Summer Condo Living: Basking on the Balcony

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According to Statistics Canada, one in eight households now live in a condo. Frosty glass walls and concrete barriers often separate neighbours who live very close to each other, beside, across, below, and all around. When living in such close proximity, there are certain tips you need to know to enjoy your condo and especially in the summer, your balcony to its full potential. Being situated above the cacophony of the busy city can transport you to a more peaceful and relaxing place. You can use the space to socialize and have food and drinks while basking in the sun, avoiding all the construction and pollution blowing around the streets below. Having a condo is a fantastic way to move into the city, yet still maintain that suburban feel.

In a large city like Toronto, one of Canada’s largest condo markets, making friends with your neighbours is not an easy thing to do in the slightest. Most people prefer to keep to themselves. Here are some etiquette tips to make balcony lounging more enjoyable for the summer.

Get to know your neighbour

Smile and wave. Introduce yourself on a warm, sunny day and break that awkward tension of pretending there is no one on the other side of the balcony barrier. Even if you don’t know them, they’ve most likely heard your conversations, your after work gossip or even seen you tanning. Keep your balcony clutter free in order to get that stress free atmosphere.

Respect is a two-way street

If you plan a dinner party outside, don’t worry about putting on that summer playlist on the balcony as long as the volume is reasonable and respectable for your neighbours. Fingers-crossed that they have a similar taste in music. If you find their music too loud you can knock on their door and ask them nicely to turn it down. It may not always go so smoothly so it’s a good idea to get friendly and introduce yourself sooner rather than later.

Take in the bird’s eye view

No one likes having things drop down on them, especially from who knows what balcony above. Before watering your plants, try to buy a few cheap liners to catch the run-off. If you are unfortunate enough to have something else drop down onto your balcony, you have to choose your battles. You’ll never really know where a cigarette came from and you don’t want to accuse the wrong person. Rather than investigating and wasting your time, let it go and spend your time soaking up the view.

Bad neighbours

Condos in the big city come along with bylaws to keep balcony behaviour acceptable. Most neighbours opt to work out their differences but the worst cases can make it to the highest courts. It may be difficult to determine who keeps throwing cigarette butts but you can easily report them to property management. It is part of their job to resolve the conflict especially when cigarette tossing has been reported not only to be a property nuisance but also to causing furniture damage and potentially even fires that put everyone in the entire building at risk. Very stupid and dangerous, yet easily preventable! Have an ashtray handy.

Design Your Outdoor Living

Expanded Home Experiences for clients of this KANDY beautified balcony (CNW Group/KANDY Outdoor Flooring)

Bring up your balcony luxury to its full potential and raise it to the next level! Make a good impression on your neighbours while you are at it. The Big Green Egg is on top of the list for charcoal cookers (Prices upon request. Go to biggreenegg.ca to locate a dealer). It is true that most building do not allow ceramic grills, but some condo owners still go ahead and use small and more discrete BBQ’s made especially for balconies so that the smoke does not bother other condo unit dwellers. A smart purchase if you are a BBQ lover. Invest in a cute serving trolley to make your cocktails on. Perhaps the Sumatra Serving Trolley from Urban Barn ($229. Go tourbanbarn.com to find a store near you). It looks classy, elegant and convenient. Don’t forget about plants! You should consider a few garden planters to bring colour and life to your balcony ($14.99. Go to canadiantire.ca to find a store close by).