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Ashwood homes often include older brick veneer and renovated weatherboards where movement, drainage changes and tree roots can trigger cracking, sagging floors and roof spread. A targeted structural check helps you spot serious issues before they become expensive repairs.
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We examine wall and ceiling cracks, looking at location, pattern (including stepped brickwork cracking), width, and whether doors/windows nearby are sticking. This helps identify red flags consistent with movement, roof spread or compromised load paths, rather than normal shrinkage or plaster settlement.
We look for sloping or springy floors, gaps at skirtings, and changes in level between rooms that can indicate stumps/joists issues, bearer movement or localised footing problems. In older Ashwood homes with mixed repairs, these signs can point to uneven support or patchwork structural work.
In the roof space we visually check trusses/rafters, bracing, strutting, and signs of deflection or spread. We also look for water entry evidence that can weaken timber over time, and we note any cut or altered members that may relate to past renovations or services installations.
We inspect around windows, doors and large openings for cracking, sagging, or displaced brickwork that may suggest lintel failure or inadequate support—an issue that can become more common after creating open-plan living spaces or enlarging openings without proper structural design.
We check for tell-tale signs such as uneven paving, separation at junctions, leaning fences/walls, and moisture management issues near the building. Poor falls, blocked stormwater, or concentrated runoff can contribute to ground movement and ongoing cracking.
Where major structural defects create immediate safety risks—such as unstable masonry, significant roof framing distress, or severe floor support deterioration—we highlight them clearly and recommend appropriate next steps. This helps you prioritise repairs and understand which issues may require urgent professional intervention.
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Get Major Structural Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Ashwood we often see concerns raised by stepped cracking in brickwork, widening internal cracks that reappear after patching, doors that suddenly stick, and uneven or bouncy floors. In the roof space, sagging members, missing bracing, or altered framing after renovations can also be red flags. A visual inspection links these signs to likely causes and recommends next steps.
Yes. Fresh paint, new plaster and flooring can conceal cracking, moisture damage or deflection until the building continues to move. Open-plan conversions can also introduce risk if walls were removed or openings widened without adequate beams, posts or bracing. We look for alignment issues, cracking patterns, altered framing in the roof space, and uneven floors that can indicate underlying structural stress.
No. Our Major Structural Defects inspection is a visual assessment of accessible areas to identify indicators of serious structural issues and safety hazards. A structural engineer provides calculations, design verification and certification where required. If we see signs consistent with significant movement, framing failure or inadequate support, we’ll recommend engaging an engineer for confirmation and a repair design before major works proceed.
They can. Large established trees, garden beds against walls, and changes to stormwater or surface falls can alter moisture conditions around footings. That can contribute to ongoing movement, which shows up as cracking, gaps, or changes in floor levels. During the inspection we note drainage clues and moisture risk areas near the building so you can address contributing factors, not just the visible damage.
We’ll explain what we observed, why it matters, and the likely implications for safety and repair scope. We’ll outline practical next steps such as obtaining a structural engineer’s assessment, arranging targeted invasive checks by a qualified tradesperson, or requesting repair quotes before exchange/settlement. If there are immediate safety concerns, we’ll flag them clearly so you can act quickly.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the defect indicators that can change a buying decision in Ashwood—movement, roof framing distress and renovation-related structural risks. Call 0485 857 077 to arrange an inspection.