What does a budget DIY balcony renovation involve?
Repair options can be divided into two types - cosmetic and major. In the second case, administrative approvals may be required - if you plan to expand the space. In such a situation, it will be difficult to make a balcony with your own hands - you need to contact experienced specialists for repairs. They will inspect the balcony slab, strengthen it if necessary, build a load-bearing wall, perform glazing, carry out insulation and finishing work.
As for the cosmetic option, it often involves painting the walls, laying tiles and cladding the fence. You can easily cope with these processes yourself, using materials that will cost very little.
Turnkey balcony with your own hands: what is needed for this?
Insulation and external finishing are important points when carrying out repair work on the balcony with your own hands. It is recommended to use plastic lining or siding on the outside, which have a small weight. The panels are attached to the frame made of aluminum profile on a wooden lathing using self-tapping screws.
Insulation involves the process of waterproofing from the inside using liquid primers on the walls. For floors, you can use roofing felt or liquid glass. Next, materials are laid to preserve heat - penoplex, foam plastic, mineral wool, foamed polyethylene - to choose from. For wind protection, you need to use a layer of PE film.
The next stage of the turnkey repair will be the interior decoration of the balcony with your own hands. The selection of materials depends on preferences and capabilities, but you need to take into account their ability to withstand external influences.
Do-it-yourself balcony repair - how to arrange the interior space
For interior finishing of the balcony, you can use different materials. The most inexpensive and accessible option is painting with moisture-resistant paints and varnishes. If you plan to cover the walls and ceiling, you can use the following materials:
- wooden paneling;
- laminated panels;
- gypsum board;
- decorative stone;
- laminate.
You need to choose the material taking into account the features of the room. The simplest and most inexpensive option is wooden paneling, which will last a very long time. For a unique and inimitable design, it is better to use laminate, which will look original with decorative stone.
Tiles, laminate or linoleum are laid on the floors. The principle of operation here is exactly the same as in laying floors in a living space. If necessary, a system of heated floors can be installed under the covering. In this case, you will get an additional comfortable room in the apartment.
For a stylish design, you can make false beams on the ceiling with your own hands. The work uses regular 4-5 cm thick foam plastic, which needs to be cut into strips and glued into a U-shaped structure. The finished products are pasted over with a wood-like film and fixed to the ceiling using liquid nails. Such "beams" can be installed on surfaces made of any materials.
