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Carlton North’s older terraces and renovated period homes can hide serious defects behind fresh paint—subsidence, cracked brickwork, damp-driven decay, and unsafe alterations. We pinpoint the issues that affect safety and resale.
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We check internal and external cracking patterns in brickwork, plaster, and junctions between old and renovated areas to identify signs of settlement or ongoing movement. This helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from defects that may indicate footing issues or structural stress.
We inspect accessible subfloor areas for deterioration, moisture impacts, timber decay, and adequacy of supports. In older Carlton North homes, subfloor ventilation and moisture management can be a major driver of movement and long-term structural damage.
We assess roof framing condition, sagging, evidence of past leaks, and high-risk entry points such as flashings, valleys, and penetrations. Roof-related defects often present as ceiling damage or mould long after the original leak started.
We look for loose or deteriorating masonry, unstable parapets, and cracking near boundary walls and chimneys. These areas can present safety hazards and can be expensive to remediate if deterioration has progressed.
We check bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens for swelling, lifting finishes, moisture staining, and poor falls that suggest waterproofing breakdown. These defects can cause hidden damage to framing and adjoining walls if not addressed early.
We identify visible safety concerns such as unsafe balustrades, deteriorated stairs, unprotected openings, and visible electrical or plumbing issues that require urgent attention. While not a full compliance certification, these red flags help you prioritise specialist checks.
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In Carlton North, we often see movement-related cracking where older sections meet newer extensions, moisture damage from roof or parapet leaks, and wet area waterproofing failures that have tracked into adjoining walls. Older subfloors can also suffer from poor ventilation and damp, leading to timber decay and uneven floors. The inspection focuses on evidence of active issues, likely causes, and what to investigate next.
We assess crack location, direction, width variation, and whether there are related symptoms such as sticking doors, sloping floors, or separation at junctions. Some cracking in older homes is minor, but stepped cracking in masonry or recurring cracks after patching can indicate movement that needs further investigation. We’ll explain the indicators we see and when an engineer’s assessment is the sensible next step.
We inspect for signs that point to footing or foundation issues, including external wall cracking, distortion, differential movement between building sections, and subfloor support problems where accessible. Direct assessment of footings can be limited because they’re below ground and not visible without invasive work. Where symptoms suggest a foundation problem, we’ll recommend the most appropriate follow-up, such as an engineer or targeted exploratory inspection.
Extensions can introduce defects if drainage, waterproofing, or structural tie-ins weren’t done correctly, or if the new slab and the old structure move differently over time. We pay close attention to junctions between old and new areas, changes in floor level, cracking around openings, and moisture staining near newly renovated wet areas. This helps identify whether the renovation is performing well or hiding costly problems.
We perform a visual assessment for red flags such as exposed wiring, unsafe fittings, water staining near services, inadequate ventilation to wet areas, and signs of unprofessional modifications. A building inspection isn’t a substitute for testing by a licensed electrician or plumber, but we highlight concerns that commonly correlate with safety and defect risk. If we identify warning signs, we’ll recommend specialist testing before you commit.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on structural integrity, water ingress, and safety hazards that can seriously affect Carlton North homes. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.