Loading...
Loading...
Hallam homes often mix older brick veneer builds with newer extensions—movement, roof leaks and DIY alterations can hide major defects that cost big to fix.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Hallam
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check brickwork, internal plaster and junctions around openings for crack patterns that indicate movement (for example step cracking, separation at cornices, or distortion). We also look for related signs such as jammed windows/doors and uneven floors, helping distinguish cosmetic cracking from defects that suggest footing or framing issues.
We inspect roof framing (sagging rafters, under-sized members, poor repairs), sarking where visible, and roof covering condition. Inside the roof space we look for staining, mould, wet insulation and daylight at penetrations—common clues that water is entering and damaging structural timbers or ceilings.
We assess wall straightness, bulging, out-of-plumb sections and signs of inadequate support over windows and doors. Where renovations appear likely, we look for evidence of removed load-bearing elements, non-engineered openings, or inadequate bracing—defects that can compromise stability and are expensive to rectify.
We check accessible slab edges, paths, paving levels and downpipe discharge points for conditions that trap water against the building. Poor falls, blocked stormwater, and garden beds built up against walls can drive dampness and contribute to movement or timber decay—issues that often present as “mystery” internal damage.
We look for visible signs of waterproofing failure such as swelling skirtings, loose tiles, damp odours, mould, and staining to adjacent rooms. Major defects in wet areas can spread into wall frames and floors, leading to structural repairs rather than a simple re-seal.
While we don’t perform a full compliance certification, we identify visible hazards and major defect indicators—unsafe cabling in roof spaces, DIY connections, evidence of persistent leaks, corrosion, or water damage near services. We then recommend targeted follow-up by a licensed electrician or plumber where risks are evident.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Hallam we often see major issues linked to water management and alterations—roof leaks that have been active for years, wet area failures that soak wall frames, and cracking associated with drainage or movement. Renovations such as garage conversions and extensions can also introduce major defects if bracing or supports were altered without proper engineering. The inspection focuses on the evidence that shows whether a defect is active and serious.
A major defects inspection concentrates on problems that materially affect safety, structural integrity or liveability—rather than listing minor maintenance items. We look harder at load paths, roof structure, movement indicators, moisture entry points and high-risk alterations. You’ll receive clear explanations of what makes an issue “major”, what the likely cause is, and what next steps are sensible (such as structural engineer or licensed trade checks).
Yes, where access is safe and available we enter the roof space and inspect accessible subfloor areas. In the roof space we look for framing defects, leak evidence and unsafe wiring indicators. In subfloor or perimeter areas we look for moisture, ventilation issues, timber condition and signs of movement. If access is restricted (low clearance, no manhole, unsafe conditions), we’ll note the limitation and advise alternatives.
Properties near low-lying areas or drainage lines can be more prone to damp conditions, especially if site drainage, downpipe discharge or surface falls are poor. That doesn’t automatically mean a home has major defects, but it increases the importance of checking slab edges, subfloor ventilation, wet area moisture indicators and any signs of persistent mould or timber decay. We’ll assess visible drainage and moisture pathways and explain practical remediation options.
Yes. These changes are common and can hide major defects if walls were removed, lintels were undersized, or loads were redirected without proper support. We look for telltale signs such as unusual cracking around openings, ceiling sag, mismatched framing, and incomplete weatherproofing. If structural adequacy can’t be confirmed visually, we’ll recommend the right follow-up, such as an engineer’s assessment or permit documentation review.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchSpeak with ACE Building and Pest Inspections to uncover serious structural and safety issues before you commit—call 0485 857 077 to arrange an inspection for your Hallam property.