You don’t need to be a real estate investor to know that mid-century modern homes are highly sought after right now. There are still many mid-century homes Brisbane buyers can turn their hand to restoring. You’ll find them in suburbs such as McDowall, Auchenflower, Graceville, Aspley, Chermside, and Carina, to name but a few.
Whilst in the past many of these older homes were demolished in favour of new builds, they are now being prized by younger homeowners and enthusiasts who appreciate their historical significance and distinct style. There are even specialised real estate websites aimed at attracting buyers who will conserve these hidden gems rather than bulldoze them.
But there are important things to consider when purchasing a Brisbane mid-century house to renovate. Here’s what you need to know.
Brisbane’s mid-century building boom
Australia’s post-WWII building boom saw many modernist-style homes constructed across Brisbane between 1945 and 1970. Featuring design styles that are highly compatible with the Queensland climate, these homes moved away from traditional styles. They were characterised by flat or raked roof lines, floor-to-ceiling windows, open spaces, and an unobstructed connection to natural surroundings. Some of these homes have now become heritage-listed. Along with the innovative new architectural designs of mid-century modern homes came the use of various construction materials such as veneered wood, mineral alloys, artificial stone and…asbestos.
Does my dream home contain asbestos?
Prized as affordable, flexible, strong, and able to insulate from heat and electricity, asbestos was commonly used in the construction of homes and buildings before it was banned in Australia in 1990. In fact, up until the mid-1980s, Australia had one of the highest rates of asbestos use per person in the world. According to asbestossafety.gov.au, approximately a third of all homes in Australia still contain asbestos products.
So, how do you know if the mid-century home you’re considering was constructed with asbestos? If it was built before 1984, you can bet it was. However, homes built up until 1990 could still contain asbestos (particularly in pipes).
Where was asbestos typically used in Brisbane mid-century homes?
So, what does that mean for homebuyers planning on renovating or restoring a mid-century property in Brisbane?
In its heyday, asbestos was used in over 3000 products in Australia, making it very difficult for the average person to identify areas of their home that may contain the fibrous and potentially deadly material. Keep an eye out for asbestos in timber houses.
Here are some of the places asbestos can be found in a typical home built in the mid-century period.
- Insulation for hot water pipes
- Eaves and gable ends
- Sheds and external toilets
- Internal walls and ceilings
- Ridge capping
- Insulation in the roof cavity
- Gutter downpipes
- Corrugated cement roofing
- Fences
- Internal angle moulding
- Compressed cement sheet flooring
- Backing of vinyl sheet flooring and carpet
- Backing for electrical meter boards
- Flues to fireplaces
- Telephone pit
- Older-style over-the-toilet cisterns
- Packing material on stumps
Renovating your dream home safely
If you have your eye on a mid-century home that you plan to renovate, it’s crucial to identify the presence of asbestos first. The health risks associated with exposure are serious, but there are steps you can take to ensure asbestos is not an automatic dealbreaker to your dreams!
When you book a pre-purchase building inspection, your inspector can advise on whether the presence of asbestos is likely or not. From there, they may recommend you have a full audit carried out by a licensed and certified asbestos assessor.
Armed with the complete picture, you can factor professional asbestos identification and removal into your renovation budget and avoid the surprise of unforeseen costs.
Learn more about potential architectural issues in your old-new home!