Canterbury has a mix of older character homes and renovated builds where past alterations, roof drainage and ageing subfloors can hide costly defects—an inspection helps you buy with your eyes open.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Canterbury
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We examine signs of footing movement such as stepped brickwork cracking, internal plaster separation, uneven floors and door/window misalignment. In Canterbury, this helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement that may require engineering advice or drainage rectification.
We inspect roof coverings, ridge capping, valleys, flashings and penetrations, then check the roof space for moisture staining, timber condition and daylight entry. This pinpoints leak pathways that often go unnoticed until ceilings stain or insulation becomes saturated.
We check brickwork, render, joints, weep holes and any cladding interfaces for cracking, poor detailing and moisture entry points. This is critical where renovations have introduced new materials that meet older construction without proper waterproofing or ventilation.
Where accessible, we assess subfloor ventilation, moisture levels, bearers/joists condition and any signs of deterioration. Poor airflow and dampness can lead to bouncy floors, decay and ongoing maintenance costs, especially in older homes with enclosed or modified subfloor areas.
We look for practical red flags such as shower recess issues, poor falls, damaged grout/silicone, swelling to cabinetry, and water staining around bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. We also run taps and check visible pipework for leaks that can drive rot and mould.
We identify visible electrical risks such as damaged fittings, unsafe DIY alterations, inadequate weatherproofing outdoors, and missing safety features that are apparent during a building inspection. While not a full electrical compliance test, it helps you flag items to take to a licensed electrician early.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. In Canterbury, older homes can hide issues in subfloors and roof spaces, and renovations may have altered load paths or introduced moisture risks at old-to-new junctions. We focus on movement indicators, roof and flashing integrity, subfloor ventilation and damp risk points, plus the quality of visible alterations. You’ll get a clear view of what’s typical ageing versus defects that warrant action.
A building inspection can’t measure soil conditions directly, but it can identify building symptoms that are consistent with ground movement and drainage issues. We look for cracking patterns, changes in floor levels, binding doors/windows, and how stormwater is managed around the home. In leafy Canterbury blocks, we also pay attention to water discharge and whether moisture is likely to be affecting subfloors or walls.
We inspect accessible parts of the property including the exterior, roof coverings (where safely visible), roof space, subfloor (where accessible), internal rooms, wet areas, and attached structures such as garages or verandahs. The inspection targets structural integrity, safety hazards and defects, with practical notes on likely causes and next steps. If access is restricted, we’ll note limitations clearly in the report.
Renovations can improve comfort, but they can also conceal problems if waterproofing, drainage or structural changes weren’t done well. In Canterbury, we often see risk around bathrooms, extensions, and reworked roof lines where detailing matters most. We check for leak indicators, cracking at junctions, roof and flashing condition, and visible workmanship issues so you understand what the renovation has improved and what it may have introduced.
Use the report to prioritise defects and decide your next step: negotiate repairs or price, request further specialist advice (such as a roofer, plumber, electrician or engineer), or reassess the purchase if major issues are identified. We recommend focusing on safety hazards, water ingress, structural movement and costly building elements first. If you want, we can talk you through the findings so you can act quickly.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a careful, defect-focused inspection that targets Canterbury’s common renovation, moisture and movement risks before you commit.