One of the key benefits of installing a balcony on your flat roof is that it can provide your property with more room and in most cases could increase its value. A balcony, as much as a terrace or walkway is a great way to maximise the space used on your flat roof. Below are several considerations that you might want to make before deciding.
Full Answer
Can I add a balcony to my home?
You can add a balcony to your home when you get a loft conversion, extension or other building work done. There are a few things to consider when adding a balcony to a property which doesn’t already have one: What type of balcony will it be?
How to decorate a flat balcony with fairy lights?
As far as flat balcony ideas go, hanging up fairy lights or lanterns is one of the most preferred ones, for the sheer ambience it adds and the homely atmosphere it extends. If you prefer a warm tone, consider hanging up yellow-bulb fairy lights with black cables that are inconspicuous.
Should you add a staircase to your balcony?
If you want the balcony to act as an area for entertaining, then it makes sense to consider adding a staircase. This can help to tie the balcony with your garden — allowing you to get more out of both spaces. Often a spiral staircase will provide the simplest solution thanks to their compact footprint size.
Do I need planning permission for a full balcony?
Of course, if your budget allows, then a full balcony will usually provide the best solution. What could be better than rolling out of bed and enjoying the sunrise from the comfort of your bedroom! Do I Need Planning Permission? You can safely assume that planning permission will be required for any full balconies.
Can you add a balcony to a flat UK?
Please note that if you want to build a veranda, balcony, decking area or raised platform in the grounds of a flat then planning permission will always be required. In addition if a building to which it relates is a listed building, then both planning permission and listed building consent would be required.
Can you turn a flat roof into a balcony?
Can my flat roof be converted into a balcony? In most cases, yes, it's possible to convert your flat roof.
How much does it cost to put in a balcony?
The cost to build your new balcony will depend on several factors including size, height, materials, cost of labor, and finishes. According to HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner spends anywhere from $2000 total to build a smaller deck and about $7000 for a 200 by 500 square foot deck.
Can you add a balcony to an existing house?
A second-story balcony will require a permit from your city before construction can begin. If you've chosen a contractor with the appropriate credentials and licenses, he or she will be able to guide you through the permitting process and give you valuable design advice.
Do I need planning permission to add a balcony?
In short, yes, you will need planning permission. The UK Government has excellent planning guidance on their website and your local council can also provide further guidance. Key things to consider include: Neighbours: Frustratingly for anyone living nearby, balconies can let you see into their gardens.
Can I sit on my flat roof without planning permission?
It's necessary to be able to access the flat roof to carry out maintenance and inspection. However, it may not be designed to sustain regular usage. If you intend to use your flat roof as a sitting area, you must first get planning permission, and discuss any support needed with a contractor.
How much value does a balcony add to a flat?
12%As well as allowing you to soak up some extra rays, balconies can add a significant amount of value to your property. It's not really surprising that, due to the extra sun catching opportunity, and up to 12% added property value, balconies are becoming more popular than ever.
How much does it cost to install a small balcony?
A balcony costs from $20 to $90 per square foot, including materials and labor costs, although most people pay around $35 per square foot. If you're installing a small balcony big enough to accommodate a few chairs and a coffee table (4 feet by 10 feet), expect to pay $600 to $2,400.
Can I add a balcony to my bedroom?
Build the Bedroom Balcony of Your Dreams Having a bedroom balcony can be a beautiful oasis attached to your home. You can relax outside, enjoy more fresh air and improve your home's curb appeal and value all at once. You'll need to make sure it's built sturdy and has the right railing to guarantee safety.
How do I attach a balcony to my house?
2:095:25How to Safely Attach a Deck to a House | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is the top of the foundation. Sitting on top of the foundation. Behind these shingles is a beamMoreThis is the top of the foundation. Sitting on top of the foundation. Behind these shingles is a beam that's called the sill. So we're going to drill some holes in the ledger.
How much does it cost to build a balcony UK?
The cost of a basic balcony ranges from about £1000 to £5000. With any balcony including a platform to step on, you will also need to receive planning permission to make sure that your neighbours and the surrounding area don't have any issues with privacy or blocked sunlight.
How are balconies installed?
1:223:06Sapphire Staines Road Glide-On Balcony Install - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe balcony is brought in nearer to the building. Once in range the internal installers lock on withMoreThe balcony is brought in nearer to the building. Once in range the internal installers lock on with their guidance. Rods.
How do I convert a flat roof to a deck?
2:077:46Deck Over A Flat Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTwo foot by two foot. But I love how these panels are 100% IPE. And then these plastic deck spacersMoreTwo foot by two foot. But I love how these panels are 100% IPE. And then these plastic deck spacers which actually stand off the teepee oh they're not physically connected to the roof.
How much weight can I put on a flat roof?
Any commercial flat roof that was built to California building standards can hold 300 pounds concentrated, or 300 pounds placed in an area measuring 2.5 by 2.5 feet. That means that a functioning roof that is up to basic standards can hold you and may accommodate basic HVAC equipment.
How do you build a rooftop balcony?
1:0513:43Building a Balcony Roof - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut first step is cutting the plywood back I want to make enough of a gap here. So that I can fitMoreBut first step is cutting the plywood back I want to make enough of a gap here. So that I can fit two by sixes. I'm gonna use two by sixes as the the rafters.
Can I put a terrace on my roof?
You can install a roof terrace on virtually any flat roof. However, as installing a roof terrace may require some investments (especially if the roof construction needs to be strengthened), it is useful to know that you can minimize the load by choosing light-weight outdoor furniture and flooring.
How to make a balcony look more beautiful?
Add a Few Green Plants. If you love nature, adding a few green plants to your balcony’s outdoor living space will make it look more beautiful. You may plant flowering or ornamental plants, depending on your preferences. To cut down on weight, make sure that the plants aren’t too big.
What is the purpose of a balcony?
The purpose of a balcony will influence not only its design but also its size. For instance, a balcony built to view only the surrounding is quite smaller than the one meant for night parties.
Why do people have balconies?
Besides increasing the value of your home, a balcony will create an incredible outdoor living space and provide a spectacular view of your surroundings. You can relax at your balcony to relieve stress and enjoy the fresh air outside, especially in the evenings.
What can a structural engineer do for a balcony?
A structural engineer can help you determine the best balcony design that suits your house. The expert will also evaluate if your home can support the structural loading capacity of the balcony you intend to add to avoid accidents.
How to block strong winds?
Worry no more because you can still protect yourself from the strong winds. Building a recessed balcony is one of the best ways to block strong winds. These are balconies surrounded by walls on its three sides. Alternatively, you can build a full-height glass around the balcony.
How to block wind?
Building a recessed balcony is one of the best ways to block strong winds. These are balconies surrounded by walls on its three sides. Alternatively, you can build a full-height glass around the balcony. A transparent glass will offer a perfect view.
Can a balcony break?
You would not want to see your balcony breaking and falling , making it essential to consult a professional builder. Adding a poorly designed balcony to your house may risk lives, especially if you plan to arrange heavy materials on it.
What type of Balcony?
There are four main types of balcony to choose from, some of which may be unsuitable for certain types of property:
Where on the property will it be?
Some types of balconies lend themselves to being built in certain places, such as a window balcony which can only be built in a sloping roof.
Do I need planning permission for a balcony?
With the exception of Juliet Balconies, all types of balcony will need planning permission.
How much does a balcony add to the value of a house?
ANSWER: You should definitely look into installing a balcony as it would provide your home with a degree of usable outdoor floor space and this could, potentially, add five or 10 per cent to the value of the property.
How much does a cantilevered balcony cost?
A cantilevered balcony measuring, say, one-and-a-half metres by 1.2 metres is likely to cost you between £3,000 and £3,800. You should certainly be able to recover that when you sell.
How to reduce the impact of overlooking neighbors?
The extent to which you overlook your neighbours will also be important — but you can usually reduce the impact by adding obscured glazing or some form of permanently fixed balcony screening to ensure that next door’s privacy is maintained.
What is Juliet balcony?
If you still think that noise, overlooking or loss of privacy to neighbouring properties would result in a refusal, consider installing a Juliet balcony, which is made up of French windows with an externally attached railing across the lower part.
Can balconies be noisy?
Larger balconies able to accommodate more than a couple of people have the potential to create noise disturbance, which is much harder to design against, so try to keep it as small as possible if you think your neighbours might object to your application.
How much does a balcony cost?
However, it’s a safe bet that your finished balcony will have cost somewhere between $15 and $35 per square foot. Keep in mind that you may recoup the cost of this project in home value, should you want to sell it in the future.
What kind of railing should I use for a balcony?
Balustrade. The style of your balustrade very much defines the aesthetic of your balcony. Wood, metal, vinyl, glass panes, and concrete are common railing types. Choose a balustrade that forms a decorative semi-circle, angular lines, or a single straight line.
What to know before selecting a contractor?
Before selecting your contractor, make sure you’ve requested multiple estimates and have verified the credentials of each candidate. You don’t want someone completing a potentially dangerous project on your property if they lack experience or the requisite insurance.
How big is a balcony?
A balcony that extends four feet outward is a reasonable size for accommodating a few chairs and two to three people. But if you’re planning to use your balcony for storage or to extend your entertaining space, you may want look into a bigger structure or opt for a ground-floor deck.
When will the second story balcony be added?
Second Story Balcony Additions. June 28, 2021. Balconies are one of the most romantic architectural nuances. They bring to mind secret meetings between star-crossed lovers, beautiful views of nature, and intimate conversations with loved ones over cups of coffee. But on a practical level, they can increase your outdoor living space ...
Is a second story balcony a simple project?
A small second-story balcony is a fairly simple project, but is best left to the pros. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t have control over the finished product. Here are the design aspects you’ll want to consider before hiring a contractor:
What is a Juliet balcony?
A Juliet balcony (no prizes for guessing where the name came from) is essentially a railing which sits directly outside a window. Whilst these features won’t add any extra space to your house, they offer a cheaper alternative to a full balcony and can allow you to fit full height doors on upper storey rooms.
Why are there balconies in Europe?
This is because they can completely transform the look and feel of your home. They offer a low maintenance space for relaxing or entertaining and larger windows ...
Can you tie a balcony to a garden?
If you want the balcony to act as an area for entertaining, then it makes sense to consider adding a staircase. This can help to tie the balcony with your garden — allowing you to get more out of both spaces. Often a spiral staircase will provide the simplest solution thanks to their compact footprint size.
Do you need planning permission for a Juliet balcony?
You can safely assume that planning permission will be required for any full balconies. It may be possible to avoid this step with a Juliet balcony, but this depends on whether your property is listed or within a conservation zone.
Can a wooden balcony be a slip hazard?
The balcony surface needs careful consideration. A wooden deck may look nice but can also act as a slip hazard and unless treated regularly can have a shelf life. Perforated metal gratings can provide more grip along with better drainage. They also allow daylight to pass through the balcony and into any rooms below.
What happens if you have a solid floored balcony?
Loss of light: Solid floored balconies can cause the rooms and garden areas below you to become dark and overshadowed. A lack of precedence: If you are the first in your area to add a new balcony there may be no precedence in place which can make it more challenging to get planning permission.
What is a Juliet balcony?
A ‘Juliet’ balcony, where there is no platform and therefore no external access, would normally be permitted development.”.
Do you need planning permission for a rear balcony?
Often there are different rules regarding planning permission for a balcony at the rear of a home than at the front. If your planned balcony doesn’t totally fit the design and period of your home, you may be asked to build at the back of your property instead of the front.
Do I need planning permission for a balcony on a flat roof?
Generally, planning permission will be required if you’re looking to convert or modify a flat roof.
What are the requirements for planning permission?
While it is always worth checking with your local planning department before undertaking any work, planning permission is required if: 1 You are building something new. 2 You are making a major change to your building. 3 Your building is listed, or you live in a conservation area.
What happens if you build without permission?
If you do decide to build without the right legal permissions, you will have committed a planning breach. You would then need to submit your plans retrospectively. If these are approved, then you are in the clear. If, however, your application is rejected you may have to undo the changes you’ve made at great personal cost.
Why do people have balconies?
For many homeowners, having a balcony is an aspiration and a great step towards their ideal home.
How high can a balcony be?
Verandas and balconies more than 300mm high don't come under your permitted development rights, so you'll generally require planning permission to add one to your existing home. Always double check with your local authority and architect first.
Why are balconies important?
Balconies can help increase outside space and provide shade beneath, but they must be far enough from your boundary not to intrude or overlook your neighbours.
How tall should a terrace be?
Unless it's completely surrounded by existing walls, the terrace will need railings for safety. A minimum height of 1,100mm is required for building regulations. If your new terrace will overlook the neighbours or block their view, you'll need to obtain planning permission first. Images: Getty.
Can you make a terrace on a flat roof?
Whether you live in a flat and crave outside space or dream of an all-day suntrap, if you have access to a flat roof you could create a terrace.
Do you need planning permission to replace a window with a door?
Think about access to your new space. Replacing a window with a door of the same width doesn't require planning permission, but if you want a larger opening, you'll need structural supports.
