The Foreign Service Journal, February 2010

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 0 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 23 not spacious. Find out what extent of alterations and remodeling is permitted; you may want to re- move a partition, build in book- cases, add hardwood floors, enlarge a kitchen. In this connection, there is a distinct advantage in looking at a facility which is new and under construction or is being remodeled, since you can prescribe configuration, colors, window treatment, etc. Another consideration: A relatively new establishment will have younger, more active residents and — on a re- alistic, actuarial note — more men about. Storage is at a premium. Most senior living facilities have a storage cubby for each apartment in the basement or garage, usually about 4-by-4-by-8 feet. Fancier apart- ments feature their walk-in closets, but take a realistic look at how much storage space you will actually have for clothes, books, pots and pans, skis, suitcases and so on. As emphasized earlier, retirement living implies paring down. It is important to inquire closely into just what expenses are and are not included in monthly fees. For example, if a certain number of meals is included (as they almost certainly will be), to what extent are these transferable to guests, and to what extent can they be held over to the next month if you are away on a trip? What in-apartment maintenance of appliances, electrical or plumbing sys- tems is included, if any? Are any state or local taxes left to be paid separately? Finally, check what restrictions may exist on your abil- ity to sell or to sublease. For instance, are you required to list through the management of the facility — and if so, what are the transaction and commission fees? Or can you use your own realtor? Good luck! ■ F O C U S It is important to inquire closely into just what expenses are and are not included in monthly fees.