Balaclava has a mix of older brick apartments, Art Deco blocks and renovated period homes, where hidden water damage, movement cracks and DIY alterations can be easy to miss at open inspections.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for signs of footing movement such as stepped cracking in brickwork, uneven floors, jamming doors and separation at cornices. Where accessible, we assess subfloor ventilation, stumps/bearers or slab edges, and note drainage conditions that can contribute to ongoing movement.
We inspect tiles or metal sheeting, ridge capping, valleys, flashings and penetrations, then assess gutters and downpipes for falls, blockages and overflow points. In Balaclava’s mix of older roofs and patched repairs, small defects can lead to ceiling staining, timber decay and mould growth.
We look for cracking patterns, bulging render, failed joints and deteriorated mortar, plus gaps around windows and doors. For apartments and terraces, we pay close attention to balcony edges, balustrade fixings and waterproofing indicators where water can track into walls and slabs.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for swelling, drummy tiles, silicone failure, staining and moisture-related damage to skirtings and architraves. We also assess ceilings and cornices for leak patterns that may indicate roof, plumbing or balcony drainage problems.
We identify visible safety risks such as unstable steps, inadequate balustrade heights, trip hazards, damaged glazing and unsafe access points. We also note obvious electrical and plumbing red flags (for example, damaged cabling, non-protected outdoor fittings or poor pipe supports) that warrant licensed trades to confirm compliance.
We assess workmanship and look for clues of removed or altered walls, poorly supported openings, sagging beams and cracking around new doorways. In Balaclava, where many properties have been updated over time, we help you spot risks from rushed renovations and unfinished structural work.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Balaclava inspections often uncover water entry from ageing roof coverings, blocked gutters or poorly detailed flashings, plus damp impacts in bathrooms and ground-floor areas. We also see cracking from movement or past renovations, and patchwork repairs on older brick and rendered facades. In apartment blocks, balcony drainage and balustrade safety can be key risk items. We document what we can see and advise on next steps.
Yes. We inspect the unit or apartment you’re buying and any accessible common areas we’re permitted to view at the time, such as foyers, stairwells, basements or shared external walls. We’ll highlight defects that may affect your lot or indicate broader building issues. For strata properties, we also recommend reviewing the owners corporation records to understand planned works and recurring maintenance.
We assess visible indicators of electrical and plumbing condition and flag safety concerns, but a building inspection is non-invasive and isn’t a substitute for a full compliance test by licensed electricians or plumbers. If we see warning signs like DIY cabling, damaged fittings, leaks, water staining or poor pipe supports, we’ll recommend targeted trade checks so you can confirm compliance before committing.
They can be. Solid masonry walls, older waterproofing details and years of repainting or rendering can trap moisture, especially where ventilation is limited. Bathrooms and balcony interfaces are common entry points, and ground-level areas can be affected by drainage and subfloor airflow. During the inspection we look for moisture symptoms, deterioration patterns and likely sources, then outline practical options for further investigation or remediation.
Arrange access with the agent so we can view all rooms, roof space (where safe), subfloor (where accessible), garage and external boundaries. If it’s an apartment, confirm access to relevant common areas and any storage cages or car parks. Provide any vendor statements, renovation notes or past repair invoices you’ve received. The more we can access and cross-check, the clearer your risk picture will be.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a detailed Building Inspection in Balaclava that focuses on structural condition, safety hazards and the defects buyers can’t afford to miss.