Essendon West has a mix of older brick and weatherboard homes plus newer extensions, where movement from reactive soils, ageing roofs, and renovation shortcuts can hide serious structural and safety defects.
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We assess cracking patterns in brickwork, plaster, and around doors/windows, and look for indicators of footing movement such as sloping floors, racking, and separation at junctions. This helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from defects that may require engineering input or underpinning strategies.
We check for sagging, rot, inadequate support, poor ventilation, and moisture impacts beneath the home. In Essendon West, subfloor moisture and drainage issues can accelerate timber deterioration and contribute to ongoing movement that shows up as internal cracking.
We inspect roof framing for sagging, altered trusses/rafters, and water staining, then check coverings, flashings, valleys, penetrations and gutters for failure points. Roof leaks can cause major defects in ceilings, insulation, electrical safety, and long-term timber decay.
We look for bowed walls, unstable or deteriorated masonry, articulation issues, and signs of corrosion or damp that can affect structural performance. We also assess external cladding junctions and openings where water can enter and damage framing.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for evidence of waterproofing failure, swelling, mould growth, and active leaks, plus visible pipework risks where accessible. Persistent moisture can lead to major defects such as compromised flooring, wall framing decay, and subfloor fungal activity.
Without replacing a full compliance test, we identify visible safety concerns such as damaged cabling, older switchboards, unsafe DIY alterations, and heat or moisture risks near electrical components. This helps you prioritise urgent rectification and request further testing by a licensed electrician.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Essendon West we often see defects linked to older construction and later renovations: footing movement showing as stepped brick cracking or doors sticking, roof leaks around flashings and penetrations, subfloor moisture and timber decay, and wet area waterproofing failures. We also come across DIY alterations where structural walls were changed without proper support. An inspection helps confirm severity and likely causes.
Yes, we assess crack location, width, direction, and whether there are related symptoms such as sloping floors, distorted openings, or separation at joins. In Essendon West, reactive soils and drainage issues can worsen movement over time, so pattern matters more than appearance. If the signs point to structural movement, we’ll recommend an engineer for confirmation and repair design.
We do. We look for signs that walls may have been removed or altered without adequate support, including unusual ceiling lines, cracking at beam locations, and uneven load transfer. We also check junctions between old and new sections where differential movement and roofline changes can create leak pathways. If the evidence suggests non-compliant structural work, we outline what to investigate next.
Some properties in Essendon West sit on flatter blocks and can be sensitive to surface drainage and stormwater management, which increases the risk of subfloor dampness and rising moisture impacts in walls. Mature landscaping can also affect drainage and footings. During the inspection we look for overflow points, fall away from the building, downpipe discharge issues, and moisture indicators inside and out.
Use the findings to prioritise risk. If there’s a safety hazard or clear structural concern, request specialist advice (engineer, roofer, plumber, electrician) and obtain quotes or scope notes before finalising. You can then renegotiate the price, ask the vendor to rectify, or walk away if the risk is too high. We’ll explain what’s urgent versus monitorable.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural and safety issues that can be hidden in Essendon West’s older homes and renovated extensions. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.