Hawthorn East homes often mix older weatherboards, renovated period houses and strata apartments—an inspection helps uncover hidden issues like subfloor moisture, ageing wiring and DIY alterations before you commit.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
Where accessible, we check stumps, bearers and joists for moisture damage, subfloor ventilation issues and signs of movement that can cause sloping floors and cracked plaster—common risks in older Hawthorn East houses.
We inspect walls, ceilings and external masonry for cracking patterns, patched areas and distortion around windows/doors. This helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement that may indicate footing or moisture-related problems.
We look for rusted or damaged roof coverings, blocked or leaking gutters, and poorly detailed flashings around chimneys, skylights and extensions. These are frequent sources of water ingress that can be expensive to trace after settlement.
We assess visible waterproofing risk indicators such as swelling to skirtings, moisture staining, deteriorated sealants, shower base issues and poor falls. Wet area failures are a common high-cost defect in renovated properties.
Where present and accessible, we examine balcony/deck surfaces, drainage points and visible junctions to walls/doors. Poor drainage and failed membranes can cause concealed timber decay and internal moisture damage.
We flag visible hazards such as unsafe balustrade heights/spacing, deteriorated stairs, damaged cladding, and other obvious compliance concerns. These items can influence insurability, renovation costs and negotiations before you sign.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Renovated period homes in Hawthorn East can look immaculate while hiding problems at the junction between original structure and newer extensions. We look for movement indicators, moisture entry around flashings and wet areas, and workmanship issues that may not appear until after settlement. The aim is to help you understand what’s cosmetic versus what could become a major repair, so you can negotiate or walk away with confidence.
Your report documents the accessible areas inspected, the defects observed, and the likely implications for repair and maintenance. We prioritise issues so you can focus on what matters most, and we include clear photos to support discussions with the agent, vendor or your solicitor. Where we see a risk that needs specialist confirmation—such as roof plumbing or electrical concerns—we’ll recommend the appropriate next step before you commit.
Absolutely. For apartments and units, we focus on issues within the lot (including wet areas, balconies where accessible, internal cracking, windows and doors) while also noting defects that appear linked to common property interfaces. We explain what may fall under owners corporation responsibility versus what you’ll own and maintain. This helps you ask better questions about strata records and planned works before you sign a contract.
They can. Established gardens and older stormwater setups can contribute to moisture around subfloors, dampness near external walls, and cracking linked to ground movement or changing moisture conditions. During the inspection, we look for signs such as poor site drainage, staining, ventilation limitations and cracking patterns. If the indicators suggest a bigger issue, we’ll outline practical next steps so you can assess the risk before purchase.
Book as soon as you’re genuinely considering making an offer or bidding, because access windows can be tight and contracts may move quickly. A pre purchase inspection is most useful when you still have options—time to request access, clarify defects, and decide your maximum price. If you’re working to an auction deadline, tell us the date so we can prioritise scheduling and ensure you have findings in time to act.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections delivers clear, buyer-focused reporting that suits Hawthorn East’s mix of older homes, renovations and strata properties. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.