06-21-2023, 09:49 PM
(06-21-2023, 01:14 PM)danbrotherston Wrote: Given that garages can be converted to indoor space, but usually are not, is indicative that this isn't true. People might prefer storage to garage (this is pretty clear) but indoor space conversions are pretty rare.
That being said, space is generally more at a premium in apartments than homes. But as someone who lived in an apartment without a balcony, I can tell you that it was sorely missed. Being able to go outside for a breath of fresh air without going all the way out of the building is a major quality of life improvement on apartment living. I think folks here are under rating it. Just because something is infrequently used does not mean it is not highly valuable.
Also, just because people would make some choice about their living arrangements does not mean it actually maximizes their QoL. How many people commute 2 hours each way to work in the GTA just to own a larger detached home instead of a smaller row house closer in. All data indicates these people are making choices which harm their QoL.
I should clarify that when I mentioned garages, the part that I think is the same is conversion to another use, not specifically turning into another indoor room. For garages I think the actual use of many garages says that many people turn out to really want storage space and bicycle parking rather than an (or an additional) indoor car parking spot. I think those uses could be satisfied much more cheaply than by building an entire garage.
That being said, a garage can be either so there is something to be said for flexibility.
Anyway, my main point is that people buy and rent based on how they think they will use a space, not on how they will actually use it. And developers, quite naturally, build to satisfy people’s buying/renting personalities, not their ordinary living personalities.