Station A Apartments

Apartment Living

  • To Roommate or Not to Roommate | A Practical Guide

    Sharing rent with a roommate is a pretty tempting arrangement at many points in your life. From young adults in their first apartment to professionals relocating for a job, taking on a roommate means lower rent for more home. If you and your roommate get along, it could be a rewarding friendship in a great place. Or it could be the other thing. When you’re looking for a new place or your circumstances have just changed, to roommate or not to roommate becomes the important question.

    To help you make the right decision, let’s take a closer look at roommates and how to choose them.

    When Roommates Go Right

    A good roommate is someone whose lifestyle, cleaning standards, and financial responsibility match your own. They might be someone you barely see, but they always leave their plates rinsed, and half of the rent is paid on time. Or they might become your best friend, sharing dinners and movie nights and staying in touch for years after you make new living arrangements. Not every roommate will be your bestie (and not every best friend makes a great roommate) but when the fit is right, it can create unforgettable years of friendship and co-living.

    Roommate Pros:

    • Lowered rent
    • Lowered bills
    • Chore sharing
    • Companionship
    • Shared friends and networks
    • Potentially:
      • Shared groceries and meals
      • Shared transport
      • Close friendship

    When Roommates Go Wrong

    It’s also important to be aware of the risks of a bad roommate. Everyone’s heard a few horror stories and the potential is all too real. A casually bad roommate is someone who leaves dirty plates in the sink, wet towels on the floor, and watches action movies when you’re trying to sleep.

    A terrible roommate is someone who doesn’t pay rent or bills, brings strangers into the house at all hours, steals your possessions, and causes damage they don’t intend to pay for. This is why it’s so important to choose your roommate carefully. When it goes wrong, it can go very, very wrong.

    Roommate Cons:

    • Different lifestyles and personalities
    • Less privacy
    • Compromise/ Give and take
    • Different cleaning standards
    • Potentially:
      • Clashing schedules
      • Bad match and conflict
      • Unpaid roommate bills/rent
      • Unwanted guests

    A Matter of Privacy

    You may also want to consider your own nature in terms of being a roommate. Some people just aren’t suited to sharing a house. If you can’t stand having someone else in your house, compromising on kitchen drawers, or sharing a bathroom with another person, that’s OK. In fact, it’s good to know about yourself before you accidentally inflict your discomfort on both you and a potential roommate.

    The Right Apartment for Roommates

    One of the most important factors of a harmonious roommate arrangement is actually the floorplan. The right apartment can make all the difference. If your two bedrooms don’t share a wall, that’s a plus. If there’s a bathroom for each of you, another plus. If the kitchen is open-plan or has tons of cabinet space for shared/separate dishes, another plus. If the walls are thick so you can’t each other at reasonable volumes, that’s another point toward harmony. In an apartment building, amenities that make it easy to give each other space like a fitness center or lounge can also improve your shared lifestyle.

    You’ll find a great selection of roommate-ready apartment floorplans and building amenities at Station A in Denver.

    Finding the Right Roommate

    • Financially Reliable
      • Pays their share of rent, bills, and groceries
    • Personality Match
      • You get along and enjoy each other’s company
    • Standards of Living
      • You mesh on cleanliness, chores, and organization
      • Agree on house rules and guest rules

    Most importantly, you need to find the right person to share with. These three factors are more important than being friends, sharing meals, or even decorating the same way. If you have the same standards of respect for each other, agree on how to do chores, and always pay rent on time, you can work everything else out. It also helps if you are on a similar schedule – or have a system that works for not disturbing each other’s sleep.

    Your Bestie May or May Not Be the Best

    Best friends are sometimes perfect roommates, but sometimes can’t stand to share a lifestyle. Be careful when selecting from existing friends that your lifestyles meet your optimistic expectations of harmony.

    Roommate Matching Services

    There are several reasonably good roommate matching services online to help you meet strangers who share those critical traits like cleanliness, schedule, and favorite movies. You can also network through social media. Just be sure to really vet a stranger before moving in together.

    Initial Interviews

    Interviews are crucial. Zoom now makes it easy to get a read on personality mesh, but you may want someone over as a guest – even for a few nights – before you really decide to sign a year lease together. Spend more than one interview getting to know a potential roommate and take time to get into those little details like respect, guest policies, and lifestyle differences that will matter when you’re living in close quarters.

    To Roommate or Not to Roommate?

    Is pairing with a roommate the right answer for you? The benefits of splitting rent, utilities, and securing a more spacious apartment to share is pretty tempting. With the right roommate, you could forge some unforgettable memories with a new friend, or even help each other with the next steps in your careers. At Station A in Denver, you can find both excellent roommate-style apartments with distant bedrooms in each floorplan or elegant private floorplans if you choose to live solo. Contact us today to explore apartment options with or without a roommate in mind.

  • Space Saving Ideas for Apartment Dwellers

    Apartments are great living spaces. However, they are not always the best of places in terms of storage spaces. This doesn’t mean that you should not stay in an apartment. With a bit of creativity, you can optimize your apartment’s storage capacity.

    This article is for you if you are an apartment dweller and looking for better ways to save space. It contains several actionable ideas you can implement today to help you maximize space in your apartment. Keep reading!

    5 Space Saving Ideas You Should Try Today

    1. Maximize Vertical Space

    One of the mistakes you might be committing is focusing more on horizontal storage. While horizontal storage might appear to be enough in a home setting, it creates clutter in an apartment. Instead, consider the vertical storage option.

    Storing your possessions vertically leaves you with much spaces on the ground. This way, you have less clutter in your apartment and extra space to store more items. You can facilitate vertical storage using racks, shelves, hooks, or wall-mounted storage compartments.

    2. Unique Storage Locations

    Your apartment has more unique storage locations than you may be using. For example, did you know that you can store items under the bed and still have more space for other things?

    Most apartment dwellers miss this storage opportunity by not having a bed but sleeping on their mattress flat on the floor. Whereas such an approach has nothing to do with the mattress’s quality or sleep, it eliminates a valuable storage space.

    Use a bed frame, and you will be surprised how much storage space you create with such an arrangement. Keep items – small and big – that you don’t often use under the bed.

    3. Kitchen Space Savers

    The kitchen is one of the areas where every apartment dweller has challenges with storage and space. While you may want to store all your items in cabinets, you won’t have enough of those.

    With a bit of organization, you can create enough storage space in the kitchen. Kitchen space savers such as the use of magnetic strips are a creative way to display your items. Magnetic spice racks will help you store most of your kitchen utensils without worrying about consuming a lot of space.

    4. Wall Mounted (disappearing) Kitchen Tables / Desks

    Wall-mounted desks and tables can help you save a lot of space in your apartment. Floating desks and tables give you enough space in your kitchen or living area, depending on your needs.

    Your wall-mounted desk or table can be a sleek model, which you can fold down from the wall after use, or a small option, which is deep enough such that it doesn’t take much of your floor space. Nevertheless, it is advisable to go for the option that suits your floor space and storage needs.

    5. Use Shelves

    Shelves are considered an ideal option in vertical storage. They are best for holding both small and large items, allowing you to have a number of your items off the ground.

    You take advantage of shelves in two ways – use a shelving rack or have wall-mounted shelves in different areas within your apartment. You will then use the shelving racks for your heavy items like kitchen appliances and the wall-mounted racks for small items such as soap and vases.

    Final Thoughts

    It can be hard to find an apartment with enough storage space to accommodate all your items. You have to create the space yourself. The above apartment storage ideas should set you off in the right direction. All you need is to be a little creative with your storage options, and you will be surprised how much more space you can create in your apartment.

    Now that you know how to maximum space in a home, have you gotten yourself an apartment yet? Station A offers you classic 1-bedroom apartments in Denver. Call us today for an exclusive tour of premier apartments that blend style and comfort.

  • Apartment Gardening: Window Gardens

    You don’t have to wait until summer to enjoy a fresh Caprese salad if you have the tools and skills to grow your own beautiful and productive garden indoors. Building a window garden is quick and easy, and you can have one regardless of your limited space. This piece provides all the knowledge to help you establish a thriving garden no matter the year’s season.

    Benefits of a Window Garden

    There is a good reason why window gardening still enjoys a surge in popularity. Establishing one comes with more benefits beyond the convenience of having your popular ingredients at an arms’ length:

    Add Style and Decoration 

    Your new window garden will ultimately add style to the interior and exterior of your home. Adding lush green and healthy crops enhances the garden window’s design and makes it quite beautiful to look at. Establishing a window garden can be an effective way to add character to your home and improve its resale value.

    Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

    Apart from enhancing your home décor efforts, an indoor garden can also help control indoor pollution in your home. Plants typically produce fresher air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen in a process called photosynthesis. Bringing your favorite garden plants indoors can actually improve the quality and health of the air that surrounds you and your loved ones.

    Convenience

    It is pretty easy to water window garden crops because they are right by the sink. Besides, when you are planting indoors, you can get various vegetable plants at your fingertips for a quick meal. More importantly, because you don’t have to go to the store for your ingredients, you save more time and money when you grow vegetables in your window garden.

    No Pesticides

    The fruits and vegetables you buy at the grocery stores could be loaded with pesticides and fertilizers that harm your health. However, when you grow your vegetables in your home, you are guaranteed fresh and organic food that is safe to consume.

    Therapeutic Benefits

    Gardening goes beyond being just a hobby; it’s therapy for most people. Establishing a window garden helps brings peace to your soul while enhancing your mental health. In a nutshell, indoor gardening is a perfect form of therapy for your mind, body, and soul.

    What Can You Grow in a Window Garden?

    The types of crops to grow in your garden depend on the growing condition and your personal preferences. If the indoor conditions are more on a cooler side and the light conditions feature primarily cloudy days, go for leafy greens. However, if you are experiencing more light, grow winter vegetables.

    Summer crops such as tomatoes typically do well in summer conditions or warm places that experience lots of sunshine. The trick is to experiment with various crops and grow what you see growing. Some of the ideal crops to get you started to include:

    • Microgreens: Microgreens are little plants that are quite nutritious and delicious. They will also look great in your kitchen window, especially if you place them on an ornamental pot. They don’t need good soil and thrive in limited space.
    • Herbs: Having a herb garden right in your kitchen window can be fun and rewarding. The list of herbs to get you started is quite inexhaustive. It can include rosemary, thyme, cilantro, parsley, celery, dill, stevia, and basil.
    • Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera does well indoors if you grow them in pots with excellent drainage. The crop doesn’t like it wet, and you should grow it in a sunny window. Utilize the crop to make your favorite juice is such as the aloe vera orange drink.
    • Other crops that do well indoors include lettuce, winter greens, strawberries, root vegetables, winter vegetables, broccoli, and cauliflower.

    What Are the Different Types of Garden Windows?

    Garden windows feature many styles specifically designed to help your plants reach and capture more sunlight. They are also made to conserve resources, such as lighting and space heating, that some plants need to grow. Most garden windows use the same technology as a greenhouse, only that the garden is right inside your house.

    Depending on the design of your garden window, you can establish different types of gardens to grow many kinds of crops. Some of the popular options include hanging gardens, countertop gardens, windowsill gardens, self-watering gardens, hydroponic gardens, and vertical gardens.

    Contact Station A for Outstanding Home Solutions

    There is no doubt adding a garden window in your home is an excellent investment when looking to upgrade your property. As home improvements go, an indoor garden is less costly with more benefits. Whether you will purchase a fully kitted window garden or DIY will depend on your budget, skills, and time. If you are planning to brighten up your home with a window garden, contact Station A today. At Station A, we provide a fantastic amenity package that makes a home feel more like a getaway.

  • Condo, Townhome, and Apartment: What’s the Difference?

    If you’re considering moving, you may want to consider choosing a condo, townhome, or apartment. But choosing between these property types may not be a simple matter of looking at their price tags, or getting the nearest option. You need to understand what each stands for, and how each fits into your housing needs.

    Here is a run-down of each of the three property types:

    What’s a condo?

    A condo or condominium refers to a privately-owned housing property within a community of other similar units. Before you move into a condo, you need to know you only take care of the interior — the rest is the responsibility of the homeowners’ association.

    As a condo owner, your own the interior, but share all the exterior amenities with the rest of the community. The homeowners’ association manages these facilities and oversees any conditions, covenants, and restrictions applying to the property.

    Condos are also relatively cheaper compared to sing-family homes. They appreciated at a slower rate in 2020, costing up to 17% less than single-family homes. They are cheaper when it comes to taxation: smaller spaces translate to smaller bills from the county.

    What’s a townhouse?

    A townhouse forms part of multi-floor homes sharing one or two walls with other properties, but with their own entrances. They may be uniform, as is the case for suburban townhouses, and have their own homeowners association.

    But newer ones in cities have a more traditional outlook with no affiliation to the homeowners association or have less restrictive homeowners’ association — for those that have them. Because of this, they may be more appropriate for a large family compared to condos.

    Despite a recent decline in the number of new townhouses, they have a long history spanning centuries. This doesn’t mean their supply will come up short any time soon. If you enjoy living close to your neighbors, they would be a great fit.

    What’s an apartment?

    What sets this property type apart from the others is the concept of renting. You can’t own an apartment, but you rent it and decide how long you would be there, or the frequency of payment. You can pay monthly, or for several months, or even a year. The rental lease options are flexible, quite appropriate if you don’t intend to stay in an area for a long time.

    Like their condo counterparts, apartment renters have access to common spaces and facilities such as gym, trash disposal, covered parking, and pool, among others. If you prefer to own an apartment, rather than rent it, you’ll have to find out if you can meet the price. Many people prefer to rent because apartments in some cities, such as New York, are quite expensive.

    Condo vs. Townhouse vs. Apartment

    If you’re trying to find out which between a condo, townhouse, apartment, would be the best for you, you’re likely weighing the strengths of each property type. But all three have a point of convergence: all require a down payment, as well as a monthly mortgage payment. Condos and townhouses also attract homeowners association fees.

    Condos are best for first-time homebuyers, and seniors on a downsizing trend, while townhouses would do well for those who need more. Go for an apartment if you want the flexibility to relocate, or are saving for a down payment.

    Another important factor in the differentiation of the three major property types is ownership. You have no ownership in an apartment because it doesn’t require a down payment, but you do need to make a security deposit in addition to the monthly rent. But you have ownership of the unit if you choose the condo, or both the unit and the property it sits on if you go for the townhouse.

    If you’re still wondering which to choose between a condo, townhouse, and apartment, we at Station A can help you. We look at your budget and housing needs to determine the best choice of a home for you. Contact us today and get the conversation started.

  • Decorating an Apartment Balcony

    Though you love apartment living, you miss having an outdoor space that you can enjoy the great weather and non-stop sunshine.  That’s why having your own balcony is the perfect solution.  But sometimes it’s a struggle to decide how to use and decorate your balcony for the most enjoyment and the biggest statement.

    Extend Your Living Space

    Instead of creating an outdoor look that feels separate from the rest of the apartment, why not carry your style outdoors? Find furniture that fits your indoor aesthetic, but it made for outdoor living.  Instead of sitting on rigid wrought iron or rattan, soften the space with cushions, pillows and throws.  Most items can be found made from fabric that is mold and mildew resistant and is made specifically for outdoor use.  And if you are all about relaxing, consider a hammock, or a pair of hammocks for the ultimate chill.

    Drink that Morning Coffee

    If you enjoy starting each morning with a cup of coffee, a balcony is perfect.  Bistro sets that are made for the outdoors are the perfect way to make a small balcony feel comfortable and inviting.  You will be looking forward to the morning cup of Joe (or tea) so you can sit on the balcony and enjoy the beautiful view.

    Bring on the Party

    If you are the type who likes to entertain, don’t just throw a grill on the balcony.  In addition to your grill, you can easily turn the balcony into an outdoor bar or lounge.  Comfortable seating or bar height stools are perfect for parties, overflow, or even an intimate evening in.  Floor pillows offer impromptu casual seating and can be easily stored or moved when not in use.

    Go Organic

    If you love growing your own herbs or flowers, your balcony can be a great place to garden.  Plants are so versatile, since they can be in an assortment of containers, grow on the floor, tables, shelves or even hang from the ceiling.  They come in a variety of colors, so you never get bored.  And if you love the look but lack the green thumb, high quality silk plants are often mistaken for the real thing.  Try balcony rail planters to save space for seating (or more plants!)

    Love that Color!

    If you are in love with that bright shade of yellow but just cannot incorporate it into your apartment, try using it on the balcony.  It is your chance to be brave with bright colors or combinations that you might not normally use.  If you don’t like it tomorrow, you can change it up for that shade of fuchsia.

    Light the Night

    There are so many types of lights to choose from for your balcony.  Hanging lights, floor lamps, and string lights add ambience to a small space and accent your style subtlety.  Just be sure that your lights are rated for outdoor use.

    Look Down

    You don’t have to be content with a plain balcony floor.  Tiles and planks that snap together over your floor are perfect to bring interest to a formerly drab floor.  And don’t forget rugs!  Outdoor carpet and rugs are washable, hold up to the elements, and bring a huge dose of class to your balcony.  They are available in nearly any color or pattern you can think of, so have some fun with your floor!

    Go Vertical

    You have walls on your balcony, so be sure to make use of that space.   Garden shops have a huge assortment of outdoor decorating items to choose from.  Hang your plants from the ceiling, a mirror on the wall, or even a drape to soften the space.  Outdoor shelving can add storage and interest to an otherwise plain wall.

    Your balcony can be an extension of your apartment.  It can showcase your interests, hobbies, and style and is relatively inexpensive to change up.  Don’t just decorate for the holidays.  Decorate for every day.  If you are looking for a premier apartment in Denver, give us a look.  You will love our beautiful apartments, our extensive amenities and features, and yes, our balconies.  Contact us today to set up an appointment and find out more.

  • What’s The Difference Between A Studio & 1 Bedroom Apartment?

    When searching for an apartment, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Location, amenities, and price can all be a determining factor in finding the apartment just right for you. Once you decide on the ideal apartment complex, you may ask yourself if you would prefer a studio or 1-bedroom apartment. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are key differences between a studio and a 1-bedroom apartment. Read on to learn what may be the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.

    What is a Studio Apartment?

    A studio apartment usually features everything in a single room with only a separate bathroom. A studio apartment has an open floor plan that combines the living room, kitchen/dining area, and bedroom. While a studio may provide a wall or divider for the bedroom, it does not give the full privacy of having a defined separate space for sleeping. Studio apartments are functional and concise. Here at Station A we also offer Urban 1 Bedroom Apartments. These are studio apartments with a half wall creating separate living room and bedroom areas while keeping an open layout.

    What is a 1-Bedroom Apartment?

    A 1-bedroom apartment offers a separate bedroom space closed off from the living room and kitchen area and a separate bathroom. With more space and privacy than studios, 1-bedroom apartments are thoughtfully designed with entertaining and comfort in mind. Depending on the layout, 1-bedroom apartments have a defined dining room or a functional eat-in area combined with the kitchen.

    Key Differences Between a Studio and 1-Bedroom

    • Price: The cost of renting a studio vs. a 1-bedroom apartment varies by location. A studio apartment closer to a city often costs more, while it is a more affordable option in the suburbs or locations further out from a city.
    • Location: While the price can vary by location, sometimes the location is the most important factor when apartment hunting. If it is the most important factor, size does not always matter. Finding a studio may be the most feasible option for a rental close to all the city’s amenities.
    • Occupancy: Studios are usually best for a single occupant with its limited square footage. If you are planning to share the apartment with a roommate or significant other, a 1-bedroom provides more space, storage, and comfort than sharing a studio with someone else.
    • Lifestyle: Depending on your lifestyle, you’ll want space to accommodate your routine. Whether you enjoy hosting guests or work from home, you want to ensure you have the room to continue your routine in comfort. Since a studio does not offer a defined bedroom area, it can be more difficult to entertain or make it difficult to obtain a healthy work-life balance. When planning to gather with friends or family often, it is usually more desirable to rent a 1-bedroom apartment. While working from home in a studio apartment is possible, some people may find it hard to work, eat, sleep, and relax in the same space day after day. Opting for a 1-bedroom apartment will allow space to set up a home office space in your apartment without compromising relaxation time.

    While apartment hunting can be a time-consuming process, understanding the different apartment types equips you with the knowledge to find the one that fits your needs best. Depending on your priorities, a studio or 1-bedroom could check all the boxes on your list. Now that you have the key differences between the two in hand, you can determine the best one for you.

    When looking for contemporary studios or 1-bedroom apartments in Denver, Station A offers move-in ready apartments that blend comfort and style. Contact us for a tour to see if Station A’s premier apartments are the right fit for you.

  • How To Find a Pet Sitter On Short Notice

    When you’ve had weeks to plan for an out-of-town trip or a holiday getaway, you can take the time to make arrangements for quality pet care for while you’re gone. You have plenty of time to make plans and find openings in the schedules of top kennels or pet sitters. But how do you find the right person to feed, exercise and clean up after your pet when you have a last-minute trip pending?

    Finding the Perfect Pet Sitter

    It’s always tough to leave your beloved pet in someone else’s care, but it can be less stressful if you find someone who is trustworthy and dependable to help with your dog or cat. That can be easier said than done, though, especially if you need to leave on short notice. Here’s where to start:

    • Family or friends. These are people you’ve known for a while and can rely on. As a bonus, they may already know your pet.
    • Neighbors. It’s most convenient for the people you live near to drop by your house a couple times each day to pet-sit. You may even be able to trade services and provide the same care for their pets when they are away.
    • Thumbtack. This online service sets you up with professionals in your area who come with reviews and an established track record. These people bid on your job and you decide on the best fit.
    • Rover. Established just for people who need reliable pet sitting services, Rover.com shows you qualified pet care providers near you and puts you in touch to work out arrangements. Insurance is provided through Rover and you take care of all instructions and payments through the site.
    • Neighborhoods app. A plethora of local message boards and communication services let neighbors know about issues that impact them, but these apps like Nextdoor or Nearify, services like Craigslist or social media groups on Facebook can give you a place to ask about available pet sitters and get recommendations.
    • Premium boarding. Your veterinarian or local kennel can keep your pet safe and near other people and animals during your absence. For some pets, this companionship can be much needed. Pets with special health needs may also be good candidates for boarding. While boarding

    If you’re considering a pet sitter who you do not know, make sure to get references and ask about insurance. Professionals will have no problem proving their qualifications. Friendly neighbors or acquaintances will be better known to you, but it doesn’t hurt to have them stop by — if time allows — and go over your requirements.

    Tips for the Pet Sitter

    Whether you hire a pro with great references or have a neighbor stop by frequently, you’ll want to make sure they have all the information they need to make pet sitting go smoothly.

    • Leave emergency numbers. Of course, you’ll leave your contact numbers, but you should also leave a number for a friend or family member in town. It’s also a good idea to leave your vet’s name and number in case of medical emergency.
    • Write out feeding instructions. Even if you go over your preferences in person with the pet sitter, it’s helpful to write down your pet’s needs. Note anything you do NOT want your pet to eat, as well, in case a well-intentioned sitter decides to give treats.
    • Provide exercise instructions. Some pets don’t need much activity or can get by while you’re away. Others, however, will need extra exercise to get through the time alone. Leave leashes, toys and other equipment in one, convenient location for the sitter.
    • Funny behaviors to be aware of. If your pet has any unexpected aggressions around food or play, you must identify those to your sitter. It can also be beneficial to the sitter to explain other issues related to being petted or played with, preferred routines, etc.
    • Pet rules. If you don’t let your pets on the furniture, tell your pet sitter so they don’t accidentally permit unwanted behavior. You can also detail any behaviors you are working on, like not jumping up, so your sitter can help enforce your training.

    If you come home to a happy, well-fed pet and see that your instructions were followed, you’ll want to tip your pet sitter for the good service. If you weren’t paying, such as if you made an arrangement with a neighbor, say thanks with a small gift card or homemade baked goods.

    A planned trip or vacation, for the holidays or any time of year, can cause you extra stress in finding the right pet sitter. That’s amplified if you have to go away on short notice. Make sure to find a trusted person to care for your pet, leave them detailed instructions and information, and thank them well when you return. And if you need the right place to live with your beloved pet, contact us  for information on the best contemporary living options in the Denver area.

  • How To Share An Apartment With A Roommate

    At some point or another most of us have to take on a roommate. This can go fabulously and you could be friends forever! Or, it might be a little more challenging. Most of the time, your experience will fall somewhere in the middle, and if you follow a few tips you just might have an enjoyable experience. Read on for more about how you can work through some common issues that roommates have and how to create a peaceful home in your apartment with your roommate.

    Communication is Key

    Like any relationship, you must communicate. This means a few different things:

    • Talk before you move in together about expectations regarding shared spaces and cleaning habits.
    • Solve any problems immediately. You can, of course, take a cool down period if there is any bickering involved. However, a general rule of thumb is not to let any problems linger and fester. This is how they snowball.

    Be Respectful

    In addition to just being civil and pleasant to one another, you need to respect boundaries.

    • Knock before entering bedrooms
    • Don’t eat your roommate’s food without their permission
    • In general, respect privacy — bathrooms, bedrooms, etc.
    • Consider toning down strong perfumes or candles as some people can be more sensitive to smells than others

    Consider your Roommate’s Schedule

    While you do not need to know every time they will be coming and going from the apartment, you should have a general idea if your schedules are opposite. For example, if they work an opposite schedule as you and need to sleep in the daytime, be respectful and keep the noise down. You should always be considerate of noise, no matter the time of day. If your music tastes differ, pick up a pair of headphones and rock out!

    Have a Plan for Chores

    It does not mean that you have to have an evenly exact 50/50 split. Maybe you hate cooking and they love it. Find a reasonable way to break up chore duty, so that you each know what to expect for the other. And, you should never make them clean up after you. Take care of your own bathroom trash, don’t leave your underwear around, and generally keep the place neat. When it comes time to the down and dirty cleaning that’s what you should evenly divide up. When in doubt, divide up the worst chores evenly so nobody is constantly taking out the trash more than the other.

    Put the Money Plan in Writing

    In most cases, you will probably split the rent 50/50. But, no matter how you decide to pay the rent put that in writing before you move in. If it is not outlined in the lease you should draft up your own document and have it notarized. Financial problems can ruin friendships, but they can also ruin your credit and your chances at taking out a mortgage in the future. The easiest and cleanest way to handle money is to decide on it upfront and put it in writing.

    The easiest way to work out an apartment agreement with a roommate is to have the difficult conversations up front. Talk about chores, money payments, groceries, laundry, all of it. It’s not too late, though, if you waited until after you moved in. Open communication is key, which might mean you need to make your roommate feel like you are approachable about a subject that you might be angry about. Remember, this is home for both of you. Home should conjure warm, fuzzy feelings. Disagreements happen, but working through them civilly and honestly is the best approach.

    Reach out and contact us today if you have any questions about how to come up with a peaceful agreement plan with your roommate! If you’re looking for an apartment to share with a roommate or roommates, check out our two bedroom and three bedroom floor plans.

  • Apartment Friendly Pets

     

    What kinds of pets are Apartment Friendly?

    When looking into getting a pet, there are many factors to consider, especially when you live in a rented apartment or smaller house. As a general rule, the smaller the animal is, the less space it needs — which makes smaller animals ideal for smaller living spaces.

    You also have to keep in mind the cleanliness of the animal, the general temperament, and the care needed if you choose to leave for vacation. Here are some of the most common apartment pets, and why they work well for small spaces.

    Fish

    Fish are small, pretty to look at, and easy to care for – depending on the kind of fish you get. A solo fish like a beta fish is a great starter pet for anyone looking to learn how to look after an animal without having to worry about the social difficulties you can encounter with a full tank.

    They do require daily feeding and regular tank cleanings, so they cannot be left fully unattended for more than a day, but you can easily have someone come feed them once a day and clean the tank as necessary – no interaction required.

    Birds

    Birds are more social creatures than fish and hamsters, and require a little bit more maintenance in the “love” department, but they do give that love right back. They will spend a lot of time in their cage, but many owners choose to let them roam the apartment a little bit each day. To do that, many owners recommend getting their wings clipped so they cannot fly away – but make sure to take them to a professional to do it!

    Small Dogs

    Dogs are called man’s best friend for a reason – they are incredibly social creatures. And while that is a wonderful, fulfilling thing, it does mean a lot more work if you do choose to leave them behind to go on vacation.

    Since they typically have full reign of the apartment and no easily accessible yard, potty training a dog can be a lot of work in an apartment, and puppies like to chew on things when they are teething or have separation anxiety. Be prepared to invest in some training classes to give you and your dog the best chance at a great apartment life.

    Station A is ideally set up for your 4-legged friend. Our off-leash dog park has room to run, obstacles to climb over, and plenty of watering stations. With over 2 miles of walking paths stocked with doggie stations, we’re sure your dog will love Station A just as much as you do!

    Cats

    Cats tend to be more independent animals than dogs, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can be left all alone for days on end. They often require regular feeding, and if the litter box is not clean enough it can spell disaster for other soft surfaces in your home.

    Depending on the size and breed of your cat, there can be other considerations to keep in mind as well. Some cat breeds, like Bengals, are high energy and require a lot of care and attention, including exercise. When their needs are not met, they can resort to destructive outlets like clawing furniture or inappropriate elimination, which can be overwhelming and hard to deal with in small living spaces.

    Providing adequate play time and access to clean litter boxes is essential to successful cat ownership, and that includes while you are away for vacation. Leaving them to their own devices could lead to stress and therefore inappropriate behavior. It is always best to secure overnight care for your cat while away.

    Have questions about what kinds of pets our residents like to have? Contact us!

  • Tips for Grilling at an Apartment

    Summer is here, and that means it’s grilling season! Are you prepared for the many joys and occasional challenges of grilling when you live in an apartment complex? Our residents’ guide to grilling should help you master the art of apartment complex grilling.

    Before getting started, you’ll need to know the grilling options available to you, the rules of your complex covering where you can and can’t grill, and the proper etiquette of grilling when you’re sharing prep and grill space with the other residents.

    The Different Types of Grills

    There are many types of grills and your enjoyment and results will depend in large part on choosing the right grill for how you like to cook and the flavors you’re looking for in your grilled food.

    Indoor grills — These electric grills let you enjoy the delicious flavor and appetizing look of char-grilled food even when there’s a thunderstorm raging outside. The best indoor grills are easy to use and just as easy to clean. However, foods cooked on them may lack some of that grilled flavor you’re expecting.

    Gas grills — These grills are generally fueled by portable propane tanks, although they can also be fueled by a permanent gas line. Simply turn a knob and you’re ready to grill. This makes them perfect for last minute grilling and those impatient grillers who hate waiting for coals to ash over. They also don’t produce any ash, so they’re quicker and easier to clean than charcoal grills. Gas grills at Station A can be used in designated grilling amenity spaces.

    Charcoal grills — Fueled by charcoal briquets, these grills are familiar old favorites to those who like the challenge of creating the perfect amount of heat from heaps of burning coals. It’s easy to add soaked hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry wood chips to the fire for an extra layer of delicious smoky flavor. Many people prefer the authentic ‘grilled’ flavors that come from burning embers. Utilize the designated grilling areas when grilling at an apartment. Most apartments, including Station A, do not allow for charcoal grill usage on patios.

    Outdoor pizza ovens — What tastes better than a crispy, slightly charred crust supporting a load of your favorite toppings? Delivery pizzas simply can’t compare with a pizza fresh from the blistering heat of an outdoor pizza oven and eaten just a few steps away! Check out Station A’s outdoor kitchen including pizza oven!

    Always Practice Grilling Safety!

    Safety is a priority whenever you’re grilling, and it’s especially important when you’re surrounded by other people who may not be paying attention to what you’re doing.

    Follow these suggestions for safe grilling:

    • Always follow the apartment complex’s rules for grilling.
    • Never, ever leave a hot grill unattended!
    • Know how to use the equipment properly. If you’re unsure, ask someone to show you.
    • Keep hot pads or oven mitts handy.
    • Always remember to turn all the knobs on a gas grill off when you’re done using it. Dispose of charcoal ash safely in a designated container.

    Know Proper Grilling Etiquette

    Don’t hog the shared grills! Other people might have grilling plans, too. Be prepared to share grill space with your neighbors and never leave the community grills in a mess. Remove any residue, clean the grates, wipe down the prep areas, and throw away all of your trash. Leave the grilling area as fresh, clean, and inviting as you found it and everyone will have fun grilling!

    Get to Know Your Neighbors

    Grilling is a great way to meet your neighbors and make new friends. Appetizing smells wafting around the area are sure to spark comments and questions. You may even find yourself swapping grilling tips or recipes with your new-found friends! You might even want to organize a potluck so everyone can share their favorite grilling or picnic foods while you all get to know each other better.

    Enjoy Station A’s Outdoor Amenities

    At Station A, our outdoor amenities include an outdoor kitchen with a food prep area, grilling stations, pizza oven, picnic nooks, and ample places to enjoy al fresco dining. Not a resident yet? Contact us to schedule a tour of our wonderful apartments and exceptional amenities!