ᐅ Single-family home – Is a balcony on the first floor (second floor US) practical?
Created on: 25 Feb 2014 11:44
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Panama17
Hello everyone,
I am currently searching the internet for floor plans of detached single-family homes. I’ve noticed that upper floors often have balconies, either in front of the master bedroom or the children’s rooms.
I’m wondering if this really makes sense, or what exactly is the purpose of a balcony on the upper floor? Do people actually use it from the bedroom? And if so, for what? I would think people prefer to use the ground floor terrace if they want to sit outside. I could imagine it might be nice to open the door briefly in the morning to check the outside temperature, but is that really worth the effort? And what would children use the balcony for? I think I would be more worried that the kids might end up causing trouble there.
Or are these balconies mainly designed to provide a roof over the ground floor terrace?
I assume a balcony involves considerable costs, so I’m just curious.
I’m looking forward to your experiences and opinions!
I am currently searching the internet for floor plans of detached single-family homes. I’ve noticed that upper floors often have balconies, either in front of the master bedroom or the children’s rooms.
I’m wondering if this really makes sense, or what exactly is the purpose of a balcony on the upper floor? Do people actually use it from the bedroom? And if so, for what? I would think people prefer to use the ground floor terrace if they want to sit outside. I could imagine it might be nice to open the door briefly in the morning to check the outside temperature, but is that really worth the effort? And what would children use the balcony for? I think I would be more worried that the kids might end up causing trouble there.
Or are these balconies mainly designed to provide a roof over the ground floor terrace?
I assume a balcony involves considerable costs, so I’m just curious.
I’m looking forward to your experiences and opinions!
Here in Upper Bavaria, balconies simply fit the traditional house style. These balconies, however, are extremely narrow and probably serve mostly for aesthetics – and as a place for plants. I have never seen anyone sitting on these balconies here.
My aunt and uncle had a balcony added a few years ago. They live in the old house of my great-grandparents (built in the early 20th century), occupying the first floor and attic. The ground-floor apartment is rented out. Now, they have the balcony to quickly enjoy a coffee outdoors. In summer, though, they are more often found in the garden.
My aunt and uncle had a balcony added a few years ago. They live in the old house of my great-grandparents (built in the early 20th century), occupying the first floor and attic. The ground-floor apartment is rented out. Now, they have the balcony to quickly enjoy a coffee outdoors. In summer, though, they are more often found in the garden.
I had a feeling that a balcony on the upper floor of a single-family house is more for aesthetic reasons than practical ones (except for something like a great view from a balcony on a hillside location, which I would consider differently).
Thank you very much for your experience reports!
I will just keep looking at the floor plans, and when it comes to detailed planning, I will definitely keep in mind that a balcony is not really necessary, but it does add a lot visually, and overall it depends on the total costs whether to include one (or two) or not.
I also imagine floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom or bedroom to be very nice, but I really dislike the protective grids that are installed in front of them when there is no balcony.
Thank you very much for your experience reports!
I will just keep looking at the floor plans, and when it comes to detailed planning, I will definitely keep in mind that a balcony is not really necessary, but it does add a lot visually, and overall it depends on the total costs whether to include one (or two) or not.
I also imagine floor-to-ceiling windows in the bathroom or bedroom to be very nice, but I really dislike the protective grids that are installed in front of them when there is no balcony.
Panama17 schrieb:
I personally find floor-to-ceiling windows in bathrooms or bedrooms very attractive, but I really dislike the metal railings that are often installed in front of them when there is no balcony.Well, there is also the option of installing a floor-to-ceiling window with a transom. That way, you don’t have a French balcony.
Jaydee schrieb:
Well, there is also the option of installing a floor-to-ceiling window with a transom. That way, you wouldn’t have a French balcony.I just looked it up, but I couldn’t find any clear answers. What exactly is it? A floor-to-ceiling window where only the top half can be opened?
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