loft apartments are spacious and vast, with high ceilings and ample square footage.
- Live/work set up: Some lofts are zoned for residential and commercial use, allowing you to legally conduct business from these spaces.
- Natural light: Floor-to-ceiling windows let in bright light from outdoors.
- Desirable location: Most “hard lofts” are located in desirable neighborhoods.
Cons of a commercial loft.
- Noise: Many of the old industrial space buildings used for lofts have wood floors which also double as ceilings for the apartment below.
- Privacy: A big challenge to loft living is the need for privacy, particularly in single-room lofts.
- Lack of storage space: Another unexpected problem in loft apartments is the lack of storage space.
- Fewer amenities: most lofts and very basic design, a bare roots approach.
- Higher utility bills possible, depending upon the insulation used during remodel.
- Cost can be higher, especially in “gentrified” neighborhoods, the cool factor costs!
What to look for?
We are then left with our suggestions on what to look for in a commercial loft.
Location would be the #1 criteria. Commercial means business, and business depends upon easy access for customers/clients.
Look for good insulation since lofts tend to be susceptible to extreme temperatures.
Look for a lease which gives you as much freedom as possible for decorating the interior of your loft.
And make sure of the zoning regulations for an area, which will allow you to conduct your type of business there.
Cost, of course, will always be a factor. Sit down with your accountant, crunch the numbers, find out what you can afford, and then sit down with a real estate leasing agent and ask for recommendations for the best location for your type of business. Knowledge is power in commercial real estate, and a local real estate agent will have that knowledge.
A final word about RDS Real Estate
RDS Real Estate is locally owned and operated and that simply means we know the Fort Worth Metro area like the back of our hands. Call us no matter what you need i.e. warehouse for rent, flex space for rent, shop for rent, retail space for lease, you name it, we’ve got it, and we will work with you to find the perfect property for your business.