Ashburton homes often blend original weatherboards and brick veneers with renovated extensions—our pre-purchase inspection checks the join lines, subfloors and moisture-prone areas where defects commonly hide.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess where newer additions meet the original structure—looking for cracking patterns, uneven floor transitions, roofline changes and flashing faults. These areas can reveal movement, poor workmanship or water entry that may not be obvious during an open for inspection.
Where a subfloor is accessible, we check ventilation, dampness, timber condition and signs of fungal decay. Poor airflow and ground moisture can lead to cupping floors, musty odours and timber deterioration that becomes costly to rectify.
We inspect roof surfaces (where safe), valleys, penetrations, gutters and downpipes, and look for staining in the roof space that indicates past or current leaks. Water ingress can damage insulation, ceilings and framing long before it becomes visible inside.
We look for moisture-related symptoms around showers, baths, vanities and kitchen cabinetry, including swollen skirting, loose tiles, silicone failure and localised floor movement. These areas are high-risk in renovated homes where waterproofing quality varies.
We document wall and ceiling cracking, door and window alignment, and floor level changes to help distinguish between typical ageing and issues that may indicate structural movement. Clear photos and notes support informed negotiations with the vendor.
We check accessible timbers, subfloor zones, fence lines and garden-adjacent areas for termite leads, mudding, borer damage and conducive conditions such as stored timber or high soil-to-wall contact. Early signs matter because repairs and treatment can be significant.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Ashburton we often see a mix of older building fabric and newer renovations. Common concerns include moisture entry around older roofs and gutters, damp subfloors where ventilation is limited, and cracking where extensions connect to original walls. We also pay close attention to wet areas, as waterproofing faults can be hidden behind new tiles and cabinetry.
We can include pest-related observations as part of your pre-purchase assessment, focusing on visible evidence and conditions that increase risk. That said, a dedicated building and pest inspection offers the most comprehensive coverage, especially for termite-prone areas around subfloors, fences and garden beds. If you’re unsure, tell us the property type and we’ll recommend the right scope.
Yes, where access is available and it’s safe to enter. The roof space helps confirm leak history, insulation condition and signs of moisture damage. The subfloor is critical for checking ventilation, dampness and timber condition. If access is restricted (locked manholes, low clearance, stored items), we’ll note the limitation in the report and explain what risks remain.
Older weatherboards can be more sensitive to moisture and maintenance gaps. We commonly check for timber decay near wet areas, poor drainage leading to splash-back on cladding, subfloor ventilation shortfalls, and movement-related cracking around openings. We also look for signs of past patch repairs that may indicate ongoing issues. The goal is to separate normal ageing from defects likely to require immediate work.
Book as soon as you’re serious about the property and have an inspection window available, ideally before signing unconditionally. Ashburton properties can attract strong interest, so timing matters for finance and contract deadlines. If you have a short timeframe, call ACE and share the address, property type and your due date so we can advise the best inspection approach.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more informationACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the real risks in Ashburton homes—extensions, subfloors, wet areas and moisture—so you know what you’re buying. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange Pre Purchase Inspection Services in Ashburton.