Doncaster’s sloping blocks, split-level homes and renovations can hide movement, drainage and retaining-wall defects that become expensive fast—get them identified before you buy or repair.
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We assess cracking patterns, brickwork separation, uneven floors, door/window racking, and visible footing issues to determine whether movement is minor cosmetic or consistent with a major structural defect that warrants engineering advice.
We inspect retaining walls for bulging, rotation, drainage failures, and signs of surcharge loading. On Doncaster’s hillsides, retaining problems can translate into ground movement and water pressure that impacts footings and lower-level walls.
We check roof framing condition where accessible, the roof covering, flashing points, valleys, and penetrations, plus gutter fall and overflow paths. Poor stormwater management can drive major leaks, mould growth, and timber deterioration.
We look for active and historic water entry around wet areas, balconies, window junctions, and lower levels, including staining, swelling, efflorescence and damp odours—issues that often sit behind fresh paint or recent patching.
We assess masonry and cladding for cracking, loose elements, inadequate articulation at junctions, and sealant failures. These defects can present safety hazards and ongoing water entry, particularly around extensions and upper-storey additions.
We identify visible signs of plumbing leaks, poor drainage, and DIY alterations, plus electrical hazards that are apparent without invasive testing (such as damaged fittings or non-compliant installations). We then recommend appropriate licensed trade assessment where required.
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Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Doncaster, sloping sites can increase risk around drainage, retaining walls and footing movement. We commonly see cracking linked to ground movement, retaining walls without effective drainage, and stormwater that discharges near the house. Split-level layouts can also hide lower-level moisture issues. A major defects inspection focuses on these high-cost, high-consequence areas so you know what’s structural, what’s moisture-related, and what needs specialist follow-up.
Yes. We assess the roof covering, flashings and roof drainage performance, and we look for evidence of active or historic leaks in ceilings, roof spaces (where accessible) and around penetrations. Major defects often show up as repeated water entry, timber decay, mould or compromised insulation. If access is limited or a defect needs confirmation, we’ll recommend the most suitable next step, such as a roofer or moisture investigation.
Often, yes. Renovations can conceal problems with fresh linings, paint and new finishes, but major defects still leave clues—movement cracking reappears, floors become uneven, doors bind, and moisture shows up as swelling, staining or odours. We also look for risk areas where renovations go wrong, such as removed walls without proper support, poor wet-area waterproofing, and balcony junction failures.
They can be. Doncaster has many properties with cut-and-fill blocks and retaining structures. We look for bulging, leaning, cracking, poor drainage provisions, water staining, and signs the wall is being overloaded by vehicles, structures or stored materials. Retaining wall failure can lead to ground movement that affects footings and lower-level walls, so we treat it as a key risk item in this area.
We’ll explain the defect, why it matters, and how urgent it is. You’ll receive clear photos and a prioritised summary so you can make a decision quickly. Where a defect requires confirmation or design advice, we’ll recommend the right specialist—commonly a structural engineer, licensed plumber, electrician or waterproofing expert. If you’re buying, the findings can support negotiation or help you avoid a high-risk property.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the big-ticket risks common in Doncaster—movement on sloped sites, retaining walls, drainage and serious water ingress. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.