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Blackburn North has plenty of older brick homes and renovation activity, where movement, moisture entry and DIY structural changes can hide major defects until they become expensive or unsafe.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check crack patterns in brickwork, plaster and around openings, then relate them to likely movement or structural stress. This helps separate cosmetic cracking from major defects that may indicate footing movement, wall instability or structural overload.
Where subfloors are accessible, we inspect for unevenness, deterioration, inadequate supports and signs of moisture that can weaken timber components. For slab-on-ground homes, we look for indicators of slab movement and the building symptoms that typically accompany it.
We assess the roof frame in the roof space for sagging, spread, altered trusses/rafters, and poor repairs that can compromise structural performance. We also look for water staining and active leaks that can drive rot, corrosion and ceiling failure.
We inspect bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for failure points that lead to hidden damage, including swollen materials, mould-promoting dampness and deteriorated linings. Externally, we assess wall systems and obvious flashing/penetration issues that can allow persistent water entry.
We look for warning signs of removed or modified load-bearing walls, undersized beams, poor lintel support and unbraced openings—issues that can show up as sagging ceilings, sticking doors, uneven floors and cracking around renovated areas.
While a full electrical or plumbing certification isn’t part of this inspection, we identify visible hazards and non-compliance indicators such as unsafe wiring signs, damaged switchboards, unprotected penetrations, and plumbing leaks that can lead to major building damage or immediate safety concerns.
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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 Blackburn North, we pay close attention to cracking and movement symptoms, roof leaks and framing issues, and moisture damage around wet areas and external walls. Older brick veneer homes and renovated properties can hide structural changes, inadequate supports, or drainage-related moisture problems. The inspection focuses on defects that impact safety, structural integrity, or create serious repair liabilities—not minor cosmetic wear.
We assess the crack location, width, direction, and related signs such as sticking doors, uneven floors, and separation at joins. This helps us distinguish typical age-related settling from movement that may suggest footing or soil-related issues. We’ll explain the likely cause and the risk level based on visible evidence, and recommend monitoring or further assessment by a structural engineer when warranted.
Yes, we inspect accessible roof spaces and subfloors where safe entry is available. These areas often reveal major issues that aren’t visible from inside the living spaces, such as roof framing alterations, water entry, rot, inadequate supports, and moisture conditions. If access is restricted (low clearance, stored items, or safety hazards), we document the limitation and advise on options to enable inspection.
They can be, particularly where older homes have been opened up for modern living, extended at the rear, or reconfigured around kitchens and bathrooms. We look for signs that load-bearing elements were altered without adequate support, including sagging, cracking around new openings, uneven floors, and roof-frame modifications. We also check wet-area works for water entry that can quietly damage structural components over time.
Yes. If we identify a major defect, we describe what we found, why it matters, and the practical next step. That might include urgent repairs, obtaining a structural engineer’s advice, engaging a roof plumber, or arranging targeted invasive investigations where hidden damage is suspected. We also flag safety hazards that should be addressed immediately and note any access limitations that could affect certainty.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on serious structural and safety defects that can be missed in older and renovated Blackburn North homes. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.