Is this really something one should think about? Absolutely! Living alone is so much easier than having someone else around. Some people even must interview possible roommates just so it’s likely that they match on co-habitation.
In having a roommate, one must picture considering the next person who will use the bathroom, kitchen, couch, and everything else that’s in the same space. Roommate breakups can happen, and it can be tricky because both parties would most likely sign a lease both are stuck with. Although it is financially sound to have a roommate while single and working, here are the things one needs to take into account before having a roommate.
Bills
Of course, monthly rent is almost always paid separately from gas, electricity, and water usage. There are appliances that could increase the monthly bills which one may or may not use, for example, a personal computer that is being used all day by a roommate who works from home permanently, or a water heater that is frequently used even if the water’s normal temperature seems fine.
As tactful as one can include the money talk, the better. When one considers a roommate to share the bills with, it’s important that the ability to continuously pay bills without delay is gauged accurately. When talking about finances, one needs to get a clear view of body language—it’s important that the potential roommate is comfortable talking about numbers.
Your Privacy
Yes, it’s a good question. Some people like to walk around with their underwear, unbothered. And yes, this matters to people. Before having someone else around, it’s important that there is enough self-reflection about the routines one needs to sacrifice. Say one likes the condo living and cannot afford to pay the rent alone, choosing a roommate is important especially if it’s a studio-type condo with no division installed.
Taking this to the other side of the equation, one also needs to know if the possible roommate has non-negotiables when it comes to cohabitation. Understand that there are design adjustments, as well as lifestyle adjustments that need to be done.
The Habits of The Roommate
It doesn’t matter if a possible roommate has been a friend for years, people are different at home. There are annoying habits that are not discovered until people live together and things might go out of hand and break friendships. Caution is needed when considering someone so close. Someone who looks so pretty and fashionable may not be tidy at home. Resentment builds up when one feels like she puts in more effort towards the chores than the other. A so-called best friend could go home drunk, smells like alcohol every 4 AM and that’s when the morning starts. Or someone loves to invite other people into the room every day which one may or may not be comfortable with.
Your Willingness to Compromise
Yes, this is a relationship that needs constant communication. If one did not know that the roommate prefers smoking in the room, who is willing to compromise for a healthy and friendly living space? What about a girlfriend, boyfriend, or a guest that frequents the room even if the real roommate isn’t around? Dishes that are left untouched in the kitchen sink for days; different kinds of body odor that one never thought existed?
These are questions out of the many common possibilities of living with someone one never got a chance to live in the same room with. A lot of things will come as surprise! Choose a roommate who can contribute towards the upkeep of the living space.
The sleeping patterns of your Roommate
This is still a sensible question. With work-from-home setup now being common, a roommate will prefer the lights to be off at mid-day, and quiet times all night especially when he handles calls instead of nonvoice accounts. After the 8-hour work will be another’s time for relaxation like watching TV, home workout, or inviting a guest over for dinner—unfortunately, these all need to go when a roommate works on a PC and needs a very quiet and tidy environment. So, make sure that schedules at least match each other’s needs.
The Division of Spaces
Since this does not talk about living in a mansion, there have to be conversations regarding which side of the kitchen will be used by who, how many rooms do you need, how loud the music should be, how big should each closet be, and many more, because if it’s just a one-room apartment with bunk beds, people are likely to step on each other’s toes. So position the beds on opposite corners of the room, get a loft-type unit, whatever each person needs to have enough space.
Your Expectations with the Prospective Roommate
Everybody knows nobody’s perfect, so hearing the other person out will make them feel valued in terms of understanding what they need and would convey one’s willingness to communicate whenever there is building conflict. It’s normal that you also do not fit on someone else’s lifestyle and schedules, which is a wise way to understand if you fit theirs.
Having someone else at home can be challenging for so many different reasons, and yet living alone can get into one’s nerves when there is no one else walking around the home or no one to talk to when one had a rough day at work and not even friends can have the time. It is why condo living is preferred by young people because besides the well-designed rooms, there are amenities like pools, running tracks, parks, and gyms around the area for one to enjoy with others. It fits a lifestyle that will make room for other mind and body activities. The wisest questions and things to consider come from the worst experiences, so friends who have had roommates can be good sources of information.
If you are thinking of moving into a new condominium, check out Vista Residences!
Vista Residences is the condominium arm of the country’s largest homebuilder, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc. that offers ready for occupancy and pre-selling condominium projects in Manila, Makati, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Ortigas, Baguio, Cebu, and CDO that are strategically located within major cities, in close proximity to premium universities, transit-oriented locations, and developed business districts.
For more information on Vista Residences, email info@vistaresidences.com.ph, follow @VistaResidencesOfficial on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, or call the Marketing Office at 0999 886 4262 / 0917 582 5167.
