East Melbourne mixes heritage terraces, renovated townhouses and older apartment blocks—your inspection needs to check for movement, damp and roof drainage issues that can hide behind fresh finishes.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for signs of footing movement such as stepped cracking in brickwork, uneven floors, door misalignment and separation around skirting and cornices. In East Melbourne’s older housing stock, we pay close attention to how extensions and renovations tie into the original structure and whether movement appears ongoing.
We inspect roof covering condition, flashings, valley lines, gutters and downpipes for rust, blockages, poor falls and overflow points. Water mismanagement is a common trigger for damp and wall staining in tightly spaced East Melbourne homes, so drainage paths and discharge locations are noted clearly.
We examine brickwork, render, parapets and boundary walls for cracking, fretting, spalling and failed joints. Where accessible, we look for moisture marks and salt deposits that may indicate rising damp or water penetration—issues often masked by recent paintwork.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are checked for waterproofing red flags such as swollen skirting, loose tiles, deteriorated silicone, mould, leaking taps and damage under sinks. We also assess ventilation and visible water staining, which can be particularly relevant in renovated East Melbourne properties.
Where there is access, we inspect stumps/bearers/joists, signs of dampness, timber deterioration, and whether airflow is adequate. Limited underfloor ventilation is common in older dwellings and can contribute to moisture build-up, odours and timber defects.
We identify visible safety risks such as unstable balustrades, trip hazards, deteriorated stairs, damaged roofing components, and signs of electrical or plumbing issues (for example, unsafe cabling in roof spaces or persistent leaks). We note where specialist testing by a licensed electrician or plumber is recommended.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
East Melbourne commonly includes older brick terraces, heritage-style homes and refurbished apartments, so we focus strongly on movement-related cracking, damp entry points, roof drainage, and how renovations have been integrated. We also look for typical age-related issues such as tired gutters, deteriorated masonry, and wet-area defects that may be hidden by recent cosmetic updates. The aim is to flag risks that affect safety and cost.
We assess visible indicators and safety concerns, such as signs of leaks, water pressure issues, damaged fixtures, and obvious risks with wiring where accessible (for example in roof spaces). A Building Inspection is not a substitute for a compliance certificate or invasive testing, so if we see red flags, we’ll recommend targeted follow-up by a licensed electrician or plumber before you proceed.
Yes. For apartments and townhouses, we inspect the accessible interior of the lot and any areas you can legally access at the time. We look closely at wet areas, windows and seals, balcony drainage where applicable, cracking, and signs of water entry. We can also help you understand what to review in owners corporation records, particularly for common property maintenance and known building defects.
They can be, especially in older masonry homes with limited subfloor ventilation, high garden beds, altered drainage, or walls that have been sealed with modern coatings. During the inspection we look for salt staining, bubbling paint, musty odours, deteriorated skirting and moisture-related wall damage, then identify likely moisture sources such as gutters, downpipes, ground levels or wet-area leaks.
Time on site depends on the size, access and complexity of the property, but we allow enough time to check each accessible area carefully rather than rushing. You’ll receive a detailed report outlining major defects, safety hazards and maintenance items, with clear notes on locations and recommended next steps. If something needs specialist advice, we’ll explain why so you can prioritise properly.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections checks structure, moisture risks and safety hazards common in East Melbourne homes so you know what you’re buying—call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.