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Ashwood homes often blend older brick veneers with modern extensions—movement, roof drainage issues and DIY alterations can hide serious defects that affect safety and resale.
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We assess cracking patterns in brickwork, plaster and external masonry, check for stepping cracks, separation at corners, and distortion around openings. These indicators help distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement that may relate to footings, soil reactivity or poor drainage—issues that can escalate into major structural defects.
Where the subfloor is accessible, we check for timber deterioration, inadequate supports, uneven bearers/joists, and signs of past or ongoing moisture. These faults can cause uneven floors, ongoing movement and expensive rectification works, particularly in older Ashwood homes that have been re-levelled or partially updated.
We inspect visible roof framing for sagging, modifications, and water staining, and assess roof covering condition and flashings from accessible vantage points. We also look closely at gutters, downpipes and discharge points, because overflow and poor stormwater control are common triggers for footing moisture changes and internal water damage.
We check for signs of water entry around showers, baths, laundries and kitchen areas, including swollen skirting, staining, mould and damp odours. Wet-area failures can lead to concealed timber decay and termite risk, and may point to non-compliant waterproofing work during renovations.
We check doors and windows for binding, gaps, and misalignment, and assess lintels and supporting elements where visible. These practical functional checks often reveal structural movement or compromised support that isn’t obvious in photos or a quick walk-through.
While not a full compliance certification, we identify visible red flags such as DIY cabling, unsafe switchboard indicators, unprotected penetrations, active leaks, and poor pipe supports. These issues can present immediate safety hazards and may require prompt specialist assessment before settlement or renovation.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Ashwood, we often see defect patterns linked to drainage and movement—cracking that reflects seasonal soil changes, overflow from gutters, and moisture ingress around wet areas or older flashings. Renovations can also introduce problems such as removed or altered load-bearing walls, poorly supported openings, and junction cracking where an extension meets the original structure. We assess severity, likely causes and next steps.
We look at the crack type, width, direction and location, plus supporting clues like sticking doors, sloping floors, separation at cornices and external brickwork patterns. While we don’t provide engineering design, we can indicate when cracking is consistent with structural movement and recommend whether an engineer’s assessment is warranted. This helps you avoid underestimating a potentially major defect.
Yes, where access allows. We assess visible signs of footing movement externally and internally, and inspect subfloor areas when accessible for dampness, timber deterioration, inadequate supports and unevenness. If access is restricted (for example, limited clearance or sealed subfloor), we’ll note the limitation and outline what further access or specialist investigation may be needed to confirm the risk.
They can be, particularly where older homes have been opened up or extended without consistent load paths, adequate lintels, or correct tie-in between old and new structures. We pay close attention to beam/lintel lines, cracking at junctions, roofline transitions, and wet areas that have been relocated. These are common places for hidden movement, water entry and compliance red flags to show up.
If we identify a defect that appears to present an immediate safety risk—such as significant structural instability indicators, electrical red flags, or active water damage affecting critical elements—we’ll explain it clearly on site and prioritise it in the findings. We’ll recommend the appropriate next step, such as urgent review by a structural engineer or qualified electrician, so you can act before settlement or works commence.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the high-impact defects that affect safety and property value in Ashwood—call 0485 857 077 to arrange an inspection and get clear, practical next steps.