Collingwood’s mix of Victorian terraces, warehouse conversions and tightly-packed party-wall homes can hide serious cracking, water entry and unsafe alterations—issues you want found before contracts go unconditional.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess significant cracking, wall bowing, uneven floors and signs of movement, including around party walls and altered openings. This helps you distinguish cosmetic issues from structural concerns that may require engineering input or immediate repair.
We inspect accessible roof spaces, roof framing condition, roof coverings, flashings and penetrations for evidence of leaks and timber deterioration. In Collingwood, hidden roof leaks can cause long-term damage behind plaster and insulation before stains are visible inside.
Where access allows, we check subfloor ventilation, stump/bearer condition and indicators of footing issues such as sagging floors and moisture-affected timbers. For slab or limited-access properties, we focus on internal and external symptoms that may point to foundation or drainage problems.
We look for high-risk moisture pathways including failed damp-proof courses, bridged weep holes, poor ground clearances, leaking wet areas and compromised render/brickwork junctions. Persistent moisture can lead to major degradation of structure and internal finishes.
We identify warning signs of DIY or non-compliant alterations such as removed supports, undersized beams, cut trusses, or poorly executed extensions. This is particularly relevant in Collingwood renovations where original layouts are frequently reworked.
While not a full compliance certification, we check visible plumbing and electrical elements for clear safety red flags such as active leaks, corrosion, improvised connections, unsafe cabling, and inadequate isolation. These issues can represent immediate hazards and expensive rectification works.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Collingwood’s older terraces and semis, we often see significant cracking linked to movement, moisture-related deterioration (including persistent dampness), and roof leaks that have progressed over time. Party-wall properties can also hide defects where access is limited, so we look closely for internal indicators such as stepped cracking, uneven floors, and staining that suggests ongoing water entry.
Yes. Collingwood warehouse conversions and multi-level renovations can introduce serious risks where structural elements have been altered, new bathrooms added, or roof spaces reworked for decks and skylights. We check accessible framing, signs of movement, water entry points, and visible services for safety red flags. If key areas are concealed, we document limitations and recommend targeted follow-up investigations.
A major defect typically affects structural integrity, safety, or the function of a critical building element, such as substantial movement, failing roof structure, severe moisture damage, or unsafe electrical conditions. Maintenance issues are smaller repairs that don’t threaten the building’s stability or safety in the same way, like minor caulking failures or worn finishes. We explain the severity and likely consequences clearly.
They can. Collingwood’s narrow blocks, limited side access and tight rear laneways can restrict visibility of external walls, drainage runs and parts of the roofline. We work with what’s safely accessible, use internal and perimeter indicators to assess risk, and clearly record any inaccessible areas. Where access limits the certainty of findings, we recommend practical next steps before you proceed.
We assess visible plumbing and electrical components for clear defect and safety indicators, such as active leaks, corrosion, damaged cabling, unsafe fittings, or signs of overheating. This is not a substitute for a licensed electrician or plumber’s compliance testing, but it’s valuable for flagging urgent hazards and likely high-cost rectification items so you can arrange specialist checks where warranted.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections knows the risks in Collingwood’s older terraces and conversions and focuses on structural, moisture and safety hazards that can change a buying decision. Call 0413 163 187.