Not sure if this is in the right forum but, i live in a condo we have a covered balcony that is covered on top and the sides, basically its ready to have a windows popped in to make it an extra room. I already checked with the HOA and you can do it and other people have done it becuase i looked around the building and saw maybe 6 units that had their balconies enclosed.

The windows are aluminum windows seem pretty cheap and i am told they have to be the same type of window so that the outside looks uniform with the building

Here are some pictures of the balcony area so you can kind of get an idea of the job scope.


balcony is right off living room as you can see. And the balcony is flush with the living room windows as well so you would not notice that a balcony was there once enclosed.

I just want it enclosed from the elements. I am in los angeles.

so id like a price range, and also where do you buy the windows from because they seem old. They are fairly large.

 

Why don't you just ask the owners of several of the other units that have done this about costs? They should certainly be able to give you a much better estimate than anyone here can.

 

In addition I would never use aluminum windows. They transmit heat/cold too easily. Vinyl windows will give a lifetime of service with minimal upkeep. For a small balcony, I would also consider casement windows for full air flow in opposition to single or double hung windows.

 

I've done several sunroom with these and the customers love them.
Easy to install.
Eze Breeze Three 3 Season Windows

 

Joe, the link is to their home page. Do you have any particular windows in that site that you have used?

 

Vertical Four-Track

 

Its a fairly large complex 5 buildings and i dont know any of them at all. I guess i can ask management office for their unit numbers and knock on there door.

 

I believe the windows have to be exactly the same as the other ones so that the building exterior looks the same. Im not too concerned about climate control as I am in southern california and the temperature doesn't fluctuate very much. I think the hottest it gets for me is 83 and coldest is maybe mid 50's at night in the winter.

 

Should i be looking for a specific type of contractor? first time owner never had to do any of this.

 

It might be possible to remove those windows and reinstall them on the new exterior wall. That would negate any worry about them not matching.

Most any small time builder or remodeler can do the work. The main thing is to get multiple quotes and check their references prior to signing any contract.

 

Yea I have to fill out a form and they need to to have proper insurance as licensed as well. The submit a form with job scope to be approved by board.

the window is pretty old prob original from 1960's it rattle when i walk by like its loose or something. Are the windows expensive?

 

I'm a painter, not a window installer so my knowledge of window pricing is pretty limited. Generally the price rises the bigger and/or more complex the window unit is.