What is the difference between a balcony and a loggia?

In this article we will discuss an important problem and misconception that many people face. It is about balconies and loggias. For most people, these things are synonymous, but in fact there is a very big difference between these two things, both in the structure itself and in their design.

First, let's go through the definitions that are best represented in SNiP (building codes).

• Balcony - a fortified platform protruding from the plane of the wall of the house. Simply put, it is an external structure located outside the walls of the house.
• The balcony cannot increase the area of ​​the room to which it adjoins, since it is a non-residential area.
• The room is less functional than the loggia.
• Inability to install heating.
• Loggia - a space built into the area of ​​the house. That is, this room, which not only does not go beyond the facade, but is also part of it.

In the legislation of the Russian Federation there are also conditions for refusal of work under certain circumstances of the extension of the balcony:

• if the attached building may entail a violation of the integrity of the facade of the building;
• the appearance of the extension, distinctive from the facade of the building;
• the possibility of worsening the living conditions of neighbors.

If the necessary norms are not observed, there is a fine in the amount of 1 to 2.5 thousand rubles in accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation and coercion to return everything to its previous state. According to the norms of the Housing Code of the Russian Federation, redevelopment of the facade of the building is prohibited, which can lead to the destruction of the structure or to harm the neighbors or the building itself.

There are solutions, for example, combining some rooms or spaces with a balcony by demolishing the window-door and window-sill partitions, which does not present any danger, and the rooms will be combined.

Considering the law of the loggia, there are no special moments. Since this room is considered part of your home, it is not necessary to observe special conditions when redeveloping.

If you consider the different types of balconies and loggias (about them later), then not all balconies can carry some danger. It also depends on the type of mount. It is necessary to take into account the operation methods. If the balcony will contain unnecessary things on its territory and will be overloaded, then such a design can simply collapse in the future and cause damage not only to the owner, but also to neighbors and other people.

As stated earlier, the balcony is outside, and the loggia is inside. The main feature is the form itself. If the balcony has 3 visible sides (front and two sides), then the loggia has only one (front), except for the corner loggia, where there are two sides. And also designs can be open, that is, do not have a ceiling.

The big difference is stability and reliability. The loggia, for example, has side walls, which are a very high-quality support. The balcony does not have such walls, so the design itself is less reliable and stable.

Another criterion is the difficult conditions for heating. To heat the balcony, it must be glazed and special installation conditions must be applied. Loggia is much easier to heat, because it is already in the building itself, and these differences are in its favor.

Due to different stability, The loggia has the possibility of extensive arrangement. It is possible to install equipment in it, keep furniture on it, there are other features that are insoluble on the balcony, since excessive weight reduces the already low reliability.

If you want to expand your room, then you need to try. First of all, this will need to be agreed with the local housing inspectorate. There are some conditions that should be considered when redeveloping. For example, it is forbidden:

• widening the doorway;
• reducing the gap between the doorway;
• any battery transfer from the living area.

For redevelopment, you will also need to collect the necessary documents, among which:

• passport of the person who started the redevelopment;
• room registration certificate;
• the presence of sketches or projects proving that the redevelopment will not cause any harm to the integrity of the building and will be completely safe;
• regulatory compliance;
• proof of ownership of the applicant;
• written consent of all family members who are registered in the apartment (even if a person does not live in it, then his permission is still necessary).

There are other lists of documents and conditions, but they may vary depending on special circumstances, for example, the current state of the building and housing.

When calculating the area of ​​the home for these structures, there are decreasing coefficients that will help distinguish the value of these buildings for sale. Since the territory of these premises is not considered residential, this calculation can have a considerable difference when calculating the cost.

At the balcony, this ratio is 0.5, and at the loggia - 0.3, that is, it is more profitable to sell a house / apartment with a loggia.

The balcony area is larger, which is one of the main advantages over the loggia and gives more room for various ideas and pans.

It is worth noting that the area of ​​some of them is due to their species. For example, the so-called French version has no area, as it is only a small element in the form of a fence.

In modern new buildings, it also happens that according to the documents one room is written, but in fact it is completely different. Thanks to the DDU (equity agreement), you can determine which structure should be indicated in the documents.

In addition to French, there are other types of balconies, for example:

• forged - a small platform that looks like an element of decor and which is not a large and bulky structure;
• typical - It is standard for most modern buildings and structures, has a large area compared to the French and forged versions.

And also they are distinguished by the type of device.

• Mounted - joins due to separate fixtures. It has no support underneath, which makes it possible to install this structure on any floor.
• The attached - a structure, two supports of which are attached from below, but at the same time the space under it is free. Often such structures can be seen on the first or second floor.
• Attached - A frequent option for ground floors. The main feature of this type of construction is the presence of load-bearing fixtures to the building’s facade, both from the side of the walls and to the front side.

Balconies can be either rectangular or triangular, which can speak of them as an element of decor.

If we talk about the varieties of loggias, then the following types can be noted:

• embedded - the most common, are completely in the building;
• angular - have a fence only on two sides, and the other two become free;
• remote - rely on additional beams that can be attached to the walls of the building.

Mostly loggias are rectangular or triangular.

It is interesting to discuss the design of these devices themselves. Recently, they have been made mainly from glass and plastic. The wood trim of different colors and types looks very elegant. First of all, you need to build on the size of your building. Loggias are round, square, and rectangular, so It is necessary to choose the appropriate furniture.

Most design options are associated with the presence of vegetation: various dwarf trees, cultivated plants. The fact is that there is more light on the balcony than on the loggia. Therefore, you should choose plants according to their love of heat. As mentioned earlier - heating cannot be installed there, this is also very important information for the presence of plants as a decoration.

Let's talk about furniture. Since you can’t have a lot of furniture on the balcony or loggia (this can lead to overload and subsequent collapse), the interior does not need to be made too bulky. You can always make a beautiful and at the same time light (literally) internal look.

Loggias look very beautiful, which are designed as separate rooms. In addition to beauty, this room will also provide an opportunity for a great time near the street.

Open options make it possible to be on the street, which can be used as a great outdoors. A good option would be the presence of a table, chairs or other places to relax.If a person lives in a house, this does not mean that he cannot rest in the fresh air. Although this is not such a big place as a gazebo in your apartment building, but it can be perfectly equipped.

We approach one of the main topics: which is better - a loggia or a balcony.

There is no single answer, since it is necessary to consider these buildings from the point of view of using this area. The fact is that The balcony room can be used more functionally due to the larger area that is noticed in SNiP. For example, you can create a small garden there.

And the loggia is best of all because it is safer. In addition, it is part of the house, and it can be equipped as a separate room. Another, no less significant advantage is the ability to install heating. This makes the loggia a place where you can have a good time, regardless of weather and glazing. The number of different ideas and styles is very large, so each owner will be able to choose his own.

We analyze the presence of a hazard factor. This is a very important thing, as it directly affects the safety of the building. Balconies can be dangerous for neighbors and even ordinary passers-by. There were many accidents when they collapsed and brought a lot of trouble.

In this regard, loggias are much safer. They are located inside the facade and have very good support, which ensures that the loggia will not go anywhere and will not collapse. Reliable structure, easy operation and the ability to turn the loggia into an additional room in the house makes these buildings more preferable.

You can consider options such as, for example, a balcony-loggia. In new buildings, as already mentioned, they are now making combined options. Their superiority is that they are reliable (due to the fact that half of their base is in the house, and less likely to collapse) and have a large area, because the second half goes beyond the facade of the house. They can equip heating, make a separate room, but at the same time have more room for their creative actions.

Most experts also argue that it is best to have a loggia in an apartment. Although it is more expensive, it is simpler and safer.

We figured out what the main differences are, what are the advantages and disadvantages of these buildings over each other. Summing up, answering the main question - how do they differ, we can say that the loggia is inside the facade, and the balcony outside is a separate extension. The main thing is that the operation of such premises must be taken with all seriousness, and in the event of a redevelopment immediately coordinate everything and not endanger the building and other people.

See more about the difference between a balcony and a loggia.