For growing numbers of urban evangelists, The Loft is not just a living space but an entire philosophy. But those vast acreages of floor and wall sometimes dissolve into expensive quicksand before you can say ""water pressure"" (a frequent pitfall). For warier enthusiasts, Fairbridge and Kowal provide checklists of things to look for in a prospective loft (neighborhood noise patterns, type of elevator, lease loopholes); guidance through the mysteries of demolition; discussions of plumbing, insulation, floor refinishing, wiring.