Balcony extension with added value
A balcony creates additional outdoor living space and significantly increases the value of a property. Especially for apartments or single-family homes without outdoor space, adding a balcony is a popular way to gain more light, air, and quality of life. Whether for morning coffee, plants, or relaxing evenings, a balcony brings real added value.
To ensure that the project does not become more expensive or complicated than necessary, you should familiarize yourself with the costs, construction types, and legal requirements at an early stage. This guide clearly shows you what is important when adding a balcony in Switzerland—from planning to approval.
How much does a balcony extension cost in Switzerland?
The question of cost is usually the first thing that comes up—and rightly so. A balcony is a structural intervention involving several factors. The final price depends not only on the size, but above all on the design, materials, and structural conditions.
The total costs typically consist of the following items:
- selected material (e.g., wood, steel, or aluminum)
- Balcony design
- Size, depth, and permissible load
- Structural assessments and approvals
- Railings, flooring, and balcony doors
- Assembly and labor costs
Material costs per square meter (guideline values)
Balcony type | from |to
Attached balcony | $800 | $1,500
Cantilevered balcony | $1,300 | $2,200
Suspended balcony | $1,500 | $2,500
Self-supporting projecting balcony | $900 | $1,600
Partially self-supporting projecting balcony | $900 | $1,700
Additional cost factors
Service | from |to
Structural analysis | $600 | $1,000
Hourly rate for balcony builder | $85 | $110
New balcony door including wall opening | $4,000 | $6,000
Practical value: For a balcony with an area of around 8 m², you should realistically expect total costs of around $25,000. Depending on the type of construction, materials, and building situation, the price may be significantly higher.
What role does the orientation of the balcony play?
The direction of the balcony has a significant impact on how well it can be used later on. Depending on the orientation, there are significant differences in sunlight, temperature, and possible uses.
An east-facing balcony offers morning sun and is ideal for breakfast or short stays in the morning.
A south-facing balcony gets many hours of sun and is particularly popular with sun lovers and for plants.
A west-facing balcony scores with evening sun—perfect for relaxing outdoors after work.
North-facing balconies are usually shady, but remain pleasantly cool even on hot days.
Statics: The basis of every safe balcony solution
Before a balcony extension can be planned or quoted, a structural analysis is mandatory. A structural engineer assesses the structural conditions and ensures that the balcony can be used safely on a permanent basis.
Among other things, the following will be examined:
- Load-bearing capacity of the existing facade
- Options for anchoring
- Building ground and foundation requirements
- Loads from people, furniture, and snow
- Compliance with standards and safety requirements
The structural analysis is a prerequisite for the building permit and should never be omitted. It forms the foundation of the entire planning process.
What material is suitable for a balcony?
A balcony is exposed to wind, weather, and mechanical stress all year round. That's why the choice of materials has a major impact on its service life, maintenance requirements, and appearance.
aluminum
- low weight
- very easy to care for
- rustproof and durable
- particularly suitable for cantilevered structures
steel
- high load capacity
- very stable and durable
- higher dead weight
- usually somewhat more expensive
wood
- natural, warm appearance
- good load-bearing capacity
- regular maintenance required
- goes particularly well with classic facades
The material costs often differ less than expected—maintenance costs and service life are the decisive factors.
Types of balconies compared: Which design is right for your building?
Not every balcony design is suitable for every building. The choice depends on structural stability, space, budget, and architectural specifications.
Attached balcony – proven and stable
The attached balcony stands on its own supports and is additionally secured to the facade. This construction method distributes the load reliably and is technically well proven. It is particularly suitable for buildings with sufficient space below the balcony and offers a good balance between cost and stability.
Cantilevered balcony – no supports, clean look
Cantilevered balconies do not require floor supports and are attached to the building structure using brackets. They look very modern and do not interfere with the space below. However, the structural requirements are high and the depth is usually limited.
Suspended balcony – light and floating
In the case of a suspended balcony, the structure is additionally suspended from the facade using tie rods or steel cables. The result is a visually very light solution. Here, too, the structural planning is challenging and the dimensions are limited.
Projecting balcony – independent of the building
Projecting balconies are largely self-supporting via their own supports and are only minimally connected to the facade. This variant is ideal for old buildings or buildings with sensitive building fabric and can be planned flexibly.
Building permit: What needs to be considered in Switzerland?
Retrofitting a balcony is always considered a structural alteration and requires approval. Depending on the municipality, a simplified procedure or a full building application may be required.
Among other things, the following will be examined:
- Boundary distances to neighboring property
- Compliance with fire and noise protection regulations
- Effects on facade and supporting structure
- possible infringement of neighbors' rights
As requirements vary from municipality to municipality, it is advisable to check with the relevant building authority at an early stage. This saves time and prevents costly delays.
Conclusion: Is it worth adding a balcony later on?
A balcony increases living comfort and sustainably raises the value of a property. Whether as an extension of the living space or as an outdoor retreat, the benefits are clearly noticeable in everyday life.
Realistic cost planning, the right construction method, a thorough structural analysis, and timely clarification of the permit are crucial for a successful project. If the balcony extension is professionally implemented, the result is a durable solution that ideally combines functionality and aesthetics.
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