Docklands buying often means apartments with balconies, basement parking and strata rules—our inspection helps uncover water ingress, façade issues and defects that can be expensive once you settle.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess balcony surfaces, falls to drains, threshold detailing, grout and sealant condition, and signs of leaking into internal rooms below or adjacent. Docklands apartments commonly rely on correct drainage and compliant balustrade detailing, and small failures here can lead to repeated water ingress and costly rectification.
We look for evidence of water penetration around window frames, sliding doors, façade joints and internal reveals, including staining, swelling, mould or salt deposits. In high-rise Docklands buildings, wind-driven rain can exploit weak seals, so early detection helps you avoid ongoing maintenance disputes.
We inspect wet areas and adjacent walls for swelling, bubbling paint, lifting skirting, and visible mould growth, paying attention to bathrooms, laundries and kitchen areas. Apartment living can hide ventilation shortcomings, so we identify likely moisture pathways and where further investigation may be warranted.
Where accessible, we check for signs of water entry, dampness, surface deterioration, and drainage concerns in basement areas relevant to your lot (car space, cage, immediate surrounds). Docklands basements can be sensitive to stormwater management and pump systems, and warning signs matter before settlement.
We assess wall and ceiling cracking patterns, door operation, uneven finishes, and visible movement indicators that can point to building settlement or ongoing movement. This helps you separate cosmetic issues from defects that may require owners corporation action or specialist advice.
We visually check accessible safety-related elements such as balustrade stability, obvious trip hazards, wet-area slip risks, and visible electrical concerns like damaged fittings or unsafe DIY work. For Docklands balconies and podium areas, balustrade condition is a key buyer concern and can affect compliance and insurance.
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Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. In Docklands, balconies and terraces are a common source of costly defects, so we inspect accessible surfaces, drainage points, door thresholds, balustrades and visible waterproofing transitions. We also look for internal signs of leaking near balcony doors and adjacent walls. If we suspect concealed waterproofing failure, we’ll explain the likely cause and recommend the next step.
We can, provided access is arranged in advance. Many Docklands buildings require lift booking, sign-in procedures, or key collection via the agent or concierge. When you book, we’ll confirm the site requirements so the inspection runs smoothly and we can spend time where it matters—inside the lot, on balconies, and in any accessible storage or parking linked to the property.
A pre-purchase inspection focuses on the physical condition of the accessible areas of the property you’re buying and visible defects we can observe on the day. A strata records review (via your conveyancer) examines owners corporation documents such as meeting minutes, maintenance plans, and any known building issues. In Docklands, doing both is smart because building-wide defects can sit outside your lot.
We visually assess accessible external elements and look for signs of water entry around façade junctions, windows and balcony interfaces, plus any visible deterioration. However, cladding compliance and fire safety assessments can require specialist reports and access to areas beyond the apartment. If the building history or visible cues raise concern, we’ll note it and recommend a strata document check and specialist advice.
If access is available, we will inspect what relates to your purchase, including the nominated car space and any storage cage or locker. For stackers, we can visually check condition and obvious safety concerns, but we don’t perform mechanical certification. We also look for nearby dampness, drainage issues or damage that could affect usability and ongoing costs.
Still have questions?
Contact us for more informationChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for Docklands Pre Purchase Inspection Services with practical defect reporting you can use in negotiations—call 0413 163 187.