Fairfield has a mix of older weatherboards, brick homes and renovated properties near river flats and tree-lined streets—conditions that can hide footing movement, damp-related damage and roof framing issues until they become expensive.
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We check for movement indicators such as stepped brickwork cracking, separation at corners, distortion around windows and doors, and out-of-level floors. These signs help determine whether you’re dealing with minor settling or a structural issue that may require engineering input.
We inspect subfloor supports for deterioration, moisture impact, inadequate ventilation, and past repairs. In older Fairfield homes, degraded timber, rusting ant caps, or poorly executed restumping can lead to sagging floors and ongoing movement.
We assess the roof space (where accessible) for cracked or altered trusses/rafters, undersized or missing bracing, and signs of water entry affecting timber strength. Roof framing defects are major because they can compromise stability and lead to progressive damage during heavy weather.
We look for structural cracking, bowing, and evidence of removed or altered walls without adequate support—common in open-plan renovations. We also review lintels over openings for deflection or corrosion that can cause ongoing wall movement.
We identify moisture sources that can weaken structural elements, including inadequate site drainage, shower and wet area leakage indicators, and rising damp symptoms. Persistent moisture can rot timber, corrode fixings and cause masonry deterioration, turning a maintenance issue into a structural one.
We flag visible electrical and plumbing issues that can create safety risks or accelerate building damage—such as unsafe wiring in roof spaces, leaking pipework, or overflow/roof drainage problems. While not a full compliance audit, these issues often correlate with structural deterioration and repair scope.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Not always. Some cracking is minor and relates to age, materials and normal settlement. We look at crack location, width, direction (such as stepped cracking), and whether there’s associated movement like sticking doors, floor slope or separation at junctions. In Fairfield, we also consider drainage and moisture conditions that can worsen movement over time.
Older weatherboards can hide structural issues under floors and behind linings. We often focus on subfloor supports, timber decay from poor ventilation or past moisture, and any evidence of previous restumping or partial repairs. We also check roof framing for water damage and alterations, as older properties are frequently extended or reconfigured.
Yes, where safe and accessible. Access varies between properties, especially with low-clearance subfloors or limited manholes. If an area can’t be accessed, we document the limitation and explain what that means for risk. For suspected major issues, we may recommend targeted invasive inspection or an engineer’s assessment to confirm the extent.
Fairfield streets often have established trees, and changes in soil moisture can contribute to movement around footings. Poor drainage can also keep parts of the site wetter, affecting timber subfloors and masonry. During the inspection, we look for patterns consistent with movement, plus contributing factors like surface water flow, downpipe discharge points and dampness indicators.
First, we’ll explain the defect, how urgent it is, and what parts of the building are affected. For significant movement, framing failure, or altered load-bearing elements, the next step is usually a structural engineer to scope the rectification design. If you’re buying, you can use the findings to negotiate, request repairs, or reassess the purchase based on realistic repair pathways.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchSpeak with ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 to check the foundations, subfloor and roof structure before you commit—especially important for Fairfield’s older homes and renovation-heavy streetscapes.