Balaclava’s mix of older apartments, period homes and renovated terraces can hide small faults in balconies, wet areas and roof drainage that quickly turn into leaks and expensive call-outs.
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We look for hairline tile and grout cracking, failed silicone junctions, loose tiles, swollen skirting and early moisture-related staining around showers, vanities and splashbacks. In Balaclava’s renovated stock, these small faults often appear where waterproofing details were rushed or disturbed during upgrades.
We assess accessible balcony surfaces for ponding indicators, cracked tiles, movement at thresholds and deterioration at edges and penetrations. Small drainage and sealing defects on upper levels can quickly lead to leaks into ceilings below or damage to adjoining walls in apartments and multi-storey homes.
We check accessible gutters, downpipes, overflow provisions and discharge points for blockages, poor falls, rusting, and signs of prior overflow. Minor drainage defects can be the difference between a manageable clean-out and repeated water entry during heavy rain.
We inspect window and door frames, sills and external seals for gaps, timber swelling, corroded fixings and difficult operation. Minor defects here can indicate water tracking into wall cavities, particularly around older joinery or recently replaced windows with inconsistent sealing.
We document hairline plaster cracking, stepped cracking in masonry and separation at cornices and trims, noting typical shrinkage versus movement patterns that warrant monitoring. This helps you distinguish cosmetic touch-ups from issues that may point to ongoing settlement or moisture influence.
We look for small openings in render, deteriorated sealant lines, rust bleed, and lifted or poorly terminated flashings around roofs and walls. These minor defects often become major problems once water finds a path behind finishes, especially around parapets and wall junctions.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Balaclava, we often see minor issues around balconies and wet areas: cracked grout, failed silicone, ponding on tiled balconies, and early staining at ceilings below. In older units, small defects also show up in window seals, corroded external fixings, and roof drainage problems that cause intermittent overflow. These items look minor but can develop into water ingress or repeated maintenance if ignored.
Yes. A Minor Property Defects inspection is more targeted: it focuses on smaller faults that typically get overlooked but can escalate, such as wet-area seal failures, drainage issues, minor cracking and early deterioration at external junctions. A full building inspection is broader and is designed to assess the overall condition and major defects of the structure and accessible elements. We can advise which option suits your situation.
Yes. Our report separates minor defects by risk and likely consequence. We explain which items are cosmetic (for example, superficial paint defects) and which are early warning signs (such as cracking at wet-area junctions, balcony drainage indicators, or corrosion at flashings). We also provide practical next steps so you know whether to monitor, repair soon, or seek a specialist opinion.
Renovations can conceal or create minor defects. Fresh paint can hide staining, and new tiling can mask issues if falls, junctions or sealing are not finished properly. In Balaclava, renovated bathrooms, kitchens and balcony areas are key focus points because small workmanship issues there can lead to water entry. We look for subtle signs like lifted edges, inconsistent sealant lines, and moisture-related swelling.
We inspect the accessible areas included in your inspection scope. For apartments, that typically includes the lot (internal areas and any private balcony/courtyard). Common property such as shared roofs, stairwells and basements may be limited by access and strata rules. If you can arrange access or provide relevant strata records, we’ll review what’s available and note any limitations clearly in the report.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more informationChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a practical, photo-backed minor defects report that focuses on Balaclava’s common risk areas like wet spaces, balconies and roof drainage. Call 0413 163 187.