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Footscray’s mix of older weatherboards, brick homes and warehouse conversions can hide major defects behind renovations, damp-prone areas and altered layouts.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess cracking patterns in brickwork, plaster and external walls, check for signs of differential settlement, and look for movement indicators around openings. This helps identify whether cracks are cosmetic or linked to foundation movement that may require engineering input.
We check subfloor ventilation, moisture conditions, timber condition, and the alignment and support of bearers and joists. In Footscray’s older homes, subfloor issues can escalate into major defects such as sagging floors, structural decay and ongoing moisture damage.
We inspect roof framing from accessible areas, look for signs of sagging, water entry and past repairs, and assess gutters/downpipes for overflow risks. Defective drainage can drive major internal damage, especially where water has been running into wall cavities or under floors.
We look for signs of structural alterations such as removed walls, undersized beams, unsupported openings, and patch-up work around ceilings and cornices. This is critical in Footscray where open-plan renovations and extensions are common and defects can be concealed by new linings.
We examine wet areas, external cladding interfaces, window/door flashings and internal staining for evidence of chronic leaks. Moisture-related defects can compromise framing, invite mould growth, and lead to expensive rectification when the cause sits behind tiles or rendered finishes.
We identify visible safety issues such as damaged electrical components, unsafe DIY modifications, poor hot water installation clearances, and plumbing leaks that affect structural elements. We also flag items likely to need specialist compliance checks so you can budget and act quickly.
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Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Footscray we often see major issues linked to older construction and renovations: subfloor moisture causing timber decay, roof leaks leading to ceiling and wall damage, and cracking that can indicate movement rather than simple shrinkage. Altered layouts can also introduce structural risks if load-bearing walls were changed without adequate support. We assess the likely severity and recommend when specialist input is warranted.
We assess cracking by location, direction, width, step patterns in brickwork, and whether doors/windows show racking or misalignment. We also look for related signs such as uneven floors, gaps at skirtings and moisture impacts that weaken materials. While a visual inspection can’t replace engineering design advice, it can identify red flags and whether further investigation is needed before you buy.
Yes. For townhouses we assess accessible roof drainage, external walls, internal finishes and wet areas for signs of movement or moisture. For apartments, access can limit what can be inspected inside common property, but we still check the unit and visible building elements for defect indicators such as water ingress, cracking, balcony drainage issues and safety hazards. We also advise what strata records to review.
Properties near low-lying areas can be more prone to damp subfloors, poor drainage and moisture migrating into walls. Over time, that can cause timber deterioration, mould-friendly conditions and corrosion of metal fixings, which may become a major defect if structural members are affected. During the inspection we look for moisture pathways, ventilation issues and signs of past water entry so you can address the cause, not just the symptoms.
We explain the defect, why it matters, and the practical next steps. That may include recommending a structural engineer, roofer, plumber or electrician for targeted assessment and repair quotes. We also help you understand urgency: what is a safety hazard, what could worsen quickly (like active leaks), and what might be monitored. This makes it easier to negotiate or set contract conditions with confidence.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on serious structural and safety risks common in Footscray’s older homes and renovated properties. Call 0413 163 187 to organise your inspection.