Essendon buyers often face a mix of older weatherboard and brick homes with renovations and extensions—our pre-purchase inspection helps spot movement, damp issues, and DIY alterations before they become your problem.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check internal and external walls, cornices, ceilings and brickwork for crack patterns, step cracking and signs of ongoing movement. This matters in Essendon where older homes and later extensions can settle differently, leading to doors that bind, uneven floors and costly rectification.
For raised timber floors, we assess subfloor ventilation, moisture conditions, bearer and joist condition, and signs of timber deterioration. Poor airflow or persistent moisture can contribute to bouncy floors, mould odours and hidden damage that often doesn’t show during a walkthrough.
We inspect accessible roof voids for water staining, sagging, framing issues and signs of past leaks around penetrations. Even small roof leaks can cause insulation degradation, plaster damage and timber decay, so identifying indicators early helps you budget before purchase.
We look for shower recess deterioration, tile cracking, grout failure, water damage to adjoining skirtings, and swelling or delamination in cabinetry where visible. Bathrooms and laundries in renovated Essendon homes can look new while hiding inadequate waterproofing or long-term seepage.
We assess how ground levels, paving and garden beds interact with the building, including blocked weepholes, bridging to brick veneer and areas prone to ponding. Poor drainage can drive rising damp, subfloor moisture and ongoing maintenance costs.
We identify observable safety issues such as unstable balustrades, trip hazards, deteriorated stairs, or poorly secured structures like pergolas and carports. These items can affect insurance, compliance and immediate repair priorities once you take possession.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Many Essendon properties include older construction or multiple renovation stages, so we focus on movement indicators, subfloor moisture and ventilation (where accessible), roof leak signs, and wet area condition. We also look for workmanship clues around extensions and reconfigured layouts. The goal is to identify defects that affect safety, structural performance and future costs, not just cosmetic presentation.
Yes, where safe access is available. We’ll enter the roof void and subfloor when there is appropriate access and conditions allow, then report on visible issues such as moisture staining, framing concerns, ventilation problems and timber condition. If access is restricted or unsafe, we document the limitation and advise what further checks may be needed before you finalise the purchase.
A pre-purchase inspection is visual and non-invasive, so we can’t see through walls or remove fittings. However, we look for tell-tale signs that often accompany hidden issues, such as uneven finishes, cracking around openings, swollen skirtings, moisture staining, and inconsistent levels. Where these indicators appear, we explain the likely cause and recommend targeted follow-up by the right trade or specialist.
They can be, particularly where established trees, garden beds and paving sit close to the house. We assess surface drainage, ponding risk and areas where soil or landscaping is high against walls, as these can contribute to dampness and subfloor moisture. While we don’t conduct underground drain testing in a standard inspection, we flag conditions that justify a CCTV drain inspection.
Book as soon as you’re serious about the property and before you go unconditional. This gives you time to review findings, seek specialist quotes if needed, and negotiate based on evidence. If you’re buying at auction, arrange the inspection during the campaign so you understand defects and costs before bidding. Call ACE Building and Pest Inspections to secure a suitable time.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections delivers practical, buyer-focused reporting for Essendon properties—call 0413 163 187 to inspect before you commit.