Box Hill North has a mix of older brick homes, weatherboard cottages and renovated properties—major defects often hide behind new finishes, especially where extensions, re-stumping and roof changes have been done over time.
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We assess cracking patterns in masonry and internal linings, check for out-of-level floors, and look for signs of footing movement. This matters in Box Hill North where older homes may have experienced settlement over decades, and renovations can add loads that expose weakness in foundations.
Where access allows, we inspect subfloor conditions, stump stability and connections, timber deterioration, ventilation and moisture indicators. Subfloor issues can lead to major defects like sagging floors, structural bounce, and hidden decay that becomes expensive once finishes are removed.
We check roof space framing for sagging, cracked members, past water entry, and structural alterations. Externally, we look for defects around valleys, flashings, penetrations and guttering that can drive ongoing leaks and damage rafters, battens and ceilings.
We look for signs that walls have been removed or altered without adequate support, including unusual ceiling lines, patched areas, undersized beams and movement around openings. This is particularly relevant in Box Hill North where many homes are modernised with open-plan conversions.
We inspect bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for moisture-related damage such as swollen skirting, drummy tiles, stained ceilings, and mould-prone areas. Failed waterproofing can become a major defect when it leads to rotted framing, compromised flooring or persistent water ingress.
While this isn’t a full compliance certification, we identify visible high-risk issues such as damaged cabling, unsafe DIY modifications, inadequate clearances, active leaks, and water damage near services. These defects can create immediate safety hazards and can also be leverage points for negotiations.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Box Hill North has many older homes that have been renovated over time, so we often see movement-related cracking, subfloor or stump issues, and roof leak damage that has been painted over. Another common risk is defects at extension tie-ins—changes in floor levels, roof junction leaks, or altered load-bearing walls without adequate support. The inspection focuses on the defects most likely to impact safety, structure and future costs.
Yes. We look for indicators that structural work may not have been completed correctly, such as uneven floors, cracking near openings, sagging ceiling lines, undersized beams, and movement at the junction between original and added sections. We’ll explain what we observed and why it matters. If the signs suggest a significant concern, we’ll recommend the right specialist follow-up, such as a structural engineer, for confirmation and design advice.
A major defects focus goes deeper on issues that affect structural integrity and safety hazards rather than minor maintenance items. We still review the overall condition, but we put extra attention on defects that can lead to major repair bills—foundations, subfloors, roof structure, significant moisture damage, and visible compliance risks. It’s especially useful if the home shows signs of movement, water ingress, or extensive renovation work.
Yes, but the scope depends on access and what is part of the lot versus the owners corporation. For townhouses, we can often inspect the roof space, internal structure and external walls. For apartments, we focus on the accessible internal areas and any visible common-property interfaces that could indicate broader issues (like water ingress). We’ll clarify what we can and can’t inspect before starting so you know what the report will cover.
Not always, but significant defects usually warrant specialist input for accurate costing and rectification design. If we find structural movement, compromised framing, or signs of unsafe alterations, we’ll recommend the most suitable next step—often a structural engineer for movement or load-bearing concerns, a roofer for roof failures, or a licensed electrician/plumber for service hazards. You’ll have enough detail to seek targeted quotes quickly.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more informationCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a thorough, defect-focused inspection that targets structural risks, water ingress and renovation-related issues commonly seen in Box Hill North homes.