Burnley homes often blend older brick cottages, renovated weatherboards and newer townhouses—changes over time can hide movement, moisture entry and unsafe alterations that only show up as major defects.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for crack patterns in brickwork, plaster and external walls, looking for indicators of ongoing movement versus historic settlement. This matters in Burnley where older footings, site drainage changes and renovations can shift load paths and widen cracks over time.
Where access permits, we inspect stumps, ant caps, bearers, joists and ventilation for signs of rot, sagging, moisture damage or inadequate support. Major defects here can cause uneven floors, sticking doors and long-term structural instability.
We assess roof framing condition, sarking where visible, tile/metal roof issues, ridge capping, valleys, gutters and downpipes. Defects in these areas often drive repeat water ingress that damages ceilings, insulation and timber, and can lead to mould and electrical risk.
We look for signs of shower recess and bathroom waterproofing breakdown, including swelling, cracked grout, staining and moisture-affected skirtings. Wet-area defects are a common major issue after quick renovations and can require extensive strip-out to repair properly.
We identify visible hazards such as damaged switches, exposed wiring, unsafe DIY alterations and missing safety features that indicate non-compliant work. While a building inspection isn’t an electrical test, these findings help you prioritise a licensed electrician assessment before settlement.
We assess walls for bowed sections, failed lintels, step cracking and signs that internal walls have been removed without adequate support. In Burnley’s renovated period homes, structural changes can be well-finished cosmetically while still being a major defect underneath.
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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.
A major defect is one that significantly affects safety, structural integrity or liveability. In Burnley, this often includes structural movement causing significant cracking, failing stumps or bearers, roof leaks leading to timber decay, and major waterproofing failure in bathrooms. It can also include unsafe or non-compliant alterations from renovations. We explain why an issue is major and what further assessment or repair is likely.
Yes. We look for signs that structural walls may have been altered, loads redirected, or junctions between old and new sections poorly detailed. We check cracking patterns, roof line changes, sagging, moisture entry points and workmanship indicators that suggest shortcuts. If the scope goes beyond a visual building inspection, we’ll recommend the right specialist—such as a structural engineer—for confirmation before you commit.
We assess visible indicators of plumbing and electrical defects and safety hazards, such as water damage around wet areas, drainage issues affecting the building, exposed wiring, or evidence of DIY work. We don’t perform pressure testing, CCTV drain inspections or electrical circuit testing, but we flag risks early and advise when a licensed plumber or electrician should be engaged for compliance checks.
Older homes in Burnley are frequently updated over time, and we often see a mix of original structure with newer works. Common issues include cracking around openings where lintels are undersized, subfloor moisture contributing to timber decay, and roof drainage problems from altered guttering or poorly connected downpipes. We also pay close attention to noise/vibration-related wear points and any signs of ongoing movement.
If we identify a major structural concern, the next step is usually targeted advice from a structural engineer to confirm the cause, severity and repair approach. You can then use that information to renegotiate, request repairs, or decide whether to proceed. We’ll outline the likely implications, what areas need urgent attention, and what documentation or further checks are sensible before settlement.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more informationACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the defects that can genuinely change the risk and cost of a Burnley purchase—call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.