Due to an increased demand for outside space from home owners and house builders, handrail and balustrades specialist SMART Balustrades has expanded its services – adding the installation of platform balconies to its portfolio.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Staffordshire-based SMART Balustrades experienced an increase in enquiries for its bespoke installations, particularly from home owners and house builders looking to add outside space and new living areas to existing properties.
A recent report by YouGov found that 14% of home buyers now see a balcony as more important following the pandemic.
Steel frame platform balconies are subject to planning, but can easily be attached to the walls of properties and are a cost-effective way to add additional space and value to homes.
David Hough, managing director of SMART Balustrades, said: “With housebuilding in the UK at a 30-year high and the impact of Covid-19 on our lifestyle choices, there is now a significantly increased demand for home improvements including expanding or adding outside space.
“As platform balconies are not part of the structure of a property, they do not eat into the internal space of the home, but rather create new living areas – ideal for outdoor living, entertaining and simply additional storage space.
“I think following the year we have had we are all a little more appreciative of our environment and nature, and the need to access fresh air when we can. Because of this people are looking for ways to create their own outside space at home – or even if they have an existing garden – a space they can access directly from a lounge or bedroom.
“These products are popular with both private home owners as well as developers of residential schemes; as they add coveted outside space but also increase sale value.
“Myself and the SMART Balustrades team are pleased to now offer platform balconies as part of our services and are already busy installing them on sites across the country.”
SMART Balustrades provides a range of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, as well as glass Juliet balconies, which are manufactured at its Burntwood production facility. The firm is part of the Unitech Group and its portfolio includes luxury hotels, universities, retail and leisure facilities, housing developments and private dwellings.