Posted by
patriciatu
19 yrs ago
Hello,
We are looking at an apartment that has a rather big balcony. We are never too fond of balcony so we decided that if we decide to purchase the unit, we would plan on enclosing the balcony to maximize space. I see a lot of units in the older building have their balcony enclosed. May I know whether it is allowed to just enclose the balcony or we need to get a permit or something ? Thanks.
Pat
Please support our advertisers:
It will be an illegal structure, and I think it is very difficult to get permission to do these renovations - which is why there are so many illegal structures in HK. Instead of making the process easier and ensuring the structures are safe, the system perpetuates the building of illegal additions to homes.
Please support our advertisers:
In restaurant business when we want to make such a change we are required to make a submission of plans to the Buildings Department. This has nothing to do with the Restaurant License process, it is just to get something added or changed on the building plans filed with the government.
They will insist that we provide a proper design plan and structural proof of plan from a structural engineer, then if they agree with the proof and plan they will arrange a site visit by an engineer to confirm the original plan matches the site. Once they have done all that it may take about 6 months to gain approval of the new plan. Once you have completed the work to plan they will arrange another site visit to confirm the work has been done to plan. Then you submit the new plan for the record.
So you can expect at least a year wait plus fees for a draftsmen and structural engineer (aside from contractor).
Please support our advertisers:
Thanks dimac4 and chefcrsh. I wonder if everyone in the city go thru the same process when they have their balcony enclosed. A year is a long time for just getting something like this done.
Please support our advertisers:
That is why there are so many illegal structures in HK - the process is too long and convoluted.
If you have the work done, then you may to take it down again if you are caught, or when you resell the property if the buyers don't want it there - which is why they tend to be more temporary structures - like the glass concreted onto the balcony wall rather and full wall. Won't cost much to ,then put back up. (adding to their unsafety! - this place kills me!)
Please support our advertisers:
Hi dimac4,
We are not looking to taking down the balcony wall and redo it with class wall. We only want to add windows onto the balcony wall and redo the balcony floor so that it'll blend in with the living room. Is this something people normally don't apply for a permit?
Please support our advertisers:
Adding the glass to the space between the top of the balcony and the underneath of the one upstairs would be what most consider a temporary illegal structure.
You would also need to see if the management of your building allow this...
Please support our advertisers:
You must be logged in to be able to reply.
Login now
Copy Link
Facebook
Gmail
Mail