Today, as house prices continue to rise, small apartments have become the choice of many people to buy houses because of their relatively more acceptable prices. However, the space of small apartments is limited, so how to make full use of every inch of place has become a problem that every small apartment family has to bother to ponder.

I recently visited a friend’s house and was surprised by his creativity. He actually transformed the equipment platform where the air conditioner was originally placed outside the unit into a delicate small balcony. Looking at this unique small space, while I admire it, I can’t help but worry: Is the structure strong enough when the equipment platform is changed into a balcony? Aren’t you afraid that there will be problems if you don’t bear enough load?

When chatting, my friend said that the place was empty anyway, so it was simply changed into a small balcony. Although the idle equipment platform is indeed a bit wasteful, this kind of transformation should be extra cautious.

First of all, everyone should understand that although the load-bearing capacity of balconies and equipment platforms may be similar, guardrails, security windows, etc. usually need to be installed after renovation, and necessary reinforcements need to be made, which will increase potential safety hazards. Because it was originally only used for air conditioning, it was not suitable for making too many changes to the wall.

If you really want to transform the equipment platform, the technical requirements are relatively high. The proportion of pouring cement and the specifications of steel bars need stricter standards, so as to ensure the quality and safety of pouring.

Another point to note: there is usually a beam between the equipment platform and the balcony, which must not be moved, otherwise it will affect the structural safety of the whole house.

Of course, some communities also have equipment platforms that can be transformed. For example, if there is a frame structure outside the equipment platform, the safety is guaranteed, and the property agrees, then renovation can be considered. However, if it extends outward like the picture below, it is recommended not to change it.

It is understandable that everyone wants to make full use of the space, but we must first consider the load-bearing problem, and safety is always the first priority.