Bellfield’s mix of post-war homes and updated townhouses often hides older switchboards, DIY alterations and overloaded circuits—issues a careful visual inspection can flag early.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Bellfield
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We visually assess the switchboard for clear labelling, safe enclosure, signs of overheating, corrosion, damage, or missing blanks, and check whether safety switches are present and appropriately indicated. This matters because older boards and absent RCD protection increase shock and fire risk, particularly in wet areas and outdoor circuits.
We look for exposed conductors, brittle or cracked insulation, unsupported cabling, improvised joins, and cabling running where it can be easily damaged. These are common warning signs in older Bellfield properties that have had additions over time, and they can indicate the need for electrician testing or rectification.
We inspect accessible outlets and switches for damage, heat discoloration, loose mounting, unsafe placements, and signs of moisture impact. We also note light fittings that appear poorly secured or mismatched to the location (such as wet area suitability), as these issues can signal hidden defects behind the wall or ceiling.
We flag visual indicators of unprofessional work such as inconsistent faceplates, unusual cable routes, non-standard penetrations, missing grommets, and patch-ups around electrical points. In Bellfield, where renovations and extensions are common, this helps you identify areas that may need verification against compliance documentation or electrician inspection.
We visually check for smoke alarms, note their locations, and identify the type where possible (e.g., hardwired vs battery) without dismantling. Smoke alarms are a key safety item, and incorrect placement or missing alarms is a frequent issue in older homes that have been reconfigured internally.
We assess visible external electrical fittings—such as outdoor lights and accessible outlets—for signs of weathering, cracked covers, water entry, or unsafe positioning. This matters in properties with outdoor entertaining areas, garages and garden sheds, where exposure can accelerate deterioration and increase safety risks.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
Get Electrical Visual Inspection as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Bellfield has many established homes that have been updated in parts, which can leave older switchboards, mixed cabling generations, or added circuits that don’t present neatly. A visual inspection can’t replace electrician testing, but it’s very effective for spotting visible safety red flags, highlighting likely upgrade needs, and guiding where a licensed electrician should investigate further.
Visual only means we assess accessible electrical components without invasive work or electrical testing. We don’t remove switchboard covers, dismantle fittings, or test circuits with instruments. Instead, we identify visible defects, safety concerns, and indicators that further testing by a licensed electrician is recommended. This approach is ideal for pre-purchase decision-making and prioritising next steps.
We visually check whether safety switches appear to be installed and how the circuits are labelled, and we note visible issues such as missing labelling or damaged components. RCDs are a key protection against electric shock, especially in kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor areas. If RCD coverage looks limited or unclear, we’ll recommend electrician verification and appropriate upgrades.
We can flag visual indicators that suggest work may not have been completed to a high standard, such as inconsistent fittings, unusual cable paths, poor finishing around power points, or exposed/unsupported cabling in accessible areas. We can’t confirm compliance without documentation and electrician testing, but our findings help you target questions to the vendor and decide whether to engage an electrician for a deeper assessment.
Yes, as part of the visual inspection we note the presence and visible placement of smoke alarms and identify the type where possible. We don’t test or dismantle alarms, but we can highlight obvious concerns such as missing alarms, questionable placement after layout changes, or older-looking units that may warrant replacement. For compliance confirmation, follow up with a qualified professional.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more informationChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a careful, Melbourne-focused visual assessment that highlights switchboard, wiring, safety switch and smoke alarm red flags before you commit. Call 0413 163 187.