Julliet Balcony vs Normal Window

[psd99]

Hi does anyone have a Juliet balcony?

I am pondering the thought of creating a bedroom in the loft, an architect suggested a Julliet Balcony, lovely Westerly facing garden at the back. Lots of light in the summer months.

However, I do wonder what the pros and cons are of such an idea and if anyone on here has a Julliet Balcony. My "alarm bell" first thoughts are all about safety around children and possibly if it could work against me when selling the place on. Also, I did not realise this but I think I am beginning to get a bit scared of heights, either that or a mild dose of vertigo when at the top of a long ladder!

what do you all think?

 

[psd99]

yes right about space there, that could be the place where a radiator goes.

then it all hinges on exactly how big the room is and Where the radiator could go instead.

 

[psd99]

oh right
I thought they were really popular

probably in mainland europe more though.

 

[psd99]

@psd99 - Seen this?

I can't find the George Clarke advert but looks like a cool idea.

lol looks good but building control will never approve that
and the view on the front of the house will probably let me peak into everyones bedrooms

 

[psd99]

I'm a Building Inspector - never seen one of these in person, but as long as the lower portion is in compliance with Approved Document K and BS6180 I'd see no reason why it wouldn't be acceptable.

I've noticed the bottom section hinges out, so appears to maintain the guarding height as it gets extended.

All looks non climbable as well to stop young kids trying to get over.

would you not consider how intrusive that could be for my neighbours?

the last thing the hot young blonde from across the road would want is me peering into her bedroom window

*not really reality - old folks mostly around here boring!

 

[psd99]

Would be an issue for Planning if the window is acceptable or not, rather than Building Control - my focus would primarily be on occupant safety in the building, so I'd be looking at the structural aspect, guarding heights etc. As well as other things such as the windows energy efficiency.

ok cool

the juliet balcony just doesn't sound fit for a loft for familes with young kids
imagine accidentally leaving the door open one day just asking for trouble

 

[psd99]

Yeah - they probably do pose more risk.

The only saving grace is you would need a guard height of 1100mm for a Juliet Balcony, Vs 800mm for a window so a fair bit higher for obvious safety reasons.

The balustrade has to be non-climbable as well, so either solid or vertical balusters only.

how wide apart do u think those bars actually are? could a kid get through for example

 

[psd99]

Have one, in good weather you can open the doors and get the outdoors indoors.

One I have has glass panels not railings.

I think the glass panels look safer but surely more maintenance?

how often do u have to clean that? bird s*** must be a problem lol

 

[psd99]

We have a glass one tbh it makes the room, summer is lovely laying on the bed tackle out enjoying the fresh air.

nice is that in a loft? or bedroom up top?

 

[psd99]

Used to have them in our townhouse (middle floor Ie lounge)

They do a let a lot more light in and you do feel more attached to outside

They are obviously colder, and they open inwards so its a bit of a pain having to have enough space to be able to open them all fully ( ours were two doors wide like patio doors)

Standing there is pretty much the same as being actually outside, sitting not really

I probably wouldnt spec them myself If I was deciding what to put in

If you had a nice view (such as hot blond other side of the road ) then maybe worth considering

cheers - its quite a nice view actually of the garden at the back and im fairly certain it will not be intrusive for other neighbours
got quite a private garden also with lots of trees around here.

(the fit blonde lives on the other side of the house but too far to see from here, but the good news is she has to walk past my place to get in and out of the road lol) she loves her tight jeans! proper show off.

 

[psd99]

Our architect wanted to put one in our master bedroom when we built our house. I just couldn't get my head around what the point of them was and couldn't find anyone that could give me an answer as to any upsides to fitting one.

Yeah you get slightly more light in as there's more glass but you lose all the usefulness of the wall, we have my wife's dressing table in front of the window now and it'd have just made the room a really awkward shape for furniture otherwise.

Just my 2p

I guess it also depends on the size/layout of the room

not sure how big the room will be up there

 

[psd99]

1st floor looking partially over farmland and the South Downs.

Cost was quite a bit £900 for the glass and brackets £50 for resin and threaded bar £1000 to turn a window into an inward opening door plus all the labour

has it been worth it then?