Creating the Perfect Balcony

A balcony can be a great asset for your home, and the usage of them is not just restricted to the summer months. There are a variety of ways you can make use of your balcony, ensuring it is a cost-effective and valuable asset to your home. If you're looking at having a balcony installed, you need to ensure that you plan the design carefully so that it complements your property.

The Design

If you want to get the most out of your balcony, you need to have a good initial design. You should look at making the structure an integral element of the property rather than one that simply looks as if it's been added on. A good balcony should draw light into the house rather than taking it away or making the downstairs rooms darker.

The Structure

One of the main issues you will have to consider when building a balcony is how the structure is going to be supported. This will often depend on the type of property you have and the location you choose for your balcony. There are a couple of main options you have. You can opt for a balcony with legs or go for a cantilevered system. If you choose the second one, you'll need to consider how the steel supports will go into the property and if this will affect the house internally.

You could also look at building a type of raised deck, which is particularly beneficial for sloping or steep gardens. It could be more useful to have this decked area with balcony rails than install a steep staircase.

The Cost

The overall cost of your balcony will depend on the size and style you choose, as well as the location of your property and how the balcony is to be attached or supported. If you have a set budget in mind, by speaking to a specialist company you can work together to create a balcony that fits in with this and your requirements.

There is a range of materials that can be used for balcony construction, including timber, glass and steel. Some of these options are cheaper than others. If you think slightly more creatively, you can achieve just what you're looking for but at a lower cost.

A balcony will last for many years if it's correctly looked after. Therefore you need to spend time thinking about what you want to achieve in order to create your perfect balcony.