Queenslander homes are often filled with a century of charm, and many fall in love for their elegant and sophisticated details.
Yet, you shouldn’t let the beauty and charm of Queensland houses deter your attention from potential issues. After all, these heritage homes are old for the most part and can present severe structural defects and other damage if they haven’t been appropriately maintained.
Therefore, to help you get one step closer to purchasing the perfect house for you and your family, we’ve listed below a few key things to consider before buying a Queenslander-style home.
Ongoing Maintenance
Old Queenslander homes are notorious for requiring regular maintenance. Some of them can also be real fixer-uppers which can ultimately turn out to be costly.
Some of the common ongoing maintenance tasks with this type of home include easing windows, painting timber and weatherboards, replacing rotting timber, or washing the house once a year. They also often have uneven floors and lack proper insulation. And as you might know, replacing floors or insulating your house can also be costly. As a result, make sure you do your research before purchasing your dream property.
Note that your Queenslander house will most likely need a fresh coat of paint every 10 to 15 years due to the heat that leads to timber expanding and contracting. If you’re thinking of renovating your home, you’ll have to check the restrictions regarding historic properties.
Potential Structural Defects
Structural defects are often spotted in these old homes. Rotten and cracked stumps are two of the most common structural defects in Queenslander Homes. Therefore, you should always use the service of a professional to ensure the house is structurally sound. Indeed, a Pre-Purchase Building and Pest Inspection report will highlight the extent of the issues and the costs involved, allowing you to make a more informed decision.
Low Ceilings
Many old Queenslander houses have a built-in downstairs area that can be converted into a bedroom, a storage room, a playroom, or a study. If you’ve fallen in love with one of these houses, and are tempted by the potential added value of this additional room, keep in mind that the ceiling height must be compliant with the National Construction Code to be deemed habitable. According to the Code, habitable rooms (including bedrooms) must have a ceiling of a minimum of 2.4m. Anything under these standards, and you won’t be able to advertise the room as a bedroom if you decide to sell.
Termite Protection
Termite feeds off timber. Therefore, Queenslander homes are the perfect playground for them. And, as you probably know, termites can cause severe structural damage, leading to thousands of dollars in repair. That’s why, once again, you should make sure to use the services of a professional Pest and Building inspector before purchasing a home. They’ll be able to identify any termite issue associated with fixing the issue and give you recommendations for an adequate treatment plan.
Character Profile
Many Queenslander houses are classified as character houses due to their historical and architectural significance. If you’re looking to renovate or extend your home, thus making alterations, you’ll need to ascertain the additions or alterations complement the original building style. You’ll also have to make sure these alterations are compliant with the building code of Australia and local standards. You’ll find more information on altering character houses here.
Queenslander homes are beautiful and can be a wonderful space for you to create memories with your family and friends. Yet, to ensure a successful purchase and a happy life, you should always turn to professional Building and Pest Inspectors so that they can assess the structural state of the home.
Have you found your dream home and are looking for a trusted Building and Pest Inspector? At OneHome Inspections, we’re passionate about quality building and construction, and we love to help future homeowners make informed decisions so that they can start this new exciting chapter of their life on the right foot! Don’t hesitate to get in touch on 3369 5231.