Major Structural Defects Inspection in Fairfield

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.