If you’re renovating your home and planning to extend a part of it — whether it’s your balcony, a new room, or even just extending the lintel in a different way — there’s a traditional method we usually follow. Typically, we call in an RCC contractor, deal with shuttering, concrete work, and all the hustle that takes around 1 to 1.5 months to complete. However, I’ve come up with a new concept that speeds up this process while maintaining structural integrity and cost-efficiency.
Let’s take a look at this unique approach that can cut the time to just 1 to 1.5 weeks.The Basics: Materials and Construction
Inside, we’ve used PVC ceiling boxes — yes, PVC! And for the exterior, notice the white panels; these are grey-shaded ACP (Aluminum Composite Panels). If you look closely, you’ll see that the thickness of the panels is just right for insulation, as they have a black insulating layer between the aluminum.
Now, let’s talk about the platform. We have used MS (Mild Steel) plates for this. The MS plates come in different sizes, and we’ve tailored them to the exact specifications for the balcony extension. The tiles are then laid on top, and it’s a solid, reliable platform.
Going Beyond the Ordinary: The Structural Layout
If you’re considering extending your balcony or any other part of your home, the structure underneath matters. The main pillars are crucial to ensure stability. You can see that we’ve used pipes with a 5-inch diameter and a thickness of 4 mm (or 3 mm). These pipes are welded in sections and then painted with enamel paint for durability.
The pipes are connected in such a way that they distribute the load across the structure. The span of the entire setup, which is about 40 feet, has been reinforced with additional pillars placed strategically to ensure the strength of the structure.
One important thing to note when you’re doing such a renovation is that welding should be done properly. Any gaps could cause the structure to collapse under pressure. Additionally, the pipes should be embedded at least 1.5 to 2 feet into concrete to provide solid support.
The Final Touch: Balcony Extension and Design
Moving forward, we extended the original balcony. Previously, it was only 4-5 feet wide, which didn’t give us enough space. But now, we’ve expanded it, added Moroccan tiles as per the client’s preference, and created an L-shaped platform beneath which we installed profile lighting. There’s also a small partition for the washing area, creating a functional and aesthetic space.
In terms of the technical design, we’ve used a steel frame for support, along with an L-shaped MS pipe fastened with screws. Additionally, we added a “pigeon-proof” barrier to keep the balcony clean. The flooring is done with ceramic tiles, while the walls have been covered with a layer of Seera board — which is ideal for exterior walls due to its water-resistant properties.
Cost-Efficiency and Time Saving
The biggest advantage of this method is its time and cost efficiency. The use of MS plates, combined with the quick installation of tiles, reduces the renovation time by up to 50%. Instead of waiting months, you can have your balcony extension ready in just a few weeks.
The Result: A Beautiful, Durable Extension
In conclusion, this new method allows you to extend your home efficiently and effectively. Whether you’re adding a balcony or expanding your space, you can apply this approach to create a durable structure without the hassle of traditional methods. Plus, the final design will give your home a sleek, modern look, with added functionality and style.
If you’re considering extending your home or balcony, I highly recommend trying out this method. It’s a game-changer for home renovation projects!
