Buying Prestige Real Estate? Read this First!

From the lofty verandah views of the rivers of Hamilton, the riverfront personal spa and sauna rooms of Hawthorn, to the Olympic-size indoor pools and personal bathrooms per bedroom of Chandler, the prestige real estate of Brisbane is growing and expanding at a rapid rate. The impressive spaces and ongoing extensions, renovations and attention to detail are incredible. But don’t let the sparkle of high-end aesthetics fool you into thinking a pristine house is problem-free. Sometimes it’s the most impressive details that can impact your budget after you purchase. 

A meticulous building inspection is recommended for all houses, from the humble single-story in the suburbs to the three-story, eight-bedroom, multimillion-dollar home in Chandler. It is not just about what your building inspector knows, it is the experience and knowledge to explain what these impressive extras can mean down the track.   

When prestige does not mean to code

Yes, that breathtaking, impressive, wrought iron spiral staircase looks like art you walk on and makes you feel like you are on the set of Bridgerton, but what would Lady Whistledown have to say about the scandal of the not-to-code short and irregular stair dimensions? Probably not much because she is fictional, but a professional and highly experienced building inspector would spot this detail straight away.   

It is easy to be captivated by the proximity to the river. Full-length, full-wall glass doors that open from ceiling to the floor, indoor spas and saunas, personal bathrooms for each room, indoor pools and underground car parking. But under all the expensive tiling and spectacular architecture of prestige real estate, is it to code? Or is it going to cost you a fortune to repair, replace or possibly tear down in the future?   

What’s hidden behind the beautiful façade?

With extra details and extensions come costs, and it may not be that the building is not up to code. In fact, there may not be any issues at that moment, but real estate building inspectors will bring to your attention possible future issues or maintenance requirements. 

Special features such as the indoor spa or sauna room may need to be resealed every 12 months to protect the house and surrounding rooms from moisture. In addition, intricate roof designs often require complex flashings and waterproof membranes to prevent leaks.  If not installed correctly, internal water penetration and structural damage could occur.  

Even prestige real estate can come with expensive defects and hidden issues. Contracting an experienced Brisbane building inspector is essential. And being independent means they will only have your best interests at heart and will not be blinded by the location, be it a two-bedroom rental or a multimillion-dollar mansion.  

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