Contributed Post
Shakespeare left a pretty powerful legacy in the UK, and we don’t just mean in the shape of his written works. Juliet balconies, named after the famous balcony scene in Romeo and Juliet, are more popular than ever, with more and more UK homeowners opting to install them at their properties.
And it’s not hard to see why. As we’ll see below, this popular balcony type has a lot going for it. If you’ve been considering adding a Juliet balcony to your property but haven’t yet made up your mind, then the following list of benefits might just convince you that now’s the time.
You Generally Don’t Need Planning Permission
It’s one thing to have a grand plan for your property. It’s another thing to get the legal right to do it. All too often, UK homeowners come up with a design idea that could drastically improve their quality of life at home, only to discover that getting planning permission will be a long and expensive ordeal.
Happily, that scenario doesn’t apply to Juliet balconies. These additions don’t require planning permission, which means that you can have confidence that your plan will come to fruition.
They Can Increase Natural Light
Everyone knows that having natural light in the home is important. Not everyone knows how to actually get it. There are plenty of tips and tricks out there, such as painting the walls a light colour and strategically placing mirrors on the parts of the wall where light enters.
They’re good hacks, but they’re somewhat limited in how much they can achieve. Juliet balconies, on the other hand, really can make a significant difference to how much light enters a property. With studies showing that increased natural light in the home can lead to improved mood, better sleep, and enhanced energy efficiency, it’s no wonder that UK homeowners are turning to affordable Juliet balconies as a way to boost light in their properties.
Plus, they don’t just let light in. They also provide a window to the outside world. In an age when many people don’t have as close a connection to the outside world as they’d like to, this type of balcony offers a viable way for homeowners to spend a little more time looking at the natural world — all from the comfort of their bedroom.
They’re Long Lasting
When making home improvements, it’s always wise to check how long you can reasonably expect it to last. On this front, Juliet balconies score highly. There are glass suppliers that specialise in providing tough, durable glass and other system components that can give homeowners full peace of mind that their Juliet balcony will last for decades. Provided you buy from a reputable seller, it’s reasonable to expect that the balcony will last anywhere from 20 to 30 years (or even longer) with only minimal maintenance. In terms of value for money, there aren’t too many easy-to-do home improvement projects that can do better than a good Juliet balcony.
They Can Improve Property Value
You’ll be adding a Juliet balcony because it’s something you want, but it’s also reassuring to know that they’re something that other people want, too. As mentioned, Juliet balconies are more popular than ever in the UK, and they’re something that home buyers pay attention to. Studies have shown that they can help to improve property value by as much as 5 to 10%. Given the relatively low cost of the hardware and installation of Juliet balconies, this means they can provide a pretty fantastic ROI.
Even if you’re not planning on selling your property anytime soon, it’s always nice to know that things are moving in the right direction. Additionally, unlike other home improvement projects, this isn’t one where the boost in value will wear off after a few years. Given how long they last, you can expect the value boost to still be there many years down the line.
They Offer Enhanced Airflow
The importance of having good airflow in the home is often overlooked and underrated. In the damp UK environment, it really can make a big difference to a property’s humidity levels, which in turn can help to minimise the risk of mold. This is especially true for more modern homes, which typically have such excellent insulation that good airflow really is vital for letting humidity escape.
Juliet balconies provide an easy and convenient way to let air circulate around the property, and to do so safely. It’s essentially the same as having your front or back door wide open, but as it’s on an upper floor, you don’t have to worry about passersby thinking that you’ve accidentally left your front door open.
They’re Safe and Secure
One of the primary concerns homeowners have about installing a Juliet balcony in their homes is that they could be unsafe, increasing the risk of accidents. However, it’s important to note that not only are Juliet balconies safe, but they’re extremely safe. They’re not just pieces of glass attached to the outside of a property but are regulated systems that must meet strict safety requirements.
They Can Boost Curb Appeal
Juliet balconies also work to boost a property’s curb appeal. Instead of a plain walled front, Juliet balconies offer a sleek, modern aesthetic that can instantly transform the look and feel of the front of the property, which also helps to enhance property value.
They’re A Touch of Luxury At An Affordable Price
Finally, in an age when it can feel like every luxurious home addition really does cost a small fortune, Juliet balconies offer a genuinely affordable option that allows homeowners to give their properties a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. They’re significantly cheaper than the cost of installing a full balcony, yet offer many of the same benefits. Throw in the fact that they’re long-lasting and can seriously boost home value, and it’s no wonder that so many UK homeowners have decided that adding a Juliet balcony is the right decision.
