As the snowflakes begin to swirl outside and the calendar flips to December, many of us may be dreaming of summer — but few are making concrete plans. With the busy holiday season upon us, planning for next year can take a backseat. However, the dead of winter is the perfect time to begin making plans for a beautiful balcony or terrace for the summer months. If you are looking to create an enchanting space that will perfectly reflect your tastes, spending time on upfront planning is essential.

In this article, we’ll take you through five reasons why December is the ideal month for planning a renovation for your balcony or terrace. With the work of design and construction taking place over the winter months, your dream space can be complete and ready for the first warm days of spring.

Reason #1: Build the Right Space, The Right Way

For many of our clients, their primary reason to hire a firm like ours to renovate their outdoor space was to avoid what we call the “No Plan Trap”. Without a clear vision and detailed plan for how you want your balcony to look and to function, money and time can go to waste. It's all too common to buy furniture that seems too small or too large for your space, lighting that doesn’t quite work for the activities you do on your balcony, and plants that aren’t suited to the microclimate created by living at an elevation. As a result, too many condo owners end up with an unfulfilling and unattractive space that they rarely use.

You can avoid a cobbled-together look and get a satisfying, cohesive space instead by making a detailed plan up front. Working with our expert team, you can feel confident that the plan will fit your needs and your budget, not to mention the relatively small space that’s the reality for most balconies or terraces. Our team can help you avoid decision fatigue, curating a selection of the best quality furniture, decor and finishes that suit your vision, as well as providing you with a simplified decision-making process, clear options and guidance on making your dream outdoor space come to life.

If you’re worried about the time commitment that comes with a renovation project, beginning the process in winter is the smart decision. Winter planners are ahead of the game, and will have the jump on ordering furniture and fixtures compared to those who wait for the spring. You won’t have to compete for the attention of designers and installation contractors, and will be able to schedule your installation at a time that suits you best. With Garden Connections, the upgrading process is streamlined and efficient. Our program is designed to be minimally disruptive to you in your home, as our installations can be completed in as little as one day. How? We pre-build your balcony or terrace in our own warehouse space, then disassemble and reassemble the parts in your outdoor space.

#2: Condominium Board Permission Can Take Months

If you’ve completed other renovations in your unit, you may already know that there is a long process involved in any major upgrades to your space. However, you may not know that your outdoor space is not “yours” — it’s legally considered part of the building and under its liability instead of your own. For that reason, condo boards and corporations have to be strict about ensuring any upgrades you make to the space are safe and up-to-code.

Sounds like a hassle? Don’t take on the frustration. We’re very experienced with working with condo boards like yours to secure planning permission, and we have a 99% success rate. We know what it takes to safely transform your balcony or terrace into a beautiful outdoor space and ensure it’s always compliant with your board’s rules and regulations. Best of all, our process, based on years of similar projects, will ensure we can secure permission in the shortest possible timeframe.

#3: Quality Takes Time

You want the best for your space, and we want the best for our clients. With years of industry experience, we know how to source unique products, exclusive furniture and fabrics, and the latest fixtures that are sure to impress. If your vision for your outdoor living includes unique finishes, you’ll have to budget for extra time to complete your stunning vision. By beginning your planning and selection of decor in the winter months, you can be sure there’s no delay in enjoying your balcony once the warm weather arrives.

Don’t forget to browse our portfolio page to see what's possible for your terrace or balcony!

Also note that our Beautiful Balcony Solution™ Program takes several weeks to several months to complete. Working with us on design and planning for your space is a time investment — but we ensure it’s a fun, stress-free process. Starting early means you can relax and enjoy designing your ideal balcony or terrace, and feel confident that you’ve taken the time required to select the furniture and fixtures that best suit how you want to live in your outdoor space.

#4: Upfront Planning Helps You Stick to Your Budget

Setting a budget will be one of the most important choices you make for your outdoor space. As noted, great planning can ensure there are no unexpected costs, but it can also make the costs easier to bear. Our program breaks down payments into stages over the lifetime of your project, so you can feel confident about your investment. Working with our team will also ensure that you won’t fall in love with a plan that’s outside of the scope of your investment, so you can balance practicality and beauty in your outdoor space.

To protect your investment, we also ensure that our materials are durable, sustainable, and designed to stand up to changes in temperature and weather conditions. When your renovation is complete, you can also opt in to our upcoming maintenance and winterizing program for year-round peace of mind.

#5: Great Planning Ensures Great Execution

Many of our clients are keen to ensure their privacy during their renovation and installation. As noted above, our process is designed to be as quick and hassle-free as possible. With upfront planning, you can choose the ideal time for our install to keep the disruption as minimal as possible, and ensure that your installation doesn’t disrupt your neighbours, your pets, or your business, and work with your condo board and building to make the process discreet.

Why Choose Garden Connections?

As experienced balcony and terrace designers and renovators, we have a proven process for creating exciting, functional outdoor spaces for condo dwellers. Investing in your outdoor space with a professional design and installation from our expert team will ensure that your condo grows in value if you ever hope to resell. More importantly, however, it will turn the bare outdoor space you have now into an oasis that helps you relax, entertain in style, and live more fully in your home.

In sum, a seamless transition for your balcony or terrace starts with a great plan. The earlier you begin, the better you can fulfill your vision for the space — building it intentionally, with a proven stepwise process from our experienced team. Reduce your headaches and get the best combination of convenience and quality with our simple and enjoyable program. December is the season of celebration — why not celebrate a new era of outdoor living in 2024?

To begin your journey with Garden Connections, Book Your Introductory Call with our team.