A second-story balcony is a wonderful addition to any home, but no matter how small you want it to be, it’s always best to have a professional construction company carry out the work for you.
Below is some general, but useful guidance for building a second-story balcony:
Consider access points
Every balcony of course requires an entranceway, and you’ll need to think carefully about where you want that to be, and which room (or rooms) it will be accessed from. You may even want an exterior access point via a stairway, for example.
Think about what materials it will be made from
Wood, cement, wood composite and vinyl are the most popular options as far as construction materials for second-story balcony’s go, and each one has its merits. Cement, while strong, robust and very gray, can be painted to make it more pleasing to the eye. Wood is an attractive material, but one which will need to be carefully, and regularly sealed, against the elements. Wood composite requires less maintenance but is more expensive, while vinyl is easy to install, reasonably priced and can mimic the appearance of wood. Talk to your chosen construction company to decide upon the most suitable material.
What size should it be?
An overhang that obscures the sun and prevents it from reaching the ground floor is not ideal, but the balcony needs to be big enough to fit its purpose. If you want a bigger balcony for entertaining on or storing items, you might need a bigger structure, or consider building it on a ground floor instead; again, your construction company can better advise you.
The style of the balustrade
This ultimately defines the overall look of your balcony, so will need to be carefully considered. Wood, metal, vinyl, glass panes and concrete are popular choices of material, while designs that are formed of a semi-circle, angular lines or a single straight line, are common.
Do you have the relevant permission?
To maintain the architectural integrity of your home, and keep you and anyone else living in your home, safe, a second-story balcony will need a city permit before construction can begin. A reputable contractor will be able to better advise you on any permit requirements for your state and/or city.
What is your budget?
You’ll need to take into account the cost of materials, the size of the balcony, labor costs and access points, before you can arrive at a realistic price range, however, on average, your finished balcony will cost you between $15 and $35 per square foot.
An attractive and useful addition, a second-story balcony can also increase the value and curb appeal of a home, but you must find a skilled and trustworthy construction company to carry out the work professionally.