Loft doors and Juliette balcony

[MsShopper]

We’ve had a quote for our dormer loft conversion that we’re happy with, but I just want to confirm our preferred finishes and fixtures before we finalise, in case that massively affects the quote.

For the bedroom, the quote lists ‘1 set of UPVC French doors with Juliette balcony’. I’m just wondering if there’s any point having French doors - do people use them? And will UPVC be bulky? Is aluminium preferable? (We plan to have aluminium or steel doors when we extend on the ground floor in a couple of years.)

And is it always French doors? I’m just thinking about how they’ll need to open into the room. Are sliders ever used?

Sorry to bombard with questions. We’re renovation newbies and very nervous at making expensive mistakes. So any and all insights welcome!

I’ve just had my loft done and was advised against a Juliette balcony, not that I wanted one - they’re expensive and pointless.

I didn’t bother with French doors either, a bog standard window is fine and much less pricey.

Some of my best memories from my twenties were of going around my best friend’s house and having the french doors open onto the juliet, enjoying the night air while drinking wine or coffee and petting her houserabbits. You can also get these special velux windows that turn into a balcony when you open them without taking up floor space. They are called Velux Cabrio: www.velux.co.uk/products/roof-windows/cabrio-roof-windows

We were advised against them too - take up wall space that could be needed for storage, heating etc. And we don't have a view that would be worth it (would be looking over lots of other houses and gardens). If you have an amazing view maybe it would be worth it.

Thanks all. Lots to think about. I do like the look of them. And I can imagine they’d be great in the summer. But a simple window would presumably bring costs down a bit - leaving me free to upgrade elsewhere! 😁

Can you ventilate the room securely - i.e. can you leave airflow on a hot day without being broken into, or the carpet getting wet if it rains? Most wouldn't like to leave French doors open overnight or when out of the house.

Would a Juliet balcony become like a goldfish bowl if neighbours can see in? For a bedroom it's good to be able to get changed without needing to draw the curtains. Also bear in mind if it would be intrusive for the neighbours.

Is the view worth it?

Do you want to put a dressing table / desk to look out that side? Hard to do with French doors.