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0485 857 077

ACE Building and Pest Inspections

ACE Building and Pest Inspections

8A Glen Cairn Ave, Ringwood, VIC 3134
0485 857 077
info@acebuildingandpestinspection.com.au

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      Saturday: 8 AM - 7 PM

      Sunday: 8 AM - 7 PM

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      Major Structural Defects - Professional inspection service
      Home/Areas/Croydon/Major Structural Defects

      Major Structural Defects Inspection in Croydon

      Croydon (3136) has a mix of older weatherboards and renovated brick homes, and movement from reactive clay soils and drainage changes can turn small cracks into serious structural faults.

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      About This Service

      What is Major Structural Defects?

      Major structural defects can be expensive and dangerous, and they’re not always obvious during an open for inspection. In Croydon, shifting ground conditions, ageing subfloor timbers, and renovations that alter load paths can hide problems in floors, walls, and roof framing until they become urgent. ACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on detecting major structural defects that threaten the integrity of your property. We inspect the critical structural elements and the signs that point to underlying failure, including foundation movement, roof and wall deformation, and moisture-related deterioration that can weaken key components. You can expect a methodical on-site inspection that prioritises safety and access, followed by clear explanations of what we found, what it means, and what should be investigated further by a structural engineer or relevant trade. If you’d like to talk through your property in Croydon before booking, call 0413 163 187.
      Croydon properties often sit on sloping blocks and can include older homes with subfloors, extensions, and re-stumped areas alongside newer builds. These conditions make it important to assess signs of footing movement, drainage-related moisture around the perimeter, and changes from renovations (such as removed walls or added openings) that can affect how loads are carried through the house.
      2-3 Hours
      Average Duration
      Same Day
      Report Delivery
      Licensed
      Professional Inspectors
      100+ Pages
      Detailed Report
      Major Structural Defects inspection process
      What's Included

      Everything You Get With Our Major Structural Defects

      Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.

      Foundation and footing movement assessment

      We check for indicators of significant movement such as stepped brick cracking, distorted openings, and differential settlement patterns. In Croydon, where soil reactivity and drainage alterations can contribute to shifting, this helps identify whether cracking is cosmetic or consistent with major structural movement.

      Subfloor framing, stumps and bearers (where accessible)

      We inspect accessible subfloor areas for sagging bearers, damaged or inadequate stumps, timber decay, and termite-like structural weakening. Uneven floors and bouncy sections can signal loss of support, which can escalate into major defects if structural members are compromised.

      Roof structure and load path checks

      We look for signs of roof framing issues such as rafter spread, truss deformation, ridge movement, and inadequate bracing. We also assess whether alterations (like removed supports or ceiling changes) may have interrupted the intended load path, increasing the risk of roof movement or failure.

      Major wall deformation and crack mapping

      We document and interpret significant cracks and wall distortion, including bowing, bulging, and out-of-plumb surfaces. Mapping crack location and direction helps distinguish between shrinkage cracking, moisture effects, and structural displacement that may require engineering advice.

      Moisture drivers that can cause structural damage

      We identify moisture sources that commonly lead to major defects, including poor site drainage, leaking wet areas, and overflow or ponding near footings. Persistent moisture can rot timber framing, undermine foundations, and worsen movement over time, so finding the driver is critical.

      Safety hazard screening and compliance red flags

      We note visible safety concerns tied to structural failure risks (for example, unstable verandah supports, deteriorated lintels, or compromised balcony elements). We also flag obvious electrical and plumbing issues that may indicate poor-quality renovations or water damage contributing to structural deterioration.

      Why Choose Us

      Benefits of Our Major Structural Defects

      Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.

      You’ll understand whether cracks and uneven floors in a Croydon home are likely cosmetic or consistent with footing movement that needs expert follow-up.

      You can budget realistically by identifying structural repairs that often sit outside standard renovation allowances, such as re-stumping, bracing, or major roof framing work.

      You’ll reduce the risk of buying a property with hidden moisture damage that is already weakening critical structural timbers.

      You’ll have clear defect priorities so you can negotiate with evidence, rather than relying on surface presentation or fresh paint.

      You’ll know which issues warrant a structural engineer’s assessment before contracts become unconditional.

      You’ll protect occupant safety by identifying structural elements that may be unstable or close to failure, including verandahs, roof framing, and compromised load-bearing walls.

      Our Work

      See Our Inspections in Action

      Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.

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      FAQ

      Common Questions About Major Structural Defects

      Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.

      In Croydon we commonly see issues linked to movement and moisture, such as significant cracking consistent with footing settlement, uneven or springy floors from subfloor deterioration, and roof framing movement where bracing is inadequate or alterations have changed load paths. Older homes can also show timber decay in bearers and joists if subfloor ventilation or drainage is poor. Each property is different, so patterns matter.

      We assess crack location, width, direction, and whether there are related symptoms like doors sticking, sloping floors, or visible distortion in walls and ceilings. Stepped cracking in brickwork, cracks that widen over time, and cracking paired with movement around openings can indicate structural movement rather than normal shrinkage. We document these indicators and explain when engineering advice is the right next step.

      A visual inspection can’t see through plaster, tiles, or cladding, but we look for strong indirect evidence of hidden issues. That includes moisture staining, inconsistent finishes that suggest patching, floor level changes, new cracks around recent work, and roof or subfloor indicators of altered structural support. Where access is limited, we clearly state the constraints and recommend targeted investigations if risk indicators are present.

      Yes. Sloping sites can concentrate water flow, and changes to stormwater, paving, or garden levels can direct moisture toward footings or subfloors. Over time, this can contribute to soil movement and timber decay, both of which can lead to major structural defects. During the inspection we pay close attention to site drainage, perimeter moisture conditions, and any signs the building has moved relative to the ground.

      We explain what we found, why it matters, and the likely consequences if it’s left unresolved. We’ll also outline practical next steps, which may include a structural engineer’s assessment, further invasive inspection, or specialist trade advice (such as roofing, drainage, or subfloor repairs). This helps you decide whether to renegotiate, request further checks, or walk away before committing.

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      Book a Major Structural Defects Inspection in Croydon

      ACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural deal-breakers Croydon buyers can miss—movement, moisture-driven damage, and risky alterations. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.

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