Do you use your balcony?

[JR8]

Nice one.


We have a balcony. It seems to get used as some form of storage space, where stuff gets put that we haven't room for indoors.

We have our dining table out there, on which we once served food during a dinner party. Otherwise it's only used by friends/guests to go out and smoke.

p.s. Be aware that in this country, external space is included in realtors/agents quoted floorspace as habitable space. So a '''1000ft unit''', might include 250ft of terraces, and another 75ft of bomb-shelter.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Additionally, the little cubby/ledge that holds the Aircon compressor is also included in that figure.

[x9200]

If I am not mistaken this is "illegal" as per the guidelines of CEA (to include both the balconies and the ledge).

[JR8]

Ever noticed how in SG they don't indicate room sizes, just a suggested GFA (Gross Floor Area) ... example http://sg-thetrillium.com/floor-plan-2/2study/

Unlike say London, Tokyo, or Sydney, where even the smallest place (300ft studio) comes with a floorplan with room dimensions.

[Stevie_W]

We have a balcony at our house now and we use it all the time. Eating dinners outside. Listening to the insects and gentle lapping of the water fountain. Nice. BBQ on the balcony too.

At our previous rented place, no we never use it. Nakedish old local guy was always sitting on the balcony

Was he smoking?

Hey. I'm not that old!

[PrimroseHill]

No naked old guy was not smoking. Just sitting around. Walking around.

Yes, those gross floor space plans. Even bathrooms, stair cases, air wells, planter boxes are calculated

[scarbowl]

We have a BBQ on one of ours but it's too hot to sit out there to eat. The other two have drains which are inadequate and occasionally cause flooding in the condo. Sometimes we dry clothes on one of them. All in all we'd rather have just one than three. The ledges are high enough, though, to allow a child on them.

[stiwi]

Ever noticed how in SG they don't indicate room sizes, just a suggested GFA (Gross Floor Area) ... example http://sg-thetrillium.com/floor-plan-2/2study/

Unlike say London, Tokyo, or Sydney, where even the smallest place (300ft studio) comes with a floorplan with room dimensions.

From what I have been told, after recent law changes, they are obliged to provide you with detailed floor plan of all rooms upon request.

As for the balcony, I would say it all depends on the views and privacy. I would not enjoy it having neighbours living room in front of my balcony.

[skipper]

Most locals don't use their balconys.

Except for laundry poles and storage. Locals mostly don't use gas fired BBQ pits, either.

I don't think a balcony is a good place for a child to play... find something ground floor.

I have a gas fired BBQ in my balcony along a small table with 2 outdoor chairs where I smoke and read the newspaper in the morning

[Chantikki]

I like putting plant on the balcony, makes the room inside so much nicer even if you never go out.

[JR8]

I agree ^^.

Our last place didn't have a balcony as such, it was more windows opening out on to quite a big 'gulley'. That allowed room for 6-7 big potted plants, which as you say were very pleasant to have vs the stark concrete.

The climate requires for them to get quite a bit of care and attention, but given it, things grow like a rocket.

[Beeroclock]

Our first apartment here had one which we never used and thereafter have always opted for apartments without balcony. Adds to rent/cost and an extra area to clean.... I guess its a personal thing but simple visual observation of any condo with balconies I think will confirm the majority do not use.

[JR8]

.... I guess its a personal thing but simple visual observation of any condo with balconies I think will confirm the majority do not use.

This is a good point. The place we have now has a large balcony, each unit in the condo has. But it's overlooked by the kitchen (+ nosey giggling maid) and two bedrooms of the immediately adjacent unit, 3-4M away.

So ours, as with most others, is used for storage, and hanging laundry. Extravagant given terraces are included in the floor area (here in SG) and hence the rent reflects it.

[Steve1960]

So one way or another the giggling maid next door still gets to see your undies

[QRM]

Ever noticed how in SG they don't indicate room sizes, just a suggested GFA (Gross Floor Area) ... example http://sg-thetrillium.com/floor-plan-2/2study/

Unlike say London, Tokyo, or Sydney, where even the smallest place (300ft studio) comes with a floorplan with room dimensions.

That also includes the thickness of the walls! on some condos structural walls can be 50cm plus thick, thats a lot floor area paid for that cannot be used.