Expert: Penny MacKenzie - 3/16/2011

Question
We recently saw a plan for a new home from a builder. Everythings great except that the balcony on the second floor opens from the washroom. The balcony has French doors opening to outside, but these French doors are inside the washroom which is attached to the bedroom. And there are no doors to the balcony from the bedroom. So if we need to get into the balcony, it can only be through the washroom. Is this normal? Has anybody seen such plans before? We really want to buy this house, but we are also concerned whether the balcony issue will devalue the house when it comes to reselling the house in the future? Let us know if you think this is a big issue..       P.S: In the plan, the washroom is on the left hand side, balcony door in the middle of the house and bed room resides on the right hand side. The toilet is on the far left, then comes the balcony doors adjacent to toilet. tub and sink are behind the doors.

Answer
Hi Melissa,
Thanks very much for your question. The balcony off the bathroom is definitely different. It sounds more like an exterior architechtural feature rather than a functional feature to me. I would think that if you bought the house you'd never use the balcony - but it could be a nice visual when looking at the exterior of the home. Sounds like it could have a french influence - that's the only place I've ever seen a similar layout.

Is this the master bedroom ensuite bath - or the main bath that everyone would use? I think privacy would be your biggest concern. Also, maintenance of the balcony will become a concern depending on the materials used.

If you like the rest of the house, the location and can deal with the privacy issue I don't think it would stop me from buying the home. I've seen lots of unusual/unique features over the years - and those homes have sold. If you'd like to email me a copy of your floor plan I can give you a better opinion - penny@burlingtonsbesthomes.com  
Regards,
Penny MacKenzie
www.burlingtonsbesthomes.com