Brunswick West homes often mix older brick builds with renovated weatherboards and newer townhouses—defects like cracked masonry, leaking box gutters, and DIY alterations can hide behind fresh finishes.
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We check for stepped cracking in brickwork, separation at corners, sloping floors, and sticking doors/windows that may indicate foundation movement or framing distortion. These signs matter because movement can worsen quickly once moisture and drainage issues are involved, and repairs may require engineering input.
We inspect accessible roof spaces for sagging rafters, under-purlin issues, water staining and daylight gaps, then assess roof coverings, flashings, valleys, and gutters/downpipes for leakage risks. In Brunswick West, blocked or poorly designed drainage can cause hidden ceiling damage and timber decay.
We look for bulging walls, rusted steel lintels, deteriorated mortar, and cracking patterns around openings. These defects can compromise load paths and lead to expensive remediation, particularly where openings have been enlarged during renovations without adequate support.
Where accessible, we check subfloor ventilation, dampness indicators, bearers/joists condition, and evidence of water ingress. Persistent moisture can trigger timber deterioration and contribute to movement, and it can also signal drainage problems that need fixing at the source.
We assess bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for cracking, lifting tiles, swollen skirtings, moisture staining, and shower recess issues that suggest waterproofing failure. Major defects in wet areas often escalate into rot, mould, and structural damage behind walls and under floors.
We identify accessible safety issues such as unsafe balustrades, damaged stairs/landings, and visible electrical risks like exposed wiring or non-compliant-looking DIY work. While we don’t certify electrical systems, flagging visible hazards early helps you prioritise licensed trades and avoid dangerous surprises.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Brunswick West we often see movement-related cracking in masonry, roof drainage faults that lead to internal leaks, and moisture damage around bathrooms and older extensions. Renovations can also introduce problems such as undersized lintels, removed load-bearing walls, or poor waterproofing hidden behind new finishes. A major defects inspection focuses on issues that affect structural integrity, safety, and costly repairs.
We assess the crack pattern, width, location, and what else is happening nearby (such as sloping floors, gaps at cornices, or sticking doors). Stepped cracking through mortar joints, separation at corners, and recurring cracks around openings can indicate movement rather than simple shrinkage. If the evidence suggests structural movement, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step, often involving a structural engineer.
Extensions and renovations can hide structural changes and waterproofing failures behind plaster, tiles and cabinetry. We look for tell-tale signs such as uneven floors at junctions, cracking at connection points, roofline inconsistencies, and moisture staining near wet areas. We also flag red flags that suggest non-standard work so you can follow up with permits, engineering documentation, or licensed trade inspections before committing.
Yes. Townhouses can present issues like inadequate site drainage between buildings, water ingress from box gutters or parapets, and cracking from differential movement between attached or closely spaced structures. Older detached houses more often show ageing roof plumbing, worn subfloor ventilation, and long-term moisture impacts. We tailor the inspection to the building type and access points so major defect risks aren’t missed.
We assess visible indicators of plumbing problems such as active leaks, water staining, damp odours, and poor drainage around wet areas. For electrical, we note visible safety hazards and signs of non-compliant-looking work where accessible, but we don’t perform electrical testing or issue compliance certificates. If we identify concerns, we’ll recommend engaging a licensed plumber or electrician for further investigation.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more informationCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a defect-focused inspection that targets structural, moisture and safety risks common across Brunswick West’s older homes and renovated properties.