Footscray homes range from older weatherboards and Victorian terraces to modern townhouse and warehouse conversions—each can hide damp, movement, and DIY alterations that only show up under a thorough pre-purchase check.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for visible and accessible signs of rising damp, leaking showers, wet-area failure, and condensation damage—particularly around bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, and ground-level walls. Damp can drive mould, timber decay, and plaster failure, and it can be costly to fix if waterproofing or drainage is the root cause.
Where accessible, we inspect underfloor conditions, ventilation paths, and signs of moisture build-up that can affect bearers, joists, and flooring. Many older weatherboards and raised homes rely on good airflow; blocked vents, poor drainage, or stored items under the house can accelerate timber deterioration.
We assess cracks in brickwork, plaster, and around openings, and look for movement indicators such as sticking doors, uneven floors, and separation at joins. In practical terms, we help you understand whether cracking appears cosmetic, maintenance-related, or consistent with ongoing movement that may need further engineering advice.
We inspect accessible roof areas, gutters, downpipes, and overflow points, and note defects that commonly lead to leaks and internal damage. Poor stormwater discharge can saturate ground near footings and contribute to damp or movement, so we also look at where water is directed and whether it appears to be managed effectively.
Footscray properties are often renovated or extended. We look for workmanship clues and risk points such as unsealed penetrations, uneven tiling, poorly supported openings, inadequate ventilation, and water staining that suggests shortcuts. This helps you decide whether a specialist check (plumber, electrician, engineer) is needed before contracts become unconditional.
We review accessible balconies, decks, retaining walls, paths, and garages for drainage, waterproofing cues, deterioration, and trip hazards. These areas are expensive to remediate if water is getting into structures or if surfaces are failing, and they’re easy to overlook during a short inspection.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
For older Footscray homes, the inspection pays close attention to moisture and ventilation (subfloor and wet areas), cracking and movement patterns, roof and gutter performance, and evidence of past leaks. We also look for renovation red flags, as many period homes have been altered over time. You’ll receive clear notes on what’s likely maintenance, what’s urgent, and what may need specialist follow-up.
Yes. For conversions and newer builds, we focus on accessible items that commonly cause expensive surprises: waterproofing cues in bathrooms and balconies, drainage and stormwater discharge, wall and ceiling staining, expansion joint issues, and workmanship indicators around openings and penetrations. If the property is strata, we’ll also note when a concern may relate to common property so you can ask for the right documents.
Yes. Fresh paint can hide staining and patch repairs, so we look for subtler signs such as bubbling, salt residue, swollen skirting, musty odours, and cracking patterns around wet areas and external walls. Where appropriate, we use non-invasive checks and practical observations to flag areas that may need further investigation, especially bathrooms, ground-level rooms, and ceilings below upper wet areas.
Some parts of Footscray can experience higher moisture loads due to local drainage conditions and proximity to low-lying areas. During a pre purchase inspection, we look for site drainage issues, damp indicators at the base of walls, subfloor moisture where accessible, and stormwater management problems such as ineffective downpipes or poor discharge locations. We’ll explain how these observations could affect maintenance and future repair costs.
Use the report to separate deal-breakers from manageable repairs, then ask targeted questions of the agent or vendor about any noted defects and past works. If we flag items that need specialist input—like suspected active movement, persistent moisture sources, or complex waterproofing—organise follow-up inspections during your due diligence period. This approach strengthens negotiation and reduces the chance of inheriting urgent repairs after settlement.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a thorough Footscray-focused assessment of moisture, movement, and renovation risks—call 0413 163 187 to organise your Pre Purchase Inspection Services.