June is Balcony Transformation Month
Important Tips To Improve Your Quality Of Life And Property Value
June marks the end of the school year and the beginning of the summer holidays. It's the time for the ever-important national holiday of Father's Day.
In June, we experience the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the day with the most daylight hours. It marks the beginning of the meteorological summer starting on June 1st and the astronomical summer on June 21st.
And with the arrival of the longer days and the warm to hot sunny weather, many condo residents look yearning beyond the glass of their windows and sliding doors to their bare balconies, terraces, and wonder. How will I make my balcony or terrace more hospitable and cozy to use and enjoy?
Imagine the joy of a beautiful balcony or terrace: waking up to fresh air, enjoying sunsets and cityscapes, and sharing the space with loved ones. It’s a healthy and happy way to live.
Transforming your balcony or terrace into a beautiful extension of your condo home is not just the stuff of dreams. If you are ready to change scenery beyond the glass of your condo, that’s smart thinking for your quality of life and the investment value of your home.
A stylish and functional balcony or terrace is a gift that keeps giving every day, and for those considering selling their condo, a balcony or terrace transformation provides a great return on investment; you are more likely to attract buyers and get the best price for your suite if your balcony or terrace has been transformed.
Consider these three key points for a stylish and functional outdoor oasis that maximizes enjoyment and home value.
1. Express Your Style
The most attractive balcony is a harmony of parts between the outside and inside of your home. Your style is how you express yourself to the world, your watch, your car, your clothing, your interior décor, the layout, material and pattern selection, and the components and decor of your balcony or terrace. And, while crafting your outdoor space to reflect your style is somewhat like interior design, it’s quite a bit more challenging. This is why most interior designers shy away from designing balconies or terraces. More on that in the following blog post. Still, your style is key to acknowledging when creating your dream outdoor space. So ask yourself, What is my design style? How do I want to express it on my balcony? If unsure, click the link below to take you to a fun style guide assessment.
2. Steer Clear of Risk
You can face significant risks and liability if your balcony or terrace upgrade does not conform to applicable Building Codes, the Condo Rules and Regulations, or is not registered to your Deed. Condo Boards and legal counsel for potential buyers and condo owners are aware of safety and potential liabilities. If there is doubt, you could be required to remove your upgrade work entirely! Unless you have a lot of experience to do it yourself, working with a Professional is the best way to assure yourself, your Condo Board, and a potential future buyer that your upgrade work is beautiful, has been properly done and is code compliant and safe.
3. Start with a Plan... Avoid the No-Plan Trap™
Failure to have a plan and a design is a surefire way to fall into the No--Plan TrapTM. Establish the overall look of your new balcony or terrace in the planning stage. Establish the feeling for the essence of your design. Get yourself a step--by--step blueprint!
To help you evaluate how prepared you are to transform your balcony or terrace, click the link below to take you to the Readiness Scorecard. Rate your reactions to each pair of phrases and decide where you lie on a scale from 1 to 5. You'll get your readiness score when your individual scores are summed from each column. It's fun to see your score. No matter your Readiness Score, you will get an insight into what you need to do to develop a strong foundation on which to transform your bare balcony or terrace.