Essendon West homes often mix older brick builds with renovated extensions—movement, roof-frame changes and damp-related damage can hide behind fresh finishes and become costly fast.
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We examine the location, width and direction of cracks in brickwork, render and internal linings, and check for stepped cracking around windows/doors. This helps distinguish typical ageing from movement that may indicate footing problems requiring engineering input.
We inspect for deterioration, sagging, inadequate support, moisture impacts and signs of past re-levelling. Subfloor issues can lead to uneven floors, door misalignment and ongoing movement, and they often drive expensive rectification if left unchecked.
We assess trusses/rafters, struts, collar ties and fixings for overloading, cutting/notching, spread, and makeshift supports—common after skylight installs, ducted heating, solar, or conversions. Structural roof defects can present as ridge sag, ceiling cracking and water entry points.
We look for signs that walls have been removed or widened without adequate beams or posts, including ceiling dips, cracking above openings and inconsistent finishes. This is critical in renovated Essendon West homes where open-plan layouts may have altered the original load paths.
We target areas where water commonly causes structural decay: bathrooms, laundries, balconies, around windows, and below roof plumbing/gutters. We identify moisture entry indicators and the building elements at risk, because rot and corrosion can be structural—not just cosmetic.
We flag defects that create immediate safety concerns, such as unstable masonry, compromised ceilings, and deterioration around wet-area plumbing. We also note visible electrical compliance risks that can worsen structural hazards (for example, heat damage near roof timbers or unsafe cabling in roof spaces).
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Essendon West we commonly focus on movement-related cracking in masonry, uneven floors linked to subfloor support, and roof-frame issues where properties have been altered or re-roofed. We also treat persistent moisture as a structural risk, because long-term leaks can decay framing and flooring. The inspection documents visible indicators, likely causes, and whether specialist assessment (such as an engineer) is recommended.
Yes. Fresh paint, new plaster and updated flooring can conceal recurring cracking, deflection and patch repairs. We look for tell-tale signs such as mismatched finishes, repeated crack repairs, doors that bind, sloping floors, and ceiling lines that dip. We also check accessible roof and subfloor areas, because many major defects are easier to detect there than on newly finished internal surfaces.
Where safe and accessible, yes. The roof space can reveal altered framing, water entry, and compromised supports that don’t show from inside the home. The subfloor (in raised-floor homes) can reveal stump condition, bearer/joist deterioration, and moisture problems. If access is restricted, we’ll explain the limitation and recommend practical next steps to confirm the risk.
They can. Structural risk increases when load-bearing walls are removed, openings are widened, or roofs are altered without appropriate beams, posts or bracing. In Essendon West, it’s common to see older layouts modified for modern living, so we pay close attention to cracking above openings, ceiling deflection, uneven floors near altered areas, and roof framing that shows cutting, patching or improvised supports.
Treat it as a decision point. We’ll outline what we observed, why it matters, and the likely severity based on visible evidence. Next steps often include a structural engineer assessment, targeted invasive checks (where feasible), and quotes from relevant trades such as roofers, plumbers or drainage specialists. This approach helps you confirm cause and cost before you commit to purchase or major renovation work.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the high-consequence faults—movement, compromised supports, roof-frame issues and moisture-driven deterioration—so you can make a confident call on an Essendon West property. Call 0413 163 187.