Ashburton’s mix of older brick homes, renovated weatherboards and new extensions can hide unsafe DIY wiring, uneven thresholds and stair compliance issues—especially where original and new work meet.
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We look for visible warning signs such as aged or damaged cabling, unsafe DIY connections, overloaded power boards, heat marks at outlets, and older-style switchboards that may not support modern protection. Electrical issues are a leading cause of house fires, so we clearly flag any items that warrant urgent assessment by a licensed electrician.
We assess stair geometry and the condition of treads, risers, nosings, and landings, then check handrails and balustrades for movement, height and spacing concerns that can contribute to falls. This is especially important where a newer extension joins an original Ashburton home and levels change between rooms.
We identify raised edges, uneven flooring, loose tiles, lifted carpets, and abrupt transitions between surfaces (timber to tile, internal to external). These are common in renovated properties where older subfloors and new finishes don’t align, and they can be a serious risk for children and older occupants.
We inspect accessible bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for issues that can create slip risk or indicate water damage, including leaking fixtures, inadequate ventilation, swollen skirting, ponding at shower entries, and deteriorated sealants. Persistent moisture can also affect adjacent structures and create hidden hazards.
We check paths, steps, driveways and entries for cracking, rocking pavers, sudden level changes, and slippery surfaces. We also note drainage concerns such as water tracking toward the home, blocked surface grates, and downpipe discharge points that may worsen hazards after rain.
Where safe and accessible, we look for hazards such as exposed nails, unstable access points, poorly supported insulation, and signs of moisture that can weaken timber. We also note any evidence of vermin activity that can damage wiring or create unsanitary conditions.
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Get Safety Hazards as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Ashburton, we often see hazards where older sections meet newer extensions—uneven thresholds, step-downs, and stair/handrail changes that don’t feel right underfoot. Renovations can also leave mixed electrical work, poorly secured decking balustrades, and wet-area issues like inadequate ventilation or water leaks that create slippery surfaces. Our inspection flags these practical risks with photos and clear next steps.
We visually assess the switchboard area and look for indicators that modern safety protection may be missing or compromised, such as older components, overheating signs, untidy wiring, or labelling issues. We don’t perform electrical compliance testing, but we clearly document any red flags and recommend further assessment by a licensed electrician where required, especially before settlement or leasing.
Yes. Many injury claims start outside the front door, so we check accessible paths, paving, steps, handrails and entries for trip points, movement, cracking and slippery finishes. We also look at surface drainage and downpipe discharge because ponding water can make steps and walkways unsafe, and ongoing moisture can contribute to deterioration around garages and subfloor areas.
They can be. Older Ashburton homes may have movement over time, and renovations can introduce new floor heights or different floor coverings. Raised edges, loose tiles, and abrupt changes from hallway to kitchen or living areas are common fall hazards. During the inspection we note where transitions feel unsafe, where coverings are damaged, and where further building assessment may be sensible.
Use the report to prioritise what must be addressed immediately (for example, electrical red flags, unstable balustrades, unsafe steps) versus what can be scheduled as maintenance. The photos and descriptions help you request repairs, obtain quotes, or negotiate price with clearer justification. If specialist input is needed, we’ll recommend the appropriate licensed trade to confirm scope.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections knows the common risks in Ashburton’s renovated and older homes and documents hazards clearly so you can fix them fast. Call 0413 163 187.