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Bentleigh East has plenty of older brick veneers and heavily renovated homes where hidden movement, moisture entry and unapproved alterations can turn into serious structural and safety defects.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We inspect internal and external cracking patterns (including stepped brickwork cracks and plaster separation) and check for signs of ongoing movement. This helps you distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement that may indicate footing issues, drainage problems, or structural alteration concerns.
For properties with raised floors, we assess subfloor ventilation, moisture conditions, timber condition and support adequacy. Major defects can include deteriorated bearers/joists, inadequate supports, or water ingress that compromises structural capacity over time.
We check roof framing (where accessible), tile/metal roof condition, flashings, valleys, gutters and downpipes, and look for leak indicators inside the roof void and ceilings. In Bentleigh East, blocked or poorly graded drainage can cause repeated overflow and concealed water damage.
Open-plan renovations and extension tie-ins can introduce major defects if load paths are altered without proper support. We look for undersized beams, removed bracing, sagging ceilings, uneven roof lines, and patchwork construction that suggests structural work may need further engineering review.
We target high-risk zones such as showers, baths, laundries and external door thresholds, checking for swelling, mould, deteriorated skirtings, and signs of waterproofing failure. Persistent moisture can lead to rot, corrosion and loss of structural integrity—especially when hidden behind new finishes.
While not a full code certification, we identify visible safety hazards and workmanship issues such as damaged cabling, unsafe connections, active leaks, corrosion, and water damage near electrical points. These defects can create immediate safety risks and expensive rectification work.
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Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Bentleigh East we often see movement-related cracking in older brick veneers, moisture damage from long-term roof or gutter leaks, and defects linked to renovations (like removed walls without adequate support). We also find wet-area waterproofing failures that have damaged subfloors or wall framing. The inspection focuses on defects that impact safety, structural integrity, and major repair costs.
A major defects inspection concentrates on serious structural and safety issues rather than minor maintenance items. We prioritise problems that can affect the building’s stability, create hazards, or require substantial rectification—such as footing movement, failing roof structure, significant water ingress, and renovation-related load-bearing concerns. You’ll still get clear context, but the focus is on high-risk defects and next steps.
We can identify visual indicators that structural work may be inadequate, such as sagging ceilings, uneven floors, cracking that radiates from altered openings, and undersupported beams or lintels where accessible. We also look for inconsistent construction that suggests piecemeal modifications. If we find red flags, we’ll recommend the right follow-up, such as an engineer’s assessment or invasive inspection.
Yes. With newer townhouses and dual-occupancies we pay close attention to shared or closely spaced drainage, roof junctions, parapet and box gutter details, and waterproofing to balconies and external thresholds. We also look for differential movement between attached sections and workmanship issues that may not appear until after handover. The goal is to catch defects that can become expensive body-corporate or owner disputes later.
We explain what we’ve found in plain language, document it with photos, and outline why it matters and how urgent it is. Where appropriate, we’ll recommend the most relevant next step—such as a structural engineer, roofer, plumber, or electrician—to confirm scope and pricing. For buyers, this gives you solid grounds to renegotiate, request repairs, or reconsider the purchase.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the serious structural and safety risks that can be hidden behind Bentleigh East renovations and older construction. Call 0485 857 077 to arrange an inspection.