Footscray mixes older weatherboard homes, brick units and warehouse-style conversions—each can hide movement, roof leaks and DIY renovations that a thorough building inspection should uncover before you sign.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for signs of settlement and movement, including uneven floors, cracking patterns, deteriorated bearers/joists, and stump condition where visible. This matters in Footscray homes with raised floors or older subfloor ventilation, where moisture and past re-stumping can affect structural performance.
We inspect roof cladding condition, flashings, penetrations, gutters and downpipes for leaks, corrosion, poor falls and overflow points. Effective rainwater control is critical to prevent dampness and timber decay and to reduce the risk of ongoing movement around footings.
We look for cracking, bulging, loose render, failing mortar, rotted weatherboards and gaps around openings. We also assess likely moisture entry points around windows, doors and junctions—common defect zones after partial renovations or patch repairs.
We assess floors, walls and ceilings for distortion, cracking, damp indicators and signs of previous repairs that may be masking a recurring issue. For Footscray buyers, this helps separate cosmetic cracking from structural movement that can drive significant repair costs.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for water damage indicators such as swollen skirting, stained ceilings, degraded grout/silicone and poor falls. Wet-area leaks can rot framing and flooring over time, especially where older materials meet newer waterproofing work.
We visually assess accessible components for safety concerns and obvious non-compliance indicators, such as damaged cabling, unsafe fittings, missing safety glass where expected, and inadequate balustrade heights or gaps. Where issues are suspected, we recommend follow-up by a licensed electrician or relevant trade.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Footscray we often see a mix of older structures and newer renovations, so inspections commonly focus on movement-related cracking, uneven floors, subfloor moisture and ventilation, roof and flashing leaks, and wet-area water damage. We also look for workmanship problems from past alterations, such as removed walls without adequate support or inconsistent tie-ins between old and new materials.
Yes. We inspect accessible parts of extensions and renovated areas for structural red flags, water entry points and safety hazards, then compare them to adjoining original sections for signs of differential movement or poor integration. While a building inspection isn’t a council approval audit, we can flag indicators of non-compliant or low-quality work and recommend the right follow-up checks.
We assess crack location, direction, width variation, and whether there are related symptoms like sticking doors, racked frames or sloping floors. This allows us to classify cracking as likely minor cosmetic movement, typical ageing, or potentially structural. If signs point to ongoing movement, we’ll explain the risk and recommend further assessment by a structural engineer where appropriate.
The approach is similar but the scope changes. In apartments and conversions, we focus on the accessible internal areas, balconies/terraces (where accessible), wet areas, windows, and visible services, and we note items that may sit within common property. We also recommend reviewing the owners corporation records for recurring building issues, water ingress complaints and planned remedial works.
Time varies with size, access and condition, but most inspections take a few hours. If possible, ask the agent or owner to provide clear access to the roof space and subfloor entry points, unlock garages and outbuildings, and keep pets secured. Clear access helps us assess structural elements, moisture risk areas and safety hazards more thoroughly.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural integrity and safety risks that matter in Footscray’s mix of older homes and renovated properties—call 0413 163 187 to schedule your Building Inspection.