Canterbury homes often mix older brick veneers with renovated interiors and period detailing—our inspection checks for hidden movement, damp issues and DIY alterations that can be expensive to fix after settlement.
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We check brickwork, internal plaster, cornices, and openings (doors/windows) for cracking patterns, racking and sticking that can indicate movement. In Canterbury’s older homes, we pay close attention to junctions between original rooms and later additions, where differential movement can appear and drive repair costs.
We inspect bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, balconies (where accessible), and adjacent walls for moisture staining, swelling, mould growth, and deterioration. We also look at external paving and garden levels near walls, as these can contribute to rising damp or trapped moisture—issues that are often disguised by recent cosmetic updates.
We assess roof coverings, flashing details, gutters, downpipes, and visible roof framing from accessible areas. Water entry can remain unnoticed until a heavy rain event, so we look for signs of past leaks, rusting, sagging, and inadequate drainage paths that can cause ceiling damage and timber decay.
Where there is a subfloor, we check ventilation, moisture conditions, and visible bearers/joists for damage or deterioration. Poor airflow and damp conditions can contribute to timber decay and pest activity, and repairs can be disruptive once you’ve moved in and furnished the home.
We look for practical indicators that renovations have been completed with sound building practices—such as consistent floor levels, sensible drainage falls, appropriate junction detailing, and adequate weather sealing. This is particularly important in Canterbury, where rear extensions and open-plan conversions are common and defects can be hidden behind new finishes.
We check accessible stairs, balustrades, wet-area surfaces, windows/doors, and visible hazards that may affect day-to-day use. We also note maintenance issues that can quickly escalate (like deteriorated external timber, failing sealants, and blocked overflow paths) so you can plan repairs and avoid surprise costs.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
A pre purchase inspection focuses on the condition of accessible building elements, including roof externals, roof space (if accessible), subfloor (if accessible), walls, floors, wet areas, and visible structural indicators like cracking or movement. In Canterbury, we also pay close attention to renovation junctions, drainage around extensions, and moisture-prone areas that can be masked by new finishes.
Yes. We assess how the newer works appear to integrate with the original structure, looking for practical warning signs such as mismatched floor levels, cracking at junctions, moisture entry points, and poor external drainage. While a pre purchase inspection isn’t a full compliance audit, it helps you identify defects and risks early and decide whether further specialist checks are needed before you commit.
Your report will list defects and maintenance items and prioritise them so you can focus negotiations on issues that materially affect cost or safety. We include clear descriptions, likely causes, and recommended next steps, which helps you quantify what’s urgent versus what can be planned. Many buyers use this information to request repairs, adjust the offer, or seek further quotes before proceeding.
Older brick veneer and timber-framed homes can show different wear patterns over time, including cracking, moisture-related deterioration, and issues linked to altered drainage or renovations. In Canterbury, we often see properties where bathrooms, kitchens, or rear additions have been updated, so we concentrate on moisture management, junction cracking, and roof drainage performance. The goal is to identify what’s normal ageing versus a defect that needs action.
Book as early as you can once you’re serious about the property, ideally before your offer becomes unconditional. That allows time to review the findings, ask follow-up questions, and organise specialist input if needed (for example, structural engineering advice for significant movement signs). Early booking also helps coordinate access with the agent, especially for occupied homes or properties with limited inspection windows.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a detailed, buyer-focused assessment that highlights Canterbury-specific risks like hidden damp, movement indicators and renovation quality. Call 0413 163 187 to organise an inspection.