Loading...
Loading...
Carlton’s mix of Victorian terraces, converted older buildings and tightly-packed rows can hide serious defects in shared walls, ageing roofs, subfloors and drainage—issues that are expensive to rectify once you’ve settled.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Carlton
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess cracking patterns in masonry and plaster, check for signs of differential movement, and look at how openings, lintels and arches are performing. In Carlton’s older homes, this helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement that may indicate footing issues or compromised structural elements.
We inspect accessible roof coverings, flashings, parapet cappings and drainage points, with close attention to areas where water commonly enters older terraces and conversions. Persistent roof leaks can lead to rotted timbers, mould, ceiling collapse and ongoing internal damage.
Where access allows, we check subfloor ventilation, bearers/joists, moisture staining and signs consistent with rising damp. Carlton’s older construction and altered ground levels at the rear can increase moisture load, accelerating timber decay and affecting internal finishes and indoor air quality.
We look for evidence of removed or modified walls, undersized beams, poorly supported openings and sagging floors/ceilings. This is critical in Carlton renovations where open-plan changes and rear extensions can introduce structural hazards if the original load paths weren’t properly engineered.
We identify visible plumbing leaks, water pressure red flags, deterioration to wet-area linings, and moisture impacts around bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. Unresolved leaks often drive major defects by weakening structural timbers, damaging masonry and creating electrical safety risks.
We note visible indicators of outdated or unsafe electrical components where accessible, including improvised wiring, damaged fittings and non-compliant installations. In older Carlton dwellings, electrical upgrades are common; we highlight risk areas that warrant assessment by a qualified electrician.
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
Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Carlton we often see issues linked to age and repeated renovations: movement cracking in masonry, roof and box gutter leaks, deteriorated parapets and flashings, moisture problems under floors or behind walls, and poor structural alterations from past remodels. We focus on defects that affect structural integrity and safety, and we explain which findings are urgent and which should be monitored or confirmed by specialist trades.
We inspect accessible areas, including roof spaces and subfloors where safe entry is available. If access is restricted due to low clearance, blocked manholes, fragile materials or height/safety limitations, we note the limitation and assess from alternative vantage points where possible. For Carlton properties with tight access, this helps you understand what was confirmed on-site and what may need further investigation.
We assess crack location, width, direction, continuity and associated indicators such as sticking doors, sloping floors or displaced brickwork. This allows us to identify red flags consistent with structural movement and to differentiate them from minor shrinkage or settlement cracking. If the signs suggest significant movement, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step, such as an engineer’s assessment, before you proceed.
They can be. Party walls can hide moisture entry from roof junctions, damaged flashings, or failed guttering along boundaries. They can also show movement cracking that relates to footing conditions on either side. During the inspection we look for cracking patterns, damp indicators and roof/wall junction issues that may affect a shared wall, and we explain the likely repair pathways and any practical access constraints.
We document the defect clearly, explain why it matters, and outline the likely consequences if it’s left untreated. We also prioritise the issue (urgent vs significant vs developing) and recommend the next steps, which may include engaging a structural engineer, roofer, plumber or electrician for confirmation and quotes. This gives you practical leverage for negotiation and a clearer path to making the property safe.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections knows what to look for in Carlton’s older terraces and renovated inner-city homes—call 0413 163 187 to organise an inspection and get clear guidance on any serious structural or safety issues.