Hawthorn’s mix of older terraces, renovated period homes and split-level extensions can leave gaps in smoke alarm coverage between bedrooms, hallways and added storeys.
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We visually confirm where smoke detectors are installed in relation to bedrooms, hallways and main living areas, because coverage near sleeping zones is critical for early warning at night.
We note detector placement across levels and near stairwells, which can act like chimneys for smoke movement in Hawthorn’s split-level renovations and two-storey additions.
We look for obvious placement issues such as alarms too close to corners, ceiling joins, bulkheads or air vents, which can affect how quickly smoke reaches the sensing chamber.
Where kitchens open into living spaces (common in Hawthorn extensions), we note whether detector locations appear sensible for early warning while reducing the risk of nuisance activation from cooking areas.
We flag spaces that commonly get overlooked after building works—new bedrooms, study nooks, attic rooms or enclosed corridors—so you can add alarms where they’re most needed.
We record detector locations and any concerns in a straightforward report, so you can brief an electrician or installer with exact areas to review and update.
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Get Smoke Detectors Assessment as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Often, yes. Hawthorn’s older homes can have long corridors, separated rooms and higher ceilings, which affects how smoke moves. During our assessment we visually check whether detectors are located to protect sleeping areas and key pathways, not just the main living room. If renovations have changed the layout, we also note any newly created spaces that appear to be missing coverage.
This service is a visual inspection to confirm presence and placement. We document where smoke detectors are installed and highlight any obvious placement concerns or gaps in coverage. If you want functional testing, battery checks, or electrical compliance work, that’s typically performed by the homeowner or a qualified electrician, and we can note where that follow-up may be sensible.
We check accessible internal areas and note detector locations in relation to bedrooms, hallways, living areas and levels of the home. Not every room necessarily needs a detector, but the overall coverage matters—especially routes to and from sleeping areas. Our report makes it clear where detectors are present and where the layout suggests additional coverage should be considered.
Second-storey additions can leave coverage gaps at stairwells, upstairs landings and hallway transitions between older and newer sections. Another common issue is having a detector downstairs but not positioned to provide early warning for upstairs bedrooms. Our assessment focuses on these multi-level pathways and notes where detector placement may not align well with how occupants move and sleep in the home.
Yes. If you’re already arranging a professional property inspection with detailed reporting, a Smoke Detectors Assessment can be included so you have safety-related observations recorded in the same straightforward format. It’s a practical way to capture detector placement issues early, particularly in Hawthorn homes with mixed old-and-new layouts where coverage can be inconsistent.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a clear visual check of smoke detector presence and placement across Hawthorn’s older layouts and renovated extensions. Call 0413 163 187.