[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] #Mr. A won the bid for a multi-family house through a court auction last month. This house, located on the top floor of a 5-story building, had a separate veranda space in front and was even expanded, which he liked. However, Mr. A later realized that the veranda expansion was illegal and that the house was registered as a violating building, forcing him to demolish everything and restore it to its original state.
Balconies, verandas, and terraces may sound similar and are often used interchangeably, but under the Building Act, these three are completely different concepts. First, the space commonly called a "veranda" in apartments is accurately called a "balcony." A balcony is "a space additionally installed adjacent to the exterior wall of a building, serving as a buffer space connecting the interior and exterior of the building." This balcony, which can be used for hanging laundry or as a small flower bed, is often called a "service space" when apartments are sold because it is not included in the exclusive area but is an actual usable space. In detached houses, a balcony is an extension of the living room connecting the front yard and kitchen.
A veranda refers to the extra space on the roof of the lower floor created when the upper floor has a smaller area than the lower floor. In other words, it is the roof part of the lower floor used in detached or multi-family houses with two or more floors where the upper floor's floor area is smaller than the lower floor's. Therefore, in cases like Mr. A's, where the roof of the lower floor is utilized, the space is considered a "veranda," and expanding it can be an illegal extension.
Terraces, frequently used in newly built apartments, are outdoor spaces of buildings constructed on the ground. Located on the first floor with varying heights in the building's garden, they are used as resting places or playgrounds. Terraces are mainly used as outdoor rooms or for the building's stability, harmony with the garden, or for viewing the garden or scenery. Recently, in the process of selling newly built apartments, terraces have been added to the first floor, which was previously less preferred, resulting in higher prices or more competitive bids for first-floor units, a phenomenon that has become quite common.
One point to be cautious about is the expansion work of these spaces. Balconies can be expanded in general houses, but expansion is prohibited in officetels, so caution is needed. Veranda expansion is prohibited. Since December 2005, balcony expansion has been legalized, but veranda expansion is still not allowed. Therefore, when expanding a house, it is essential to confirm the exact name of the space.
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