Luxury homes often require thorough and specialized inspections to ensure that their unique features, high-end amenities, and premium construction are in top condition. If you’re a luxury real estate professional looking to best represent your clients’ best interests, it’s important to recommend the proper inspections.

In doing so, you can help them protect their investments and make sure they’re as informed as possible when purchasing a luxury property.

So, what are some of the most important inspections to consider?

1. Smart Home Technology and Automation

More luxury homes are being outfitted with “smart” devices and automation features that can add convenience and value. Having an inspection done on these systems can assess the functionality of all integrated smart home systems, automation features, and other high-tech amenities while ensuring that these systems are working properly and up-to-date with the latest technology.

2. Home Entertainment and Theater Systems

For properties outfitted with home entertainment and theater systems, a detailed inspection of this equipment is a must. Ideally, an inspection here will include a thorough look at the system’s audio-visual equipment, wiring, built-in displays, projectors, and all other electronics to ensure maximum performance.

3. Indoor and Outdoor Pools/Spas

Indoor and outdoor pools and/or spas can be a wonderful addition to any luxury property, providing endless hours of entertainment and relaxation. Unfortunately, costs associated with hidden pool leaks and other issues can add up quickly—which is why an assessment of the overall condition and safety features of any pool/spa should be included in a luxury home inspection.

4. Elevators and Lifts

For luxury homes with elevators and stair lifts in place, it is also important to have these inspected to make sure that they are functioning properly. Likewise, an elevator and lift inspection will ensure that these systems meet all current safety regulations and requirements for added peace of mind.

5. Wine Cellars

A wine cellar can add value and appeal to a luxury home—but only when the cellar has been properly built and maintained. Common issues to watch for in a wine cellar include problems with temperature and humidity control, as well as poor insulation and inadequate ventilation. A detailed inspection will reveal these issues to a prospective buyer.

6. Security Systems and Surveillance

Many luxury properties are outfitted with extensive security and surveillance systems. However, these systems are only useful when they are reliable and functional. A thorough inspection should include a detailed look at all security sensors, glass-break sensors, surveillance cameras, and access control systems for their effectiveness and integration.

7. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Today’s affluent buyers are more concerned than ever about energy efficiency and sustainability when buying a property. With this in mind, real estate professionals may want to recommend an inspection to assess a property’s energy efficiency features, green building certifications, and other sustainable features to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprints.

8. Landscaping and Outdoor Spaces

For properties with built-in irrigation systems, outdoor kitchens, and other extensive outdoor amenities, a separate inspection may be recommended to ensure that everything is in safe and proper working order. Problems with irrigation systems (such as hidden water leaks) can be invasive and costly to repair.

9. Private Water Sources and Wells

If a luxury home has a private water source, such as a well, it’s always a good idea to recommend a water quality test. This will help alert the potential buyer to any issues with the water quality or maintenance of private water sources that may need to be addressed before taking possession.

10. Historic or Heritage Considerations

For historic luxury homes, specialized inspections may be required to evaluate ongoing preservation efforts and adherence to heritage guidelines. To learn more about qualification requirements for the National Register of Historic Places, check out this article.

11. Local Regulations and Permits

If any additions or extensive renovations have been made to a luxury property in the past, it is important to have inspections done to ensure that these renovations were done correctly and to-code. This type of inspection can determine whether the proper permits were pulled for the work, as well as whether the work was done in accordance with local building codes and regulations.

12. Art Collections and Special Collections

In luxury homes that feature valuable art collections or other permanent collections, an inspection should be done to assess the security, climate control, and other protection measures in place for these assets. Doing so can help to preserve not just the value of the collection, but of the property as a whole.

Level Up Your Luxury Real Estate Career

While this may seem like a long list, it’s not a comprehensive one. Depending on the unique features and amenities found on a property, additional inspections may be recommended. Still, these are some of the most common to tell your prospective buyers about so they can feel as confident as possible in their next luxury home purchase.

For more industry news and expert insights from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM), join our network today!