Fairfield’s mix of older weatherboard homes, renovated terraces and apartment blocks near the Yarra can hide real safety issues—aging wiring, steep stairs, and damp-related slip hazards that don’t show up in a quick walkthrough.
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We assess internal and external stairs for uneven risers, loose treads, inadequate handrails and balustrade stability. These are common injury points in older Fairfield homes, especially where a renovation has changed floor levels or added a rear extension with new steps.
We look for movement, rot, missing fixings, unstable posts, and unsafe edge protection on decks and verandahs. Rear decks in Fairfield can be heavily used for entertaining; a failing board, loose handrail or inadequate barrier becomes a high-consequence fall hazard.
We identify visible signs of electrical risk such as damaged outlets, exposed cabling, heat marks, unsafe light fittings, and outdated switchboard indicators. Where we see concerns, we’ll note the risk and recommend assessment by a licensed electrician for compliance and rectification.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for slip hazards (polished surfaces, poor drainage, leaking fittings) and visible hot-water or tempering indicators where accessible. In renovated Fairfield properties, mismatched waterproofing and poor falls can create persistent wet floors and mould-prone corners.
We inspect common trip points such as lifted floorboards, abrupt level changes, loose thresholds, damaged paths, and cluttered egress routes. This is particularly relevant in older Fairfield floorplans with narrow halls and transitions between original and extended areas.
We review practical fire-related hazards including blocked exits, unsafe storage near heat sources, and visible issues around heaters and fireplaces. We also note the presence and placement of smoke alarms where accessible, and flag areas to upgrade to meet current expectations.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Fairfield, we often find fall hazards around older staircases, rear decks and verandahs—loose handrails, uneven steps, or insufficient edge protection. We also see trip hazards where renovations meet original floors, plus moisture-related slip risks near entries and wet areas. Older electrical components can present visible red flags too, particularly if upgrades were partial rather than whole-of-home.
We assess safety risks against practical expectations and commonly accepted safety requirements, and we flag items that may not meet current standards or safe practice. However, formal compliance certification (for example, electrical compliance) must be completed by the relevant licensed trade or certifier. Our report helps you understand what to investigate further and what to prioritise for rectification.
Yes—where access is available, we inspect external stairs, decks, verandahs and raised areas for structural movement, deterioration, loose fixings, and inadequate barriers. These areas matter because they’re high-use zones and failures can be sudden. If an area is obstructed or unsafe to access, we document the limitation and recommend the safest next step for further assessment.
Yes. Renovations can improve finishes while leaving hidden or ‘in-between’ hazards, like mismatched floor heights, poorly secured balustrades, or older electrical components left in place. We pay close attention to transitions between original and new sections—especially stairs, thresholds, and wet area junctions—because that’s where safety issues often show up even in otherwise well-presented homes.
If we identify serious hazards, you can use the findings to request repairs, obtain quotes from licensed trades, or renegotiate based on the risk and cost to rectify. We clearly mark urgent items so you can act quickly. If you’re buying, it’s also a prompt to ask the agent/vendor for documentation of past works and any compliance certificates where relevant.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the real safety risks found in Fairfield’s older homes and mixed-renovation properties—call 0413 163 187 to organise your inspection and get clear, photo-backed priorities.