Heidelberg Heights has plenty of older brick homes and renovated weatherboards where movement cracks, subfloor moisture and roof leaks can hide behind fresh paint. A major defects inspection finds the issues that can affect safety, insurability and resale.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Heidelberg Heights
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess wall and ceiling cracking patterns, look for stepped brickwork cracks, separation at cornices, and distortion around doors and windows. This helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement that may indicate footing issues, inadequate bracing, or stress from renovations and removed walls.
We check for signs of stump subsidence, uneven bearing, timber deterioration, moisture staining, inadequate ventilation and bridging of ant caps. These issues can cause bouncing floors, wall cracking and long-term structural decline, especially in older homes that have been re-levelled or partially re-stumped.
We inspect the roof space and visible roof coverings for sagging framing, water staining, compromised flashings, and damaged sarking. We also review gutters, downpipes and discharge points because overflow and poor drainage commonly trigger major moisture defects that spread through ceilings and wall frames.
We look for swelling/skirting damage, tile drummy areas, grout failure, mould staining and moisture patterns around showers, baths and laundries. In renovated Heidelberg Heights homes, failed waterproofing can be a major defect that leads to rot, termite attraction and structural repairs behind new finishes.
We examine brickwork/veneer weep holes, articulation joints, lintels, and signs of corrosion or fretting. Poor detailing and trapped moisture can cause wall movement, damp ingress and progressive cracking, particularly where landscaping or paving has been raised against walls.
We identify readily observable hazards such as unsafe balustrades, degraded stair framing, damaged switchboards or exposed wiring, and plumbing leaks that create electrical risk. While this isn’t a full compliance certification, these findings flag urgent items to address before occupancy or settlement.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Heidelberg Heights, we often see movement-related cracking, subfloor moisture problems, and roof drainage issues that lead to ceiling and wall damage. Older homes with extensions can show defects at junctions—uneven floors, separation between old and new structures, and leaks around altered rooflines. Renovated bathrooms can also hide failed waterproofing that causes timber decay and long-term structural repair costs.
We assess the observable signs of footing and foundation performance, such as cracking patterns, level changes, door/window alignment and subfloor support conditions where accessible. We can’t excavate or engineer-certify footings during a standard inspection, but we can identify red flags that suggest movement, subsidence or inadequate support and recommend the right next step, such as an engineer’s assessment.
Yes—while we can’t see through walls, we look for consistent indicators that don’t disappear with a repaint: uneven floors, patched cracks that have re-opened, roof space staining, moisture patterns in skirtings, and distortion around openings. We also assess how additions tie into the original structure. Where access is limited, we’ll explain the risk areas and what further checks are sensible.
They can be. Brick veneer and masonry homes from that era may show stepped cracking, sagging or rust-affected lintels, and moisture issues from poor drainage or blocked weep holes. Landscaping changes and raised paving can worsen damp and wall movement by trapping moisture against the walls. Our inspection focuses on identifying whether these signs point to a major defect requiring prompt rectification.
We document the defect, describe why it’s significant, and explain the likely cause and typical repair pathway. We’ll prioritise issues that affect safety and structural integrity, then outline items that can be monitored. Where specialist input is required—such as a structural engineer, roofer, plumber or electrician—we’ll recommend the appropriate trade so you can obtain accurate repair quotes before making decisions.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections targets the serious structural and safety faults that commonly appear in Heidelberg Heights homes with extensions, older subfloors and complex roof drainage. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.