Leanto type thing

cezerpringle

Hi, I'm not exactly savy on DIY but basically my flat has a balcony above it, so it's kind of extended already but is missing one wall if you get my meaning, I was thinking/hoping i'd be able to find a cheap and fairly asy way to fill this wall in while not cutting the light out of the area (so with perspex or something.
I don't want it to be a habitable room but just to use it for extra storage without everything getting wet. There is a wall of half height windows on the opposite wall to where I want to build this (i.e. the external wall of the flat is UPVC).
Anyone have any ideas? how much do you think it's likely to cost? I don't even need it to be particuarly secure just to keep the rain out, so like a really makeshift conservatory wall or something.
Any suggestions greatfully recieved... that and cheap suppliers of perspex or something.

Thanks
Ceri

cezerpringle

For example... could I use a clear tarp stretched over a wooden frame? would it be secure enough to keep the rain/wind from blowing in/it down? how difficult would it be to do?
Obviously i'd like it to look ok, so I'm thinking frame on bottom with painted ply, then window type things on top and a door to still be able to get into the garden but it seemed that tarp stretched over a frame would be the cheapest way to make windowy type things... I really have no idea what I'm doing but it seems like wasted space that could be used for storage.
Thanks
Ceri

fluffymuffy

I should imagine you'd be needing permission to do something like that. You should check with both the Planning Department and Building Control before you spend money on something which may need to be demolished.

ormus

you dont have to inform anyone for such a simple job. but does the balcony belong to you or the flat above?
a simple 2x2 wooden frame and pvc corrugated roofing sheets will be cheap, but wont look that nice.

paddy's_mum

Are you up high? What would the safety and/or insurance angle be if a strong wind broke your storage contraption and rained it (down?) on passers-by?

It sounds like a good idea but the reality may not be practical.

cezerpringle

Hiya, I think the above balcony is the neighbour's responsibility (but I haven't looked it up yet), I'm on the ground floor... thanks for the idea on the roofing pannels but I'm looking for something that looks a little more polished... I can see I'm going to have to think about this a lot more.

Ceri

cezerpringle

I'd also be very interested in uPVC type options... I have no idea why I don't seem to be able to find plastic glazed panels seperately but can buy them in one job lot... as I say, any advice apprietiated.
When I was describing what I was going for it was only because it was all I could visualise except for uPVC panels.
if anyone knows where I can order them seperately I'd be much obliged.
Thanks
Ceri

knowloads

Plenty of 'polycarbonate suppliers on web (plastics direct etc) tripple wall polycarb is pretty stiff (as used on conservatory roofs) and either a 2x2 treated timber frame, or go the whole hog with pvc profile. Not really a DIY job if you are no tooled up, most window factories could make up a simple frame for you. Why skimp, get itdone properly and its a one off job.

ormus

when you say cheapest way, i assume your budget isnt very big?
a full DG panel & upvc frame will prob cost 1000/1500 quid ish.

fluffymuffy

ormus wrote: »

you dont have to inform anyone for such a simple job.

If you live in a flat you have to have planning permission to change your windows to anything other than the original design. I think enclosing a balcony would be more radical a change in the overall appearance of the building.

In addition Building Control would be concerned about the materials used and the potential spread of fire. Additionally the balcony might form part of the escape plan.

Also during construction CDM regulations apply - non compliance to which being a criminal offence.

Basil1234

fluffymuffy wrote: »

If you live in a flat you have to have planning permission to change your windows to anything other than the original design. I think enclosing a balcony would be more radical a change in the overall appearance of the building.

In addition Building Control would be concerned about the materials used and the potential spread of fire. Additionally the balcony might form part of the escape plan.

Also during construction CDM regulations apply - non compliance to which being a criminal offence.

i agree also if the property is rented you may need permission of landlord e.g. housing association and such like. my mother in law wasnt even allowed to drill a hole for a garden tap as they said constitued damage to the wall even though would have never been removed anyway!