Hawthorn East homes often mix older brick period builds with renovated townhouses—small movement cracks, damp edging and DIY alterations can quietly turn into expensive rectification if you don’t spot them early.
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We assess small cracks at window/door corners, cornices and plaster joins, and look for patterns that suggest minor movement rather than simple shrinkage. In Hawthorn East’s mix of older and renovated homes, these cracks can indicate differential movement between original walls and newer additions, guiding whether monitoring or further structural advice is sensible.
We check visible gutter fall, overflow points, downpipe connections and staining on fascia/eaves. Minor defects here can quietly wet brickwork and internal wall cavities over time, leading to paint failure, rising damp symptoms or timber decay—issues that are far costlier than a straightforward repair.
We inspect accessible roof junctions and penetrations (where visible) such as flashing edges, skylight surrounds and service entries. Small gaps, lifted edges or mismatched materials are common after partial roof work and can allow slow leaks that only appear later as ceiling staining or insulation dampness.
We look for early warning signs of waterproofing or drainage problems—silicone breakdown, swollen architraves, loose tiles, grout deterioration, and moisture-related odours. These are often the first indicators of hidden water escape, especially in renovated Hawthorn East units and townhouses with upstairs wet areas.
For homes with subfloor spaces, we check ventilation adequacy, dampness indicators, and visible timber condition. Minor issues like blocked vents or poor ground clearance can increase humidity and accelerate timber deterioration, which may later present as bouncy floors or persistent musty smells.
We identify minor but meaningful red flags in renovations—uneven floor transitions, unsealed wet-area edges, poorly finished balcony thresholds, and non-compliant-looking penetrations (as visible). These items can affect durability and maintenance and can be used as a checklist for rectification before small defects become major rework.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Hawthorn East we often see minor cracking around openings, early moisture staining from gutters or downpipes, and small waterproofing indicators in renovated bathrooms. On townhouses, balcony thresholds, flashing junctions and poorly sealed penetrations can also be common. These defects may look cosmetic at first but can lead to internal moisture damage if left unmanaged.
Yes. Renovations can hide small workmanship issues that only show up after a season of rain or daily use—failed silicone, poor falls to drains, flashing gaps, or uneven transitions between old and new work. Our inspection focuses on early indicators and practical risk so you can address defects while they’re still small, rather than discovering them after settlement.
Where appropriate and safe, we can use non-invasive tools to support observations, especially around wet areas and suspect staining. The aim is to identify credible indicators of a developing problem and document them clearly. Because this is a non-destructive inspection, we don’t remove tiles or open walls—if readings suggest an issue, we’ll recommend the next step.
Heavy leaf litter can contribute to blocked gutters and downpipes, which increases overflow and dampness around eaves and external walls. Shaded boundaries can also slow drying, making small leaks and condensation issues more noticeable over time. We pay close attention to visible drainage performance and moisture-related cues so you can fix the cause before internal finishes deteriorate.
Yes. We prioritise defects by practical risk—what can lead to water damage, timber deterioration or ongoing cracking if ignored. The report includes photos and clear notes on likely causes and typical trade pathways (for example roofer, plumber, carpenter, waterproofer). For items outside a visual minor-defects scope, we’ll recommend further investigation.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections helps you catch the small Hawthorn East issues—moisture entry points, renovation junction faults and early cracking—before they become expensive repairs. Call 0413 163 187.