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Hawthorn’s mix of heritage terraces, renovated weatherboards and multi-level apartments can hide unsafe stairs, loose balustrades and dated electrics—hazards that often only show up with a focused safety check.
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We check internal and external stairs for uneven risers, damaged treads, inadequate handrails, loose newel posts and unsafe landings. These are common injury points in Hawthorn’s older multi-level homes and renovated terraces where original stairs meet newer extensions.
We inspect decks, balconies and verandahs for movement, rot-prone timber, corrosion at fixings, and balustrade stability. We also note red flags such as low or widely spaced balustrades, loose panels and deteriorated edge boards—issues that can be missed during cosmetic upgrades.
We look for visible signs of outdated or unsafe electrical elements, including damaged cabling, DIY alterations, overloaded power points, missing covers and moisture exposure near electrics. While not an electrical compliance test, this identifies conditions that warrant an electrician before settlement or tenancy.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are checked for water escape, deteriorated seals, spongy flooring, and drainage issues that can create slippery surfaces or hidden decay. In Hawthorn homes with older waterproofing or repeated renovations, this helps you avoid recurring slip risks and repair blowouts.
We assess pathways, thresholds, floor level transitions and garage entries for sudden height changes, cracked paving, loose tiles, and poor lighting. These items are especially relevant where front entries and side paths have been modified over time or where narrow lots force tight access routes.
Where visible, we note hazardous material indicators such as degraded fibro sheeting, damaged insulation remnants, or deteriorating paint surfaces that may require safe handling. We also highlight unsafe storage or access issues in subfloors and roof spaces that could impact trades during repairs.
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Get Safety Hazards as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Hawthorn, we often see risks around stairs and level changes where original homes have been extended, plus aging verandahs or rear decks with movement or timber decay. Renovations can also introduce hazards like poorly secured balustrades, uneven flooring transitions, and wet-area leaks that create slippery surfaces. Older electrical elements and DIY additions are another common red flag that needs a closer look by an electrician.
The inspection identifies visible safety red flags and conditions that commonly indicate electrical or gas risk, such as damaged wiring, unsafe fittings, poor ventilation around appliances, or moisture exposure near electrical points. It is not a substitute for a certificate of electrical safety or a gasfitting compliance check. If we see concerns, we’ll recommend engaging a licensed electrician or gasfitter for formal testing and any required compliance work.
Yes. Apartment balconies and balustrades are a key focus because failure can have serious consequences. We assess stability, visible deterioration, and obvious non-conforming elements such as loose panels, movement at posts, or damaged edge materials. We also note access and drainage issues that can accelerate corrosion or concrete spalling. If access is restricted by owners corporation rules, we document limitations and advise next steps.
Rear extensions in Hawthorn often include elevated decks or verandahs built at different times with varying workmanship and weather exposure. We pay close attention to timber condition, fixings, ledger connections, and signs of movement, as well as balustrade rigidity and edge protection. We also check for water pooling and poor drainage that can speed up decay. Where we can’t verify concealed framing, we outline the risk and recommended follow-up.
We prioritise hazards so you can act quickly: urgent items (immediate injury risk), important items (should be rectified soon), and maintenance items. You can use this to request repairs, adjust your offer, or set settlement conditions where appropriate. The report also helps you brief trades accurately, which improves the quality of quotes. For Hawthorn properties, this is particularly useful for stairs, balconies and wet areas.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the real-world safety risks we regularly see in Hawthorn homes—stairs, balconies, wet areas and dated services—so you can make a confident decision. Call 0413 163 187.