Tag-Archive for ◊ balconies ◊

Author: Steve
• Sunday, June 19th, 2011

Balcony’s self cleaning glass coating featured on “Refurb & renew” magazine:

The subject of self-cleaning glass in the building industry and on balconies in particular has become a most interesting topic for self builders and architects alike.

Balcony's self cleaning glass on "Refurb & renew” magazine Balcony's self cleaning glass on "Refurb & renew” magazine

Mr. Effi Wolff, Balcony’s MD was asked to bring some like on this topic by the editor of Refurb & Renew magazine.

This article is featured on page 20 and 21 of  the March/April edition of Refurb & Renew magazine.

This can be viewed online at: http://www.wavcoms.co.uk/emags/RRmagazine/2011/RR8926_2011MAR/pageflip.html

Refurb & Renew magazine  is printed with a circulation of 10,900 and it also appears on-line and is emailed to 22,000 named on-line specifiers.

Author: Steve
• Sunday, February 06th, 2011

Eighteen exclusive townhouses overlooking the River Nene in March were built by James Developments Company Ltd. The architect specified Balcony’s Juliettes because he wanted to make sure each townhouse enjoys clear views of the river and benefits from maximum light coming into the room. Balcony’s Juliettes were also chosen because their stylish looks enhance the attractiveness of the three and four bedroom properties.

A key selling feature

Architect Chris Cooper says: “The balconies are a key selling feature for the new townhouses and we’ve had positive feedback from purchasers. They create an unimpeded view of the river which homeowners can enjoy in complete safety, and with minimal handrail and no clamps to distract the eye, they look modern and add appeal to the development. We are seeing more and more new build properties adding Juliette balconies as a ‘standard’ feature because they are attractive and popular with buyers and help new homes sell faster.”

Author: Steve
• Monday, January 10th, 2011

Innovation has always been the back bone of this industry. At times of great stress when the economy takes a turn for the worse or new regulations force significant changes, companies have innovated, both commercially and technically, to come up with new solutions that attract new customers and new possibilities that extend the market. Right now, system companies, hardware and component companies and fabricators have been active in improving and developing their product range to help their customers maintain their competitive edge. Homeowners have a much wider choice of window styles and colours, a choice of energy efficient windows and a wider choice in doors.

Experimenting with the shape, size and look

TV programmes such as Grand Designs have also encouraged homeowners to be more creative and adventurous. They encouraged people to look at the possibilities in properties, and to look for products that add value, style and uniqueness. These programmes and their counterparts in printed media have opened homeowners’ eyes and imagination. They’ve given homeowners the confidence to look for products that can make their property stand out from the rest, and for products that are able to transform a building. They are more confident about experimenting with the shape, size and look of their property. Suppliers and installers – enablers – that can help homeowners achieve their vision and transform their properties will be the winners.

Transforming the building

Since the start of the year we have been pedalling fast to keep up with the demand for our balconies, balustrades and curved patio doors. The upsurge in demand in the midst of a deep recession may surprise some, but architects, developers, self builders and homeowners want to make properties look different, better and more stylish, and when offered the means to do so are quick to find a way to do it. A stylish balustrade, or stunning curved patio doors really do transform a building and you don’t need to be an architect to see their potential.

Many window and door companies are discovering they have the skills and experience that can help them take advantage of this opportunity. A number have already been selected to become Balcony dealers and distributors and are helping transform their customers’ properties and their own prospects.

Author: Steve
• Sunday, December 05th, 2010

Effi Wolff, Managing Director of Balcony Systems Ltd, says curved patio doors, balustrades and Juliette balconies transform properties. They’re the next big selling opportunity for installers.

For most of its history the window market has been driven by need, the need to replace rotting, rattling, draughty, often unsightly windows. But once most of the windows that could be replaced had been replaced with more modern windows that did the job and better, the focus has been on wants rather than needs. No one is going to replace existing windows that perform unless what they are offered is a whole lot better in a more enticing way.

But this is part of a much bigger change in the market, and part of a long term shift. With the focus firmly on the sort of improvements that people desire and dream about, a whole new generation of desirable products has emerged. Energy saving and security are still vitally important, but they don’t get the pulse racing in quite the same the way a great conservatory, or a bi-folding door will do.

Selling products that people dream about and drool over is very different from selling products that satisfy a basic need. And it’s a lot more fun talking about people’s dreams than ticking the utility boxes of need. This change has given the market, or those installers who have jumped at the opportunity, another lease of life and a means to increase sales and margins.

Satisfy the ‘want’, win sales

Real growth potential is in products that homeowners want because they can see the possibility of transforming their property, and releasing the value within. For example, conservatories add living space and value to the home with the potential to change homeowners’ lives by adding a dining room, a study or a playroom for the kids for example. The real benefit of course is in being able to entertain more and properly, in being able to work at home or keep the kids happy and safe without impinging on the rest of the family. Bi-fold doors are an emerging niche market that expands the potential of conservatories and transforms ordinary rooms into living spaces with an edge, creating both the look and the lifestyle that homeowners want.

That’s what we see people doing with our balustrades, curved glass doors and Juliette balconies. They transform ordinary houses into buildings with a ‘wow’ factor. At a time where most companies have to pedal faster just to stay in the same spot, Balcony is growing fast. Why? Because homeowners, architects and developers can see what our products have done to both new and existing properties and they want to transform their properties too. Our Juliette balconies, for example, give homeowners the opportunity to install a patio or French door above the ground floor to flood their rooms with light and create an unimpeded view from the home in complete safety. Either curved or straight, they come with a minimal hand rail for a modern look. Available in seven standard sizes from stock and competitively priced, our Juliette balconies are an attractive and popular choice for consumers wishing to make their home stand out and create a different ambience in their home.

But why stop there? Installing balustrades around the home, in the home or even in the garden to enclose a paved patio or decking area, adds a really high-end, classy look to a building inside and out. Custom made to suit the style and size of property and available in a curved, straight or stepped design, balustrades add character and fantastic style to homes. And with our systems there are no clamps between each pane of glass to distract the eye, and the glass reaches top to bottom to give a neater and clearer view.

Selling the ‘Wow’ factor

If balustrades add class, then curved patio doors take it to another level. Balcony is the UK’s leading supplier of curved patio doors and homeowners, builders, installers and architects say our stunning range is breathtaking. Most just say they give properties the ‘wow’ factor. Curved patio doors add space to a room because of the outward curve and they create real kerb appeal. More than that though, they transform a building. Most products, however attractive, simply add to what’s there. Curved patio doors transform a property because they are the first thing people notice and they extend its capabilities.

Each of our products expands the potential of a home, and adds considerable value to what installers can sell to homeowners. They transform new and existing buildings and instil a touch of magic to houses and apartments so they stand out with a unique style and look. Our complete range is easy and straight forward to install and comes with a 10 year guarantee. The material is anodised aluminium as opposed to stainless steal so it is harder wearing, durable and doesn’t corrode – a key consideration in coastal areas or marine environments.

Our products are a hit with homeowners and a hit with installers, and we’re expanding nationwide and looking for new dealers and registered installers. So, if you are looking for your next big sales opportunity, think ‘wants’, have a look at the possibilities at www.balconette.co.uk or give us a call on 01342 410 411.

Author: Steve
• Tuesday, November 30th, 2010

Property developer Paul Nash of Kooks Ltd in Hove, recently chose Juliette balconies from Balcony Systems to enhance his development of three luxury townhouses. The properties, based in East Grinstead, are contemporary and Paul wanted to keep the clean lines and funky feel to the houses while maximising the use of light and space.

Three standard Juliette balconies in a Royal Chrome finish for the master bedrooms to the rear of each house were ordered. Balcony’s products were primarily chosen for the look – clear glass with no vertical posts or clamps and brushed chrome handrails fit perfectly with the contemporary design. But Paul was also looking for high quality, competitive prices and short lead times. Balcony’s products fitted the complete spec.

Paul says: “The Juliette balconies have definitely added value to these developments and gives them an edge when it comes to selling in a tough market.”

Juliette balconies enhance funky development

Author: Steve
• Monday, November 01st, 2010

New opportunities for growth

Not surprisingly Window Energy Ratings (WER), U-values and the recent changes to Part L of building regulations have received a huge amount of attention in the window press recently. Not so long ago WERs were a niche market – and a nice little earner for switched-on installers. WERs enabled installers (and still do) to distinguish themselves from their rivals by offering the choice of a better, more advanced product to homeowners who want and are prepared to pay for the best. But WERs are now becoming increasingly mainstream. Now the same switched-on installers are looking for new innovations to open untapped markets.

Targeting the margins

One such opportunity lies in glass balconies, balustrades and curved patio doors. Demand in this sector has been fuelled by the huge popularity of shows such as Grand Designs which consistently bang home the message that great design adds personality and significant value to a home. Balcony’s range has been designed to meet the demands of customers who want more than ‘ordinary’ and better than ‘standard’. Margins at this end of the market are better than anywhere else – and with Balcony’s products installers can start to target them.

Easy to install, backed by comprehensive support, Balcony Systems’ stunning and innovative range of balconies, balustrades and curved patio doors are a fantastic opportunity to increase high value sales. Balcony is currently looking for quality window and conservatory companies to join its national network of dealers and to serve this exciting growth market.


Author: Steve
• Sunday, July 18th, 2010

At times of great stress when the economy takes a turn for the worse or new regulations force significant changes, companies have innovated, both commercially and technically, to come up with new solutions that attract new customers and new possibilities that extend the market. Right now, system companies, hardware and component companies and fabricators have been active in improving and developing their product range to help their customers maintain their competitive edge. Homeowners have a much wider choice of window styles and colours, a choice of energy efficient windows and a wider choice in doors.

The confidence to experiment

TV programmes such as Grand Designs have also encouraged homeowners to be more creative and adventurous. They encouraged people to look at the possibilities in properties, and to look for products that add value, style and uniqueness. These programmes and their counterparts in printed media have opened homeowners’ eyes and imagination. They’ve given homeowners the confidence to look for products that can make their property stand out from the rest, and for products that are able to transform a building. They are more confident about experimenting with the shape, size and look of their property. Suppliers and installers – enablers – that can help homeowners achieve their vision and transform their properties will be the winners.

The upsurge in demand

Since the start of the year we have been pedalling fast to keep up with the demand for our balconies, balustrades and curved patio doors. The upsurge in demand in the midst of a deep recession may surprise some, but architects, developers, self builders and homeowners want to make properties look different, better and more stylish, and when offered the means to do so are quick to find a way to do it. A stylish balustrade, or stunning curved patio doors really do transform a building and you don’t need to be an architect to see their potential.

Many window and door companies are discovering they have the skills and experience that can help them take advantage of this opportunity. A number have already been selected to become Balcony dealers and distributors and are helping transform their customers’ properties and their own prospects.