Chinatown’s mix of older CBD apartments, basement car parks and tightly sealed modern units can trap moisture from bathrooms, laundries and shared risers—making mould easy to miss until it spreads.
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We check showers, grout lines, silicone joints, vanity kickboards, and behind toilet suites for visible growth and moisture indicators. In many Chinatown apartments, bathrooms are internal and rely on mechanical extraction, so we assess whether exhaust performance and steam management are contributing to recurring mould.
We inspect splashbacks, sink cupboards, dishwasher voids and rangehood ducting where warm, moist air can condense. In high-use kitchens and smaller CBD layouts, even minor plumbing weeps or poor extraction can keep cupboards damp enough for mould to establish.
We examine bulkheads, access panels, ceiling edges and around duct penetrations for staining, bubbling paint and mould spotting. These areas often conceal intermittent leaks or condensation from HVAC and exhaust runs—issues that can spread across multiple rooms before they’re noticed.
We look for mould at window reveals, curtain tracks and the lower corners of glazing where condensation collects. High-rise living in Chinatown can mean temperature differentials, limited cross-ventilation and closed windows due to noise, all of which increase condensation-driven mould risk.
We inspect wardrobes on external walls, linen cupboards, and under-stair or storage areas for musty odours, surface growth and humidity traps. These spots often show early mould presence because airflow is restricted and items stored against walls can block drying.
Your report maps mould-affected areas, explains the likely moisture sources (leak, condensation, ventilation shortfall or building envelope issue), and outlines practical next steps. We separate what can be addressed internally (exhaust upgrades, sealing, dehumidification practices) versus what may require strata/building involvement.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Many Chinatown properties are apartments or mixed-use buildings with internal bathrooms, limited cross-ventilation and shared service risers. Moisture from showers and cooking can linger, especially if exhaust fans are weak or ducts are poorly configured. Add condensation on windows and cool corners, and mould can establish in cupboards, ceilings and behind furniture before it becomes obvious.
We look for musty odours, staining, bubbling paint, swollen skirting, damp patches, and recurring condensation marks around windows and corners. We also inspect likely moisture sources such as under-sink plumbing, shower recess edges, and ducted exhaust pathways. These clues help confirm mould presence and, importantly, suggest whether the driver is a leak, condensation or ventilation problem.
Yes. If steam and cooking moisture aren’t extracted effectively, humidity settles on cooler surfaces like ceilings, window reveals and inside wardrobes. Over time, this repeated dampness supports mould growth even without a plumbing leak. In compact Chinatown layouts, doors are often kept shut and windows closed due to noise, which makes mechanical ventilation performance a key factor we assess.
Common hotspots include internal bathrooms, laundry cupboards, bulkheads concealing ductwork, and wardrobes on external walls where airflow is limited. In mixed-use buildings, areas near service risers and corridors can also show moisture patterns. We pay close attention to window corners for condensation mould and to kitchen cabinetry where minor leaks or persistent humidity can go unnoticed.
If the inspection suggests moisture is coming from common property—such as a shared riser, roof, facade, or building exhaust system—documenting evidence matters. Our report helps you raise the issue with the owners corporation/strata and request further investigation or rectification. You may still need targeted remediation inside the lot, but fixing the moisture source is essential to prevent recurrence.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the moisture patterns common to CBD apartments so you can act on the real cause, not just the visible spots. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection in Chinatown 3000.