Hawthorn East mixes older brick homes with renovated and townhouse developments—major defects often hide behind fresh paint, extensions, and re-roofing after storms.
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We assess signs of structural movement such as stepped cracking in brickwork, racking to door frames, uneven floors, and displaced lintels. In Hawthorn East, this is crucial where extensions or second-storey additions may have changed loads and introduced movement between old and new sections.
We check accessible subfloor areas for stumps, bearers and joists issues, moisture conditions, ventilation adequacy, and evidence of past flooding or plumbing leaks. These findings matter because persistent subfloor moisture can drive timber decay, floor bounce, and ongoing structural distortion.
We inspect roof spaces for sagging rafters, compromised trusses, previous water entry, and insulation saturation, then relate it to external roof covering condition where visible. Hawthorn East homes with altered rooflines or re-roofing can hide defects around valleys, penetrations, and drainage transitions.
We target the wet areas most likely to produce major defects: failing waterproofing, poor falls, cracked grout, and concealed leaks affecting adjoining walls and floors. In renovated Hawthorn East homes, new finishes can mask early warning signs until significant damage has occurred.
We check walls and external finishes for bulging, separation, unstable render, and corrosion-related cracking around steel elements. This helps identify safety hazards and areas where water entry can accelerate deterioration behind the facade.
While we don’t perform invasive testing, we identify visible indicators of non-compliant or risky work, such as unsafe meter box conditions, improvised wiring, unsupported pipework, and signs of chronic leaks. This is especially relevant where Hawthorn East renovations may have involved multiple trades over time.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Hawthorn East we often see defect risks linked to renovations and extensions, including cracking that reflects movement between old and new structures, water ingress from roof penetrations or changed roof drainage, and wet-area waterproofing failures. We also see subfloor moisture contributing to timber deterioration where ventilation is poor. The inspection focuses on identifying these issues and explaining the likely cause and seriousness.
Yes. New linings, paint, and floor finishes can conceal cracking, moisture staining, and patch repairs. We look for patterns that don’t match normal cosmetic wear—such as recurring cracks at openings, uneven floors, swollen skirting, or signs of ongoing dampness in roof spaces and wet areas. Where access is limited, we’ll note constraints and recommend targeted follow-up investigations.
Where safe and accessible, yes. Roof spaces are key for identifying structural issues, previous leaks, and ventilation problems. Subfloors can reveal moisture conditions, timber deterioration, and plumbing leaks affecting the building’s integrity. If access is restricted (low clearance, stored items, or sealed hatches), we document the limitation and advise what additional access would be needed for a fuller assessment.
They can be. With townhouses and units, defect risks often relate to shared walls, balcony waterproofing, roof drainage complexity, and how building movement presents across attached structures. We inspect the parts of the building that are accessible within the lot and note any indications that a defect may involve common property. We’ll also suggest what to check in strata records where relevant.
Not always, but serious indicators such as significant movement, compromised roof structure, or safety hazards should be escalated quickly. We’ll explain the severity and likely next step. In many cases, a structural engineer, roofer, electrician, or plumber is the right follow-up depending on the defect type. Our report helps you brief the right specialist and request focused quotes rather than starting from scratch.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on defect risks common to Hawthorn East renovations and mixed-era homes—call 0413 163 187 to organise your inspection.