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Burwood has a mix of post-war brick homes, renovated weatherboards and newer townhouses—major defects often hide behind updates, especially where movement, drainage and roof leaks have been ongoing.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess stepped brick cracking, racking to door frames, uneven floors and separation at cornices/joins to determine whether movement is cosmetic or suggests footing/foundation issues that could worsen.
We check roof framing condition (where accessible), signs of sagging, water entry points, damaged tiles/metal sheeting, and staining in the roof space. Roof leaks are a common trigger for hidden timber decay and mould.
Where there is a subfloor, we look for dampness, poor ventilation, timber deterioration and support issues (stumps, bearers and joists). Persistent moisture can undermine structural timbers and lead to major repair scopes.
We look for indicators of removed or altered structural walls, undersized beams/lintels, and cracking patterns around openings that can arise after open-plan renovations—especially where work may not align with compliant structural design.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for moisture damage clues such as swollen skirting, drummy tiles, soft flooring and staining. Ongoing leaks can rot floor structures and wall framing and are often expensive to rectify properly.
While not a full compliance certification, we identify visible high-risk issues such as unsafe DIY electrical work, exposed wiring, inadequate stormwater management and plumbing leaks that can contribute to fire risk, water damage and ongoing defect growth.
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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 Burwood, major issues often relate to water and movement: roof leaks leading to ceiling and timber damage, cracking that suggests structural movement, and wet-area leaks that have been left too long. Renovations can also introduce problems such as altered load-bearing walls or poor drainage around new slabs. We focus on defects that affect safety, structural integrity and property value, not minor cosmetic items.
Yes. Renovations can mask significant defects, so we look for indicators that structural elements were altered, that new openings were correctly supported, and that moisture hasn’t been sealed in behind new linings. We also check roof and drainage changes that often follow extensions. If we see warning signs, we’ll recommend targeted follow-up (such as an engineer or invasive moisture testing) before you commit.
A Major Building Defects inspection concentrates on high-consequence problems—structural instability, serious water ingress, major cracking, and safety hazards. We still inspect key building areas, but the reporting and site time are geared to identifying defects that can lead to significant costs or risk. If you need a broader maintenance overview as well, we can advise on the most suitable scope for the property type and age.
Yes. Many older brick homes can show stepped cracking, ageing roof plumbing, and moisture issues where ground levels or paving have been raised over time. We pay close attention to cracking patterns, ventilation and damp indicators, and any signs of ongoing water entry. Where access allows, we also check roof framing and subfloor supports to confirm the structure isn’t being compromised by long-term moisture or movement.
If a major defect is found, the next step is usually to confirm scope and cost with the right specialist—often a structural engineer for movement, a roofer for water entry, or a plumber for leaks and drainage issues. Use the findings to renegotiate the price, request repairs, or set conditions before purchase. If the issue affects safety or requires urgent rectification, walking away can be the smarter option.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the serious issues that can hide in Burwood’s older homes, renovations and newer townhouse builds. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.