Practicality is one of the main reasons for investing in new balustrades. You need, after all, a way to properly secure your balconies and patios, comply with the building codes applicable for NSW properties and also reduce the risks of accidental falls, which, unfortunately, has transformed into a rising phenomenon in Australia’s largest cities. But let’s be honest for one moment. Besides the practical benefits and the legal requirements imposed by the local authorities, investing in a balustrade is a decision that often comes down to aesthetic preferences.

A simple, aluminium-based balustrade that makes use of slats will do just as good a job as a premium, glass balustrade, characterised by a frameless design. But you know what? It will not look as good, and if we are being completely honest, one of the main reasons why you love your property is probably because it represents an extension of your creativity and personality. Why go for something that will not fix all your exterior design preferences, or that won’t significantly improve the overall aesthetic cues of your dwelling? A glass balustrade, at the end of the day, can be looked at as a safety barrier that can be installed pretty much anywhere on your property, from balconies to patios and even in your yard. But just because they are practical installations, this doesn’t mean that balustrades cannot also look good, significantly enhance your property’s market visibility and also make it so that your dwelling appreciates in value. Ultimately, railings and guardrails can be an excellent investment, help you ensure the safety of your loved ones, and also, in the long run, even present you with financial benefits.

Are They a Necessity?

Yes, at least it is in our country. In Sydney and the rest of NSW, the installation of guardrails on new residential properties is mandated by the regulations laid out in the BCA, which in turn forms part of the National Construction Code. Per the legal framework laid out in the BCA, guardrails, or any other type of barrier, are required where there is a risk of a fall that’s more than 1m in height. In other words, pretty much any balcony, deck, or elevated patio, is legally required to be retrofitted with a guardrail.

The NCC, and by extension the BCA, has a legal effect in NSW through the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act of 1979, and the fines for not following the framework laid out in this act can be quite significant. If you are a private individual in breach of the EP&A Act, the penalties you can face will be determined by the tier of the safety breach. That said, even for more or less obvious offences, your local council can fine you up to $3,000 for non-compliant building work.

But let’s make this absolutely clear. The reason for a new guardrail should not be related to the legal framework applicable to Sydney-based properties. Guardrails, in the end, are one of the only ways to ensure the safety of your loved ones, and make your balconies and patios into a safe space both for responsible adults, as well as for children and even animals. In my case, I shrug to think how my childhood would’ve turned out if my parents hadn’t invested in proper rails. After all, how many times I ran around, I did something reckless on a balcony, and how often I was saved by the safety of the installed guardrail?

But Why Go for a Glass Balustrade?

Isn’t it obvious? After all, one should just look at the overall aesthetically pleasing properties of a glass balustrade to understand what it is all about. Frameless, glass-panel rails provide maximum visibility to the surrounding views. They are a fantastic way to let light flow freely without potential interruptions and are therefore ideal for modern properties, in which space comes at a premium. Made from laminated glass, the panes of frameless rails are surprisingly tough and can withstand pretty much any impact without risking shattering or losing their structural integrity.

Of course, they are not bulletproof, both literally and metaphorically. That said, glass rails are engineered to be resistant against impacts; they do a good job when facing significant winds, they have no climbing points, which makes them a bit safer for families with small children, and they are weather-resistant, as glass panes are less likely to be affected by the specifics of the Australian climate. Of course, when looking for balustrades in Sydney, you will have many options to choose from.

Tubular rails, made from aluminium, are for many people the right balance between quality and durability. Others might prefer wood rails, which blend traditionalism with cost-efficiency. But, at least in the 21st century, the most in-vogue option for modern houses is represented by glass rails. They don’t rust, they don’t need repainting, they can modernise living spaces, and they are straightforward to clean. Are they a bit more expensive? Yes. But ultimately, they can represent a wise financial investment.

What Are the Monetary Benefits?

Well, even though they are more expensive to install, a high-quality glass balustrade can actually pay for itself when we account for the absolutely wild prices of NSW properties and the market value that guardrails can add to available dwellings. The average house price in the city has surpassed $1.75 million. Even if the railing ends up boosting your property by a mere 3%, that will still be an increase in valuation of no less than $52,500. Frameless balustrades in Sydney are premium architectural features and they will increase the appeal of your property much more significantly than traditional aluminium or wood barriers.

Therefore, the ROI of frameless glass guardrails is significant, and combined with the lower-than-expected maintenance costs, the overall financial benefits of these fixtures are actually surprisingly advantageous. Sure, they are not for everyone. But they can be installed pretty much anywhere, and are therefore even a solution to consider for owners of properties older than twenty or thirty years. In fact, that was exactly the case for us.

The old, wooden rail started to show its age, so my wife and I decided to invest in the financial potential of glass guardrails. The contrast between new and old worked really well, and actually boosted the popularity of our property both with our neighbours as well as with potential tenants (we were trying to rent out a spare bedroom). In the end, we sold that house for significant profit, and personally, I think this was due in part to the aesthetic benefits that were made possible by the installation of the glass balustrade.

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