PHILADELPHIA - If you want to purchase a new apartment, it is essential to determine the ceiling height. There are several things to keep in mind, including minimum legal height, average height, and cathedral ceilings. If you are unsure, consult a professional realtor or home inspector. Then, you can make an informed decision regarding your new home.
Minimum legal ceiling height
If you plan to build or renovate an apartment, you need to know the minimum legal ceiling height. These standards are set by the local jurisdiction's building department. Typically, a minimum height of seven feet and six inches is required in habitable rooms and common areas. However, this height does not apply to utility rooms, bathrooms, or hallways.
This minimum height is necessary to ensure you have enough room to breathe and stay healthy. Moreover, a ceiling height that falls below this is dangerous to occupants. You may need to spend a lot of money raising the ceiling to ensure you live in a safe space.
While it may seem intimidating to consider adding a taller ceiling height, it is easier than you think. Aside from maximizing the space, a taller ceiling height can increase the property value. Moreover, the added space makes apartments more appealing to renters.
Average ceiling height
Ceiling height is the measurement from the top of the finished floor to the top of the ceiling, and it plays a vital role in the overall aesthetic appeal of an apartment. A higher ceiling can also draw in more natural light and increase the sense of space. An average apartment has 8 feet of ceiling height, but you can expect to see more than ten feet in some historic buildings.
The ceiling height in an apartment varies depending on the time of construction and the materials used in the roof. Typically, first-story ceilings are about nine feet high, and second-story ceilings are around eight feet. Some houses have ceilings that are higher than this, but these are rare and represent an upscale home. Ceiling height can also vary within a single room, and different rooms may have different ceiling heights. This allows for more artistic freedom and architectural experimentation.
In New York, high ceilings are one of the most desirable qualities of an apartment. Until not too long ago, the average apartment ceiling height was eight and a half feet. Now, however, most luxury developments are offering ceilings over ten feet.
Cathedral ceilings
Cathedral ceilings in an apartment can add a touch of luxury to the space. They provide a spacious, open-plan look and feel and can be decorated in various ways. A high ceiling can be contrasted with abstract art to create a unique look. Exposed beams, wooden furniture, and pottery in a room with a high ceiling can lend a rustic look. Skylights can also add extra natural light to a room with a cathedral ceiling. You can also hang cafe curtains to give a cottage look.
Cathedral ceilings are great for adding charm to any room, but you'll need to remember that they will also require more heating in the winter and may make it challenging to replace lightbulbs. Cathedral ceilings are an excellent choice for apartments if you don't mind the extra money.
The most significant advantage of cathedral ceilings in an apartment is their energy efficiency. Since warm air tends to rise up, the room will keep it cool. But if you want to lower your heating costs, ensure you install proper ventilation in your apartment.
Low ceilings
When living in an apartment with low ceilings, you're faced with choosing the right type of lighting to make the space more comfortable. The problem with low ceilings is that there's not much vertical space for installing fixtures. In addition, the wrong kind of lighting can result in unintended high-contrast areas, making it difficult to see objects and perform daily tasks. Fortunately, there are ways to overcome the problem.
For one thing, high ceilings can give a room an airy, spacious feel. High ceilings also give your room a grander look. You can hang chandeliers from the ceiling or place big paintings and statues to make the room look more spacious. Having a high ceiling in your apartment will also give you more room for ceiling fans and decorative lighting. It will also save you electricity.
Adding floor-to-ceiling windows to an apartment can make it look taller. You can also add vertical wallpaper to a living room to change the look of the space. However, this will require more work than adding floor-to-ceiling windows.
