Chinatown’s mix of older apartments, mixed-use buildings and high foot-traffic lanes can hide risks like ageing wiring, poorly modified shopfronts, blocked egress paths and balcony issues.
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We look for visible signs of overloaded circuits, dated switchboards, unsafe cabling practices, damaged outlets, and non-compliant DIY modifications often introduced during shop or apartment renovations. Electrical issues are a leading cause of fire and can be costly to rectify once you move in.
We assess accessible balcony balustrades, handrails and guard heights for obvious instability, deterioration, and risky gaps that may present a fall hazard. In higher-density parts of Chinatown, balcony safety and secure windows are critical for families, tenants and short-stay occupants.
We review the practicality of exits, internal pathways, stairs and doors for hazards such as blocked routes, damaged or altered doors, missing signage/lighting where visible, and storage encroaching into egress areas. In mixed-use buildings, small changes can create major evacuation issues.
We check stairs and walking surfaces for uneven risers, loose nosings, worn floor finishes, poorly placed thresholds, and inadequate lighting that can contribute to slips and trips. These issues are common in buildings with frequent foot traffic and repeated fit-outs.
We note moisture indicators that can lead to timber decay, compromised subfloors, and slick surfaces—particularly around bathrooms, balconies, laundries and service areas. Moisture can turn into a safety issue quickly when it affects structural integrity or creates slip hazards.
Where accessible, we assess parking/basement areas and service spaces for hazards like low clearances, poor ventilation cues, exposed services, unsafe storage, and damaged surfaces. These areas are frequently overlooked but are where many injuries and fire risks originate.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Apartments over food venues can be affected by frequent fit-outs, service penetrations and changes to internal layouts over time. We pay close attention to visible electrical modifications, separation issues where accessible, and practical escape paths through corridors and stairwells. We also look for moisture and slip risks that can be linked to kitchens, exhaust systems and wet areas. The goal is to flag safety items that need action before occupancy.
In older buildings, we often see a mix of original components and partial upgrades. That can include dated electrical equipment, inconsistent repairs, worn stair finishes, and altered doors or walls that change how people move through the property. We also frequently find moisture-related deterioration around bathrooms and balconies, and trip hazards from thresholds and floor transitions. Our inspection focuses on what’s visible and actionable for safety.
We look for visible indicators and practical egress concerns, but we don’t certify complex fire systems to the same extent as a specialist fire services contractor. If we see signs that warrant further investigation—such as altered fire doors, compromised penetrations, or unclear exit paths—we document them and recommend the right follow-up. This approach helps you decide what specialist checks to book before settlement or before tenants move in.
It can. We assess accessible balcony areas for obvious hazards such as loose or deteriorated balustrades, unsafe gaps, poor drainage leading to slippery surfaces, and moisture-related deterioration that may affect safety. High-rise balconies are a common risk point, especially where older waterproofing has been patched or where tiles conceal issues. If we identify concerns beyond a visual assessment, we’ll recommend targeted invasive or engineering advice.
Provide clear access to the switchboard, balconies, wet areas, and any storage or service spaces included with the lot (such as a cage or car space). If it’s an apartment, organise access to any areas you’re allowed to inspect, and share any strata information you have about recent works. Remove clutter that blocks walkways so trip hazards and door clearances can be assessed accurately.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the real safety risks found in Chinatown’s older apartments and mixed-use buildings. Call 0413 163 187 to organise your inspection and get clear, prioritised findings.