Forest Hill has a mix of mid-century homes and renovated properties where movement cracks, older wet areas and roof drainage issues can be easy to miss. A building inspection checks the structure and safety items before they become expensive surprises.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We inspect brickwork, render, internal plaster and cornices for cracking patterns, stepping, separation and patch repairs. This helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement-related issues and highlights where further structural advice may be needed before you commit to buying in Forest Hill.
We check roof cladding condition, ridge capping, valleys, flashings and visible penetrations, along with gutters, downpipes and discharge points. Poor roof drainage can drive damp walls and ceiling staining, so we look for rusting, sagging, overflow marks and signs of past leak repairs.
Where accessible, we assess bearers, joists and visible supports for moisture damage, deterioration and ventilation issues. We also note floor springiness and level changes, which can indicate stump or subfloor concerns that may affect the cost of owning an older Forest Hill home.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are checked for visible signs of failed waterproofing such as swollen skirtings, damp odours, cracked grout, lifting tiles and moisture staining. We also look at shower screens, seals and junctions that commonly fail after DIY or partial renovations.
We identify observable safety concerns such as damaged cabling, unsafe fittings, inadequate clearances, water leaks, corrosion and poor pipework support. While a building inspection is non-invasive, we flag items that should be tested or certified by licensed trades before settlement.
We inspect cladding, windows, weep holes (where applicable), seals, vents and landscaping levels near walls. This helps identify moisture pathways caused by blocked vents, bridging of damp-proof courses, or garden beds and paving built up against the house—common contributors to dampness.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
A Forest Hill building inspection covers the home’s accessible structural and safety elements, including roof exterior where visible, roof space access where safe, subfloor where accessible, walls, ceilings, floors, wet areas, windows/doors, external surfaces, drainage observations and visible plumbing/electrical red flags. It’s a visual, non-invasive inspection that documents defects and risks, with photos and practical recommendations for next steps.
Yes, where safe access is available. Many older homes have tight roof spaces, low subfloors or stored items that limit entry. We will attempt access and document any restrictions in the report. If access is limited, we focus on alternative indicators such as ceiling staining, ventilation, floor levels, perimeter moisture signs and external drainage performance, and recommend follow-up where warranted.
Yes. We call out safety-related issues such as loose balustrades, trip hazards, unstable or deteriorated structures, evidence of active leaks, and visible electrical or plumbing concerns that present risk. While we don’t perform invasive testing, we provide clear guidance on what needs urgent attention and which items should be checked by licensed trades before settlement or immediately after purchase.
They can be. Forest Hill homes are often renovated in stages, and partial updates can hide mismatched levels, patched cracking, unaddressed moisture issues or workmanship inconsistencies. During the inspection we look for tell-tale signs such as uneven transitions, altered drainage paths, new finishes over older substrates, and moisture staining around wet areas. We also flag visible compliance-style issues for further verification.
Inspection time varies with property size, access and complexity, but most homes take a few hours on site. After the inspection, we compile a detailed report with photos and clear defect notes. If you have a contract deadline, tell us when you book so we can prioritise your Forest Hill inspection and set expectations for delivery timing.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural, moisture and safety issues that commonly affect Forest Hill homes, with a clear report you can use to negotiate, budget and buy with confidence. Call 0413 163 187.