Square footage is an integral component when selecting an apartment, typically determined by measuring length and width with a tape measure, then multiplying those numbers together.
Some areas aren’t considered when calculating home’s square footage, such as attics and basements; other spaces like garages and patios do factor in. Does an apartment’s square footage include its balcony?
Balcony Size
Based on your apartment type and location, balcony sizes will differ accordingly; however, having an understanding of average dimensions is helpful when selecting an apartment. Balconies provide an ideal way to enjoy nature without giving up indoor living space – in addition they serve as storage for any extra items that don’t fit inside an apartment.
Balconies can also serve as an entertaining spot, perfect for gathering with family and friends. A large balcony could accommodate a dining table and chairs to provide an inviting space to sit back, enjoy your meal or socialize. In addition, balcon can also be used to grow plants or used as workout spaces with exercise mats and chairs for workouts.
Many apartment buildings boast shared outdoor spaces like pools or other amenities for residents to use, influencing whether an apartment with a balcony should be considered. Sometimes this decision must be made for those living on higher floors that lack their own yards or gardens – an apartment with a balcony may be their only viable choice in these cases.
A balcony is an outdoor space attached to a building, typically on the second-floor or higher. Generally smaller than terraces and constructed slightly off of the ground. By contrast, rooftop terraces are built directly on top of apartments and often larger than their counterparts.
Although apartment balconies come in all shapes and sizes, a typical one measures 4×6 feet – perfect for seating a bistro set to enjoy coffee on in the morning and to sit outside with friends to unwind and relax. A balcony may also be used to grow flowers or vegetables as well as store belongings.
Some apartments feature Juliet balconies – basically large windows designed to improve aesthetics but offer no outdoor experience – while other have larger, more extensive and inviting balconies for outdoor living. Mediterranean countries where outdoor lifestyles are more prevalent often boast balconies of greater proportion than elsewhere around the globe.
Australian Standard AS 4349-2008 stipulates that each apartment occupant is required to access at least one square metre of private outdoor space (balcony, patio or terrace). Furthermore, certain design specifications can be added to balcon such as privacy screening or absorbent soffit materials that can reduce noise pollution.
Balcony Use
When purchasing an apartment, there are numerous factors to take into account. Not only must you think about its layout and size; you must also take into account what features are important to you – for example if you plan to host guests frequently you should find an apartment with a spacious kitchen and plenty of living room. Furthermore, if your plans involve moving into a house later then your current apartment must accommodate that transition smoothly.
One of the major factors affecting your apartment square footage is how often and extensively you utilize your balcony. Balconies provide great places for relaxing in the sunshine, enjoying meals al fresco or simply taking in breathtaking views – however it’s important to keep in mind that their use could potentially pose safety issues if careless use occurs.
If you plan to host guests, it is best to find an apartment with a spacious balcony that can comfortably fit all of them. Also keep an eye out for guest height as balconies may become dangerous if someone falls off them; and make sure that there are no regulations prohibiting certain activities like drying laundry or setting up decorations on the balcony.
Maintenance is key when it comes to apartment living, and balcony care should not be neglected. A clean and well-kept balcony will attract potential buyers or renters and increase property values; additionally it should also help quickly repair any damages or wear and tear that occurs on its surface.
Regarding balcony repair and maintenance, it’s essential to remember that its responsibility can differ depending on whether it’s considered common property or exclusive use common property. In general, common property is handled by the body corporate; otherwise exclusive use common property falls on its respective owner of an apartment building. In either instance, professional advice should always be sought when cleaning and maintaining one of these areas.
Balcony Maintenance
Balconies add significant value to a property by connecting indoor living spaces to the outdoors, creating an outdoor experience within indoor living spaces. Balconies with views of city skylines or their local neighborhoods make attractive amenities that potential buyers or renters seek out when viewing properties for sale or rent; unfortunately, though, balconies don’t always count in square footage calculations.
Balcony maintenance is an invaluable way to maintain the appearance of your apartment’s outdoor space all year long. Regular cleaning of your balcony is necessary in order to prevent dirt and debris build-up, starting by clearing away furniture, rugs, plants from the area before sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose debris or cobwebs. Once cleaned up you should wash both walls and floors using either water with detergent solution or plain soapy water in a bucket if necessary.
Although it might seem unnecessary to devote so much time and energy to cleaning an outdoor space used solely for socialization, a well-kept balcony will look far better than one covered in leaves, furniture and cobwebs – not to mention make your apartment more appealing to potential tenants and buyers.
Price per square foot (PPF) calculations of apartments typically take into account only interior areas such as bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchens, living rooms and enclosed patios; garages, basements or unfinished areas typically aren’t factored into this analysis; balconies however may add value if maintained regularly.
No national standards exist to determine square footage calculations; however, guidelines do exist. These guidelines outline how to measure an interior space accurately, what should be included or excluded from square footage statements, and more. Using such guidelines may provide appraisers with protection from claims related to appraisal; however they aren’t binding – different lenders and appraisers use different methods for determining price per square foot estimates when selling/buying apartments. It would be advisable for you as an apartment seller/buyer to find out which method your prospective lender/seller uses when calculating price per square foot figures for appraisals/inspections.
Balcony Value
A balcony can add significant value to your property; in fact, it can increase its worth by twelve to twenty percent due to the added functionality it can provide; such as relaxing, cooking, dining and growing plants and flowers (good for the environment!). Furthermore, it’s an excellent spot from which you can admire the surrounding neighbourhood views.
Noting the addition of balconies into your square footage may seem irrelevant; they do not count as living space after all! Furthermore, real estate listings usually do not include them either because they do not form part of the house – to avoid disappointment when buying such homes it would be wise to consult your realtor or property manager first.
Balconies can be an invaluable feature of any apartment. From serving as entertainment venues to acting as selling points, balconies can add considerable value. But remember, not all balconies are of equal size: larger balconies will add greater financial benefit.
To determine the value of your balcony, it is important to assess what can be accomplished using it and the additional living space it adds to the property. When planning to sell an apartment, including its square footage is recommended in order to get maximum price for it.
There is no hard and fast rule regarding whether balconies should be included in a home’s square footage count, it all depends on how an agent measures the property and their listing strategy. One agent might include it without issue while another might use ANSI guidelines to take their measurements, which includes including balconies.
A balcony can be an invaluable addition to any home, providing enhanced ventilation, reduced noise pollution and traffic congestion, as well as providing a peaceful escape from everyday life. Furthermore, balconies help improve air quality which is essential for human health.