Maintenance and Repairs

June 24, 2024 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Frederick Hann

Balconies and Terraces: Is This the Year to Upgrade?

From the Spring 2024 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

Three Essential Points To Keep In Mind Before Upgrading Your Balcony Or Terrace

As spring arrives, many condo owners are staring out onto their bare balcony or terrace, depressed by the sight of nothing but grey concrete. They’re wondering: Is this the year we finally upgrade this space?

Whether a large or small space, condo balconies and terraces often suffer from the Goldilocks effect: the space feels too big or too small, there’s either blisteringly hot sun or not enough sun, and the location never seems to be right: If you’re closer to the street, you might be bothered by traffic noise. On the other hand, if you’re up in the clouds, even a slight breeze can feel like a gale.

Faced with these kinds of issues, some condo owners go on ignoring the problems of their outdoor space – and cheat themselves out of a delightful experience. But you don’t have to be one of them!

With a plan that includes a clear design, a workable timeline and budget, and the knowledge of what it takes to get approval from your condo board, you can anticipate an outdoor space that reflects your tastes and interests, delights friends and family as you entertain, and improves the resale value of your home.

To accomplish this feat of transformation, there are three key points to keep in mind before you begin renovating or redecorating your balcony or terrace.

Did You Know?

Balcony or terrace renovations can create a rate of Return on Investment (ROI) of $1-2 for every dollar spent, while a kitchen or bathroom reno offers 65-85¢ on the dollar.

1. Be Clear and Concise About What You Want

For most amateur balcony or terrace decorators, it can be easy to jump into the project without a clear end goal in mind. Without a plan or vision, many people start buying furniture and flooring based on looks, and never stop to consider the scale of the furniture in their space, or whether their decking is properly fire rated (a must for most condo bylaws!) As a result, they waste time and money choosing the wrong things.

Before you buy so much as a planter, stop and consider. “Am I clear about what I’m trying to achieve?”

What we use our balcony or terrace space for is more personal than you’d suppose. Some people want a place for parties, to entertain friends and family in style. Others are looking for a private retreat where they can enjoy morning coffee or an evening scotch and cigar. Still other condo owners are looking for a space for exercising, weightlifting or yoga, while others would like a safe, comfortable space for their children or dogs to play in. No matter what you want, take some time to consider all
your choices.

Most importantly, take into consideration all the must-haves as well as the nice-to-haves on your list.

2. Envision All That Your Balcony or Terrace Could Be

What’s the difference between a cart full of groceries and a beautifully cooked and presented meal? Anybody can shop for food, but it takes skill and experience to combine and plate that food like a chef. In other words, if you’re not an experienced designer, it can be difficult to take a collection of furniture, accessories, decking, and lighting, and turn them into a cohesive, finished space. Once you’re clear on what you want and how you want to use your space. Now, it’s time to envision how it will look.

Take time to imagine your perfect outdoor room. Without hampering your vision with budget or other practicalities, explore what a day-in-the-life might be like. What do you see, smell, feel and hear? What are guests in your home telling you about the space? Free yourself to be fully immersed in your dream. (Browse for ideas, but remember...don’t buy anything yet!)

Understanding your design style, including preferred colours, patterns, and overall look and feel is so important, especially if you choose to work with a professional for your space. Without a clear vision, it can be easy to buy someone else’s taste instead of your own — and end up with a balcony you only like instead of love.

3. Understand the Physical Constraints of Your Balcony or Terrace

Making the most of your outdoor space means understanding its drawbacks and good points. Even if you think there are more problems than opportunities out there, know that there are ways to enhance your outdoor space and mitigate many of the physical constraints at the same time.

As a first step in this stage, consult your condominium manager for a list of rules and regulations. Some condo owners we’ve worked with in the past have come to us only after hiring a landscape contractor who had no experience working in condo communities. That resulted in installations that didn’t meet Building Code or the condo rules, and their condo board insisting that they remove the installations and start again.

Even worse than this scenario is going rogue and renovating without getting the approval. It’s essential that you get the approval of your board before you start your project, so that you understand what is possible in your space.

So, be a detective in your balcony or terrace. Uncover which areas are the windiest, where the temperature varies, and where leaves or snow are apt to pile up. Decide which views are the best and which you’d like to screen from sight. This includes how private you’d like your space to be — you don't necessarily want to be someone else’s view!

Also, how can you set up the perfect spot to enjoy your morning coffee on your balcony or terrace if you don't know where the morning sun is? Pay attention to the times of day that are sunny, and whether your balcony or terrace tends to be hot or cool. Depending on the size and exposure, some spaces will have both hot spots and cool spots.

Finally, remember to consider traffic noise and what steps you can take to reduce ambient noise.

Getting It Right

As you can see, this detective work is a big job. Unless you’ve got lots of time and are methodical, it can be beneficial to find an experienced professional who can help you achieve your balcony or terrace upgrade goals. A professional will very quickly know how to make the most of the best characteristics of your balcony or terrace; and what can be done to minimize the things that could lessen your enjoyment, or even be annoying. After all, you want to make the best of the space, to enjoy it to the fullest while you are living there, and eventually get the best return on your investment when you sell your condo home. An experienced team can help you create and clarify your vision, design a space that suits your tastes and needs, set a reasonable budget and timeline, and deliver on the plan in a way that delights your condo board and you!

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Frederick Hann, CSLA, Rooftop, terrace and balcony amenity expert