Balaclava’s mix of older brick homes and Art Deco-style apartments can hide movement, damp and unsafe alterations behind fresh renovations—major defects that can be costly in shared walls and tight blocks.
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We assess cracking in brickwork, plaster and rendered finishes, looking for patterns that suggest footing movement, wall separation, lintel distress or long-term settlement. In Balaclava’s older stock, distinguishing age-related hairline cracking from active movement can prevent you inheriting expensive stabilisation works.
We inspect accessible subfloor areas for stump condition and alignment, bearer/joist damage, ventilation adequacy and moisture staining. Major defects often start under the floor—poor drainage, inadequate airflow or concealed leaks can lead to timber decay and uneven floors that worsen over time.
We examine accessible roof voids for framing issues such as sagging members, prior fire/heat damage, inadequate bracing, and signs of ongoing roof leaks. Roof defects can create hidden rot, mould and ceiling failure, especially after patch repairs that don’t address the source of water entry.
We check high-risk junctions including parapets, flashings, window heads/sills, balcony edges and penetrations for signs of water ingress and deterioration. On multi-unit buildings, balcony and façade defects can become significant rectification items, so early identification matters.
We look for evidence consistent with waterproofing failure, shower leaks, swollen skirtings, damaged substrates, and poor drainage falls. Wet area defects can trigger major repairs when moisture migrates into adjoining rooms, framing or party walls—common where older layouts have been repeatedly renovated.
While not a full compliance test, we identify visible hazards such as unsafe wiring practices, exposed conductors, improvised connections, water-damaged fittings, and plumbing leaks that impact structure. These issues can be urgent because they create fire risk, ongoing moisture damage, and insurance complications.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Balaclava we often see defect patterns linked to older construction and renovation cycles: structural cracking that suggests movement, moisture ingress around roofs and flashings, and wet-area leaks that have been present for years. In apartments and attached dwellings, defects can also involve shared walls, balconies and drainage. Our inspection focuses on identifying these major issues and explaining likely causes and next steps.
We pay close attention to cracking and separation in masonry, signs of water entry from roof areas or upper-level balconies, and moisture impacts around wet areas that may have been renovated. We also check accessible roof voids (where available), common risk points like parapets and flashings, and visible service hazards. We’ll note which items may be strata responsibility versus within-lot concerns.
Yes—if we see indicators of significant movement, structural distress, or conditions that can’t be confirmed without calculations or invasive investigation, we’ll recommend an engineer or relevant specialist. Examples include pronounced cracking with displacement, sagging roof framing, or compromised load-bearing elements. We’ll explain why the referral is needed and which evidence we observed so you can act quickly.
Attached dwellings and tighter allotments can make drainage, moisture and movement problems harder to detect early, and defects may originate next door or in common areas. Party walls can transmit cracking, and shared roof lines or downpipes can create leak paths that don’t respect property boundaries. We document what we can access, flag likely shared-element causes, and recommend strata/building management follow-up where relevant.
It won’t include destructive testing, under-floor or roof access where entry isn’t safe/available, or formal electrical/plumbing compliance certification. We also don’t guarantee detection of every concealed defect behind linings or fixed finishes. What we do provide is a defect-focused assessment of accessible areas, identification of major issues and risk indicators, and clear guidance on what further investigations may be needed.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the serious issues—movement, moisture damage, roof structure and safety hazards—so you can make a confident decision on your Balaclava property. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.