Essendon’s mix of older weatherboard homes and renovated period properties often hides small defects at joins, extensions and balconies—issues that can quietly become water damage and movement if missed.
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We inspect common cracking locations (corners of openings, ceiling-to-wall junctions, extension joints and rendered surfaces) and distinguish typical shrinkage from cracking patterns that may indicate moisture or movement. This helps you decide whether monitoring, sealing, or further investigation is needed.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for early signs of leaks and water ingress, including swollen skirting, deteriorated silicone, loose tiles, and staining in adjoining rooms. Catching these minor defects early can prevent hidden timber damage and mould.
We test representative doors and windows for binding, gaps, draught paths and latch alignment. In Essendon’s older homes, small changes in alignment can flag subfloor ventilation issues, moisture-related timber movement, or minor foundation movement that should be addressed early.
We look for blocked or poorly directed downpipes, inadequate falls away from the house, ponding near walls, and overflow risks. Minor drainage defects are a common cause of dampness and can contribute to movement-related cracking if left unresolved.
Where accessible, we inspect balcony edges, deck-to-wall junctions, flashing points and surface finishes for early deterioration. These are high-risk areas for water entry, particularly on renovated period homes where waterproofing details can be inconsistent.
We identify smaller items that still matter, such as loose handrails, lifting floorboards, cracked tiles that can admit water, and minor ceiling defects. These observations help you budget accurately and avoid small issues becoming bigger repair jobs.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Essendon, we often see hairline cracking around openings and at extension junctions, early moisture impacts around bathrooms and laundries, and drainage issues that allow water to sit near walls. Older weatherboards can show minor subfloor ventilation problems, while renovated homes can have small flashing and sealing defects. These items are usually repairable, but they’re worth addressing early to avoid hidden rot or ongoing dampness.
Yes. A Minor Property Defects inspection focuses on smaller, observable issues that can be repaired or managed before they escalate—things like early moisture clues, minor cracking, alignment problems and small drainage faults. A full building inspection is broader and typically covers major structural and compliance concerns in more depth. If the property in Essendon shows red flags during the minor defects check, we may recommend upgrading to a more comprehensive inspection.
Sometimes, but not always. Many cracks are caused by normal material shrinkage or poor patching, particularly after renovation work. However, cracking that reappears, widens, or follows a stepped pattern in masonry can also relate to movement, drainage issues, or moisture changes in reactive soils. We document crack locations and characteristics and advise whether monitoring, drainage improvement, or further assessment is sensible.
Where access is available and safe, yes. Balconies, decks and rear extensions are frequent trouble spots because water can enter at junctions, edges, and penetrations if flashing and sealing are substandard. We look for early warning signs such as staining, swelling, surface deterioration and gaps at joins. If waterproofing concerns are suspected, we’ll explain the risk and the type of specialist follow-up that may be needed.
You’ll receive a clear, itemised report outlining the minor defects found, where they are, why they matter, and practical next steps. Buyers often use it to request rectification or adjust their budget before settlement, while owners use it as a targeted maintenance plan. If you need trade input, the report helps you brief a plumber, carpenter or waterproofing contractor with specific locations and symptoms.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the small issues that commonly get missed in Essendon’s older and renovated homes—call 0413 163 187 to schedule your Minor Property Defects inspection.