Complying with Building Regulations for Your Balcony Project

If you're planning to build an outdoor platform, such as a balcony, you need to understand that strict building rules cover almost all such projects. These regulations are in place to guarantee that what you build is secure, stable, and meets all legal requirements. You’ll need to pay close attention to several key areas, including:

Fire Safety

When choosing materials for your balcony, you must think about how they might affect the spread of fire throughout the building. This becomes exceptionally important if your building stands over 18 metres tall.

Preventing Falls

To keep everyone safe and stop accidental falls, you must ensure the barrier or railing encircling your balcony reaches the mandatory height requirements.

Security Measures

Be aware that if your balcony isn't properly designed, it could inadvertently offer a simple entry point for unwanted visitors. Therefore, it’s vital that you plan your balcony's construction to actively reduce any potential security vulnerabilities.

Structural Soundness

You need to guarantee the strength and stability of both your new balcony and the existing structure it attaches to. This is particularly crucial if you are making a new opening in an outside wall. Furthermore, you are responsible for making certain the building continues to be weatherproofed, maintaining the necessary standard against the elements.