Carlton homes often blend older terraces and renovated apartments, where hidden movement, damp ingress, roof drainage faults and non-compliant alterations can be easy to miss without a thorough building inspection.
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We assess signs of movement such as stepped cracking, separation at junctions, and distortion around doors and windows. In Carlton’s older brick homes and terraces, this helps you gauge whether cracking is cosmetic, maintenance-related, or indicative of ongoing structural movement that may need engineering advice.
We inspect accessible roof coverings, valleys, flashings, box gutters, downpipes and parapets for rust, lifting, ponding and poor discharge points. These faults are a common pathway for water ingress and ceiling damage, particularly where extensions meet older roof lines or drainage has been modified during renovations.
Bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and balconies are checked for moisture indicators, failed seals, inadequate fall to wastes and early signs of waterproofing breakdown. This matters in Carlton where frequent tenant turnover and repeated refurbishments can hide shortcuts that later lead to rot, mould and costly rectification.
We document cracking patterns, sagging, staining, patched repairs and unevenness across internal linings and floors. By mapping defects room-by-room, you can link symptoms to likely causes such as roof leaks, plumbing seepage, movement, or inadequate subfloor ventilation.
We look for visible pipework issues, water pressure concerns, leaking fixtures, poor drainage, and signs of past overflow or ongoing seepage. In tightly built Carlton blocks, drainage constraints and altered plumbing runs can create recurring problems that don’t show during a quick open-for-inspection.
While not a full electrical test, we identify visible risks such as damaged fittings, unsafe DIY work indicators, missing safety switches (where observable), and other hazards. This helps you understand whether an electrical compliance check is likely needed and supports safer planning before settlement.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
A Carlton Building Inspection focuses on the property’s structural condition and visible safety issues. We assess accessible areas including foundations indicators, walls, floors, roof space (where safe), roofing and drainage, wet areas, and signs of leaks or movement. We also note plumbing and electrical red flags that suggest further compliance checks. You’ll receive clear findings to support your buying decision and negotiations.
They can be, but not all cracking is serious. In Carlton, older masonry can show stepped cracking, patched repairs, and distortion from age, drainage changes or past renovations. During the inspection we look at the crack type, location and pattern, plus related symptoms such as sticking doors, uneven floors and moisture. If movement appears active or structural, we’ll recommend the right next step.
Yes. Many Carlton properties have been altered over time, so we pay close attention to junctions between old and new areas, workmanship clues, moisture risks around wet areas, and roof/drainage modifications. We also look for signs of inadequate ventilation, poor waterproofing preparation, or concealed water entry. Where access is limited, we explain the limitations and the most sensible follow-up checks.
Yes. For apartments and older walk-ups in Carlton, we inspect the accessible internal areas of the specific lot and any areas made available on the day. We focus on moisture and waterproofing risks, cracking, window and balcony issues, and safety hazards, and we flag items that may sit within common property. We can also advise what to request from the owners corporation to clarify broader building condition.
Time varies with the size, access and complexity of the Carlton property, but most inspections take long enough for a careful room-by-room assessment and external checks. Arrange access to roof spaces, subfloors (if present), garages and courtyards, and ensure utilities are on where possible. If the home has recent works, have any available approvals, invoices or renovation details ready for reference.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a thorough Carlton inspection that targets movement, moisture and renovation-related defects common in inner-city homes. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange a booking.