At the end of a long day, who wouldn’t want to relax outside on a balcony? With Los Angeles’ stellar sunny weather and amazing sunsets, sitting out on a balcony is the perfect place to unwind. It’s a place you can plant a small garden, create a relaxing space to entertain guests, or even bring the feel of a romantic getaway to your home. Not only that, but it will add value to your home at the same time.
You may think that building a balcony is out of reach, but it’s actually not. From balconies to rooftop decks, unwinding outside is closer at reach than you think.
Designing your balcony in Los Angeles
As with any home remodeling project, planning is one of the most important pieces. You want to work with a contractor who can create the balcony you want at your price point. In addition, your contractor will be able to assess what kind of balcony can be built on your property, take care of any and all building permits, as well as design and construct your balcony.
There are some elements to keep in mind when designing and building a balcony in Los Angeles:
- Access: How will you be able to get to your balcony? Will it be open to everyone in the house, or will access be simply from a bedroom? You may want to design your balcony so that it is accessible from two bedrooms.
- Size: When designing your balcony, size is a huge aspect to determine. What are you going to use your balcony for? A private hang-out spot for two people? A place to entertain your friends? The size of your home and the proximity to neighbors is another factor that contributes to how big of a balcony you can build. Larger homes can accommodate larger balconies, while smaller homes may need a smaller, and cheaper “Juliet” style balcony (a balcony that is about big enough for a few larger plants). Work with a professional architect to design the balcony you want that will fit your home.
- Balustrade: This is the railing around the perimeter of your balcony. What kind do you want? Balustrades are usually made of wood, glass panels, vinyl, and concrete. When designing a balustrade, you want to choose one that will match the rest of your home.
- Materials: Waterproofing is the most important aspect of construction to give your balcony a long life. That said, there are many different materials you can make your balcony out of what will be water-tight. You may go for a classic wood balcony look. You can also install tile on your balcony. Vinyl and cement are two other cost-saving options that require slightly less. In fact, vinyl comes in options that mimic the look and feel of natural wood.
- Hire Professionals: When it comes to balconies, it pays to hire experienced professionals. Choose a licensed engineer, architect and contractor to help you with your project. You want to make sure your balcony is built to last. You cannot afford any shortcuts when it comes to building a balcony. You don’t want it falling down mid-party.
- Maintenance: With any balcony, you want to make sure you maintain it throughout its life. The main culprit in balcony failure? Water. Even a small amount of water can cause rot in the structure of a balcony. That’s why it’s critical that you get your balcony inspected every few years. Also, if you are building with wood, you want to make sure the wood is sealed and re-sealed every few years to protect it from water damage. Wood composite requires slightly less maintenance.
How much will it cost to build a balcony in Los Angeles?
There are many factors when determining the cost of your new balcony. What size balcony are you building? Is it a rooftop space or a balcony off the side of your home? Is it off the second story or taller? Will your balcony jut out over a canyon?
On average, it will cost between $8,000 to $20,000 to build a balcony in Los Angeles. This includes the design, construction, materials, and permits. The materials selected will have an effect on the pricing, whether you choose wood, plastic or composite.
The good news? Adding a balcony has a great return on investment. That outdoor space can be worth between 25 and 50% of the price of a square foot of indoor space. This adds a pretty good amount to the selling price of your home.
Looking to add a balcony to your home? Look no further! The experts at Balcony Creations will work with you to create the balcony of your dreams while working within your budget. From a cozy nook to a relaxing garden retreat, Balcony Creations has got you covered to give you a smooth experience from start to finish. Call us today!