The short answer is yes, you can live in a warehouse. Warehouse living spaces are becoming more and more popular in cities around the world. With individuals working in the city, many are making the move to be closer to work by moving into old warehouses that have been magically transformed into beautiful homes.

Many individuals are attracted to warehouse living spaces because of their industrial design appeal – think exposed brick, wide open spaces, natural lighting, and high ceilings.

While the thought of transforming a warehouse into a livable space sounds like a dream-come-true, it’s not as easy as you might think. You can’t just buy a warehouse like you’re buying a home. There are many hurdles to jump through when choosing a warehouse to transform into a beautiful living space.

Location

When it comes to choosing a warehouse to transform into a livable space, the most important thing to consider is where the warehouse is located. First, you will need to make sure the warehouse is located in a livable location. Is there public transportation available? Are there good schools nearby? Is there enough parking nearby? Be sure to check on crime statistics as well – you don’t want to purchase a warehouse to transform into homes if it’s not in a safe location.

It is also important to make sure that the surrounding buildings aren’t going to affect the value of the property you are converting. If there is a manufacturing plant nearby, the noise of the plant or the smell may be something that you may want to consider.

If there are no similar dwellings nearby, you may want to reconsider your purchase. If you are transforming the warehouse into multiple living units, consider how prospective renters may feel about the location as well. Grocery stores, coffee shops, and gas stations nearby may create a higher appeal for renters, as it creates easily accessible amenities.

Zoning Laws

When you decide on a warehouse, you will then need to look into the zoning variances. Since most warehouses are zoned as industrial, they will need to be rezoned into residential zones to become habitable. Zoning laws are regulated by local governments, either city or county, and control the way in which properties can be used and developed.

 

Cost

After you’ve chosen a warehouse, you will need to have a structural inspection and architectural survey completed to ensure there are no major structural issues that would make the building inhabitable or unsafe for living. Depending on the outcome of the inspection, there may be costs associated with making updates, fixing any issues that arise, to ensure safety.

Other costs to take into account are making sure building codes are up to date, replacing old windows and elevators, and obtaining a hazardous materials report. Building codes will look at plumbing, electrical, heating, and fire protection systems. It is important to make sure that these are up to date and safe to ensure that the living space is in fact a livable environment. The hazardous materials report will look at potential harmful materials in the building, such as asbestos and lead paint. These will need to be taken into consideration to ensure the health and safety of individuals inhabiting the environment.

Design

Once you have all permits and inspections, you can begin thinking about the design of your warehouse living space. With exposed brick, wide open spaces, natural lighting, high ceilings, you essentially have a fully customizable space. The options are endless!

Searching For a Warehouse?

Schwarz Properties can help you find an industrial or commercial property in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia! Visit our website today or call (336) 625-6076!