subject: Lofts - Comparing "New Construction" to "Warehouse Conversion" [print this page] Lofts - Comparing "New Construction" to "Warehouse Conversion"
Toronto Lofts have unique looks with nostalgic colors or exposed old bricks walls, original wood or steel beams and columns, wood or concrete floors, exposed electrical and heating/air conditioning ductwork, and high ceilings that are above 10 feet have been especially important for loft lovers. Larger, factory like tall windows and open customizable and dividable large spaces that can be converted into bedrooms, dens, kitchens, and bathrooms are the characteristics of a "true loft".
The huge popularity of new lofts has created an opportunity for real estate developers to re-rejuvenate neighbourhoods such as Toronto's "Liberty Village" and the Historic "Distillery District". Clearly, for a true loft lover, these "soft" lofts are simply not the real thing, but regular condos with open spaces and tall ceilings, but for most Torontonians this concept of living space is very desirable.
HARD LOFTS
A Hard Loft (True Loft) is a conversion of a old factory or warehouse. They have a harder edge and are usually constructed of concrete or "mill-style" construction featuring exposed brick, original wood posts, beams and floors. Typically, these lofts have open floorplans and high/unfinished ceilings with exposed ductwork, plumbing and electrical.
SOFT LOFTS
In recent years developers have built new buildings with some of the characteristics of a hard loft such as high ceilings, large windows and open floorplans. These lofts typically have a softer edge......no exposed ductwork or plumbing, carpet in some areas and upscale kitchens and baths. Soft lofts have more in common with traditional condo than a true hard loft.
