In the dictionary, the word duplex means two fold, or a house divided into two living units or residences, usually having separate entrances. The duplex is actually a quite common house form. Different from apartments, condominiums and multi-level homes, this is a house that has been split into to parts, either down the center or by floor. Each unit usually has separate kitchen and laundry facilities and, like the dictionary description said, separate entrances. Many times, they are scattered around neighborhoods with apartments and fourplexes, a series of four apartments stacked side by side. The benefits of living in this type of residence include lower monthly payments and lawn services; however, you do have to give up a certain amount of privacy.
Privacy
One of the major disadvantages of living in a duplex is that they do not offer as much privacy as living in a regular house. The walls of the complex are usually quite thin and you will be able to hear some of the conversations of your neighbors, especially if they are talking loudly. Similarly, they will be able to hear some of your conversations. If you plan on making a private phone call, consider taking the phone away from the walls. Also, there might not be a lot of privacy in the backyard, which can pose a problem if you like to entertain, or if you have small children who want to play there. You might have to extend an invitation, whether you were planning to or not, to your neighbor the next time you have a backyard barbeque or party. Also, you will need to make rules for your children concerning where they can play and what they are and are not allowed to touch.
These may seem like major inconveniences, but they can also be wonderful social opportunities for both yourself and your children. You might find that you become fast friends with your housemate and want to invite them to parties and get-togethers. Or, if they also have children, your kids might become friends, which can help ease any move. It can also provide you with childcare if you trust the other person and your child feels comfortable being left alone with them. However, it is important that you do not take advantage of the other person’s time or generosity. Be willing and open to watching their kids or, if they don’t have any, offer to pay them, or do some household duties in exchange for the time they spend watching your children.
Lawn Care
If you are living in a duplex, one of the nice things will be that you will not be solely responsible for your front lawn. Depending on the nature and layout, you might share a yard, or there might be two separate lawns. You also might share a backyard, or there might be a fence dividing them. Either way, you have the option of working out a lawn-care system with the other home-owner. Perhaps you would like to rotate the responsibility of mowing the lawn or weeding the flowerbeds. You can usually trade off services such as raking leaves, or cleaning out rain gutters, which will make things easier on you. Be considerate and respectful if the other person is unwilling to split, share, or alternate any of the necessary household chores. Some people like to ignore the fact that they share a home with someone else and might be unwilling to divvy up the duties. In a fourplex, lawn care services are almost always provided by the owner of the complex.
By Stacy Hinojosa