Clifton Hill homes often mix older weatherboard and brick terraces with tight subfloors, shared party walls, and sloping blocks near the Yarra corridor—conditions that can hide movement, damp and drainage issues until after settlement.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check accessible subfloor areas for dampness, ventilation, timber condition, ant caps where visible, and signs of movement in stumps, bearers and joists. This matters in Clifton Hill where older weatherboards and raised floors can hide moisture issues and unevenness that later shows up as sloping floors or sticking doors.
We identify and document cracking patterns around windows, door openings, chimneys, and junctions between original rooms and extensions. We look for indicators of ongoing movement versus historical settlement so you can judge whether repairs are likely cosmetic patching or whether further structural advice is warranted.
We inspect bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for visible waterproofing failures, staining, swollen skirtings, lifting tiles, and poor falls where accessible. In renovated Clifton Hill properties, leaks are commonly found at shower recesses, balcony thresholds, or where new plumbing has been run through older framing.
We examine roof coverings, flashings, valleys, box gutters where present, and overflow provisions, plus gutters and downpipes for blockages, corrosion and poor discharge. We also check how stormwater is directed away from the dwelling, because poor drainage can drive damp into subfloors and lower walls on sloping sites.
We look for visible signs consistent with termite activity and conducive conditions such as high moisture, stored timber against walls, and limited subfloor airflow. While a dedicated pest inspection may be recommended depending on the property, these observations help you understand whether the home has elevated timber pest risk factors.
We note observable issues such as unsafe balustrade heights, deteriorated stairs, cracked or loose external cladding, and obvious DIY alterations that may require follow-up. These items can impact insurance, immediate repair costs, and your ability to confidently proceed with the purchase.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Clifton Hill we often see movement-related cracking around older brickwork, moisture build-up in subfloors with limited ventilation, and drainage that discharges too close to the house on sloping blocks. Renovated homes can also show poor waterproofing details in bathrooms or at the junction between an original dwelling and a newer rear extension. We document what’s visible and explain what it may mean for repair scope and budget.
Most inspections take a few hours depending on the property size, access to the subfloor/roof space, and how much of the exterior can be safely viewed. You’ll receive a detailed report outlining major defects, safety concerns and maintenance items, supported by photos where helpful. We also talk you through the critical findings so you can make a time-sensitive decision with confidence.
We inspect all accessible areas, which is particularly important in older Clifton Hill homes where the most meaningful clues can be under floors or in roof voids. If access is restricted by low clearances, locked hatches, stored items, or unsafe conditions, we’ll note the limitation clearly in the report and explain what risks remain unknown. Where needed, we’ll recommend practical next steps to gain access or obtain specialist advice.
Yes. We pay close attention to where extensions, new bathrooms, decking and landscaping meet the original structure. Common risk points include raised external ground levels against walls, poor ventilation to enclosed subfloors, and moisture entry at thresholds and wet areas. We also note workmanship clues that suggest DIY alterations or incomplete finishing, so you can factor the likelihood of rework into your offer and timelines.
Book as early as you can once you’re genuinely considering the property, because inspection access can depend on agent availability and occupant schedules. For auction campaigns, organising the inspection before bidding gives you the best leverage and avoids making decisions under pressure. If you’re within a cooling-off period, an inspection can still help you decide whether to proceed or renegotiate, but earlier is always safer.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchSpeak with ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 to arrange a thorough pre-purchase inspection in Clifton Hill and get clear, photo-supported findings you can act on before you sign.