Ivanhoe East homes often mix older builds with modern extensions on sloping blocks, so major defects can hide in subfloors, roof spaces and altered load-bearing walls.
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We inspect brickwork, internal plaster, cornices and junctions for crack patterns that suggest footing movement, lintel failure or frame distortion. This matters in Ivanhoe East where renovations and changed loads can amplify movement, and early identification helps you budget for engineering advice or rectification.
We look for timber decay, inadequate ventilation, moisture accumulation, unstable stumps, and compromised bearers/joists. Subfloor issues can lead to uneven floors, wall cracking and long-term structural risk—especially in older dwellings or homes with enclosed subfloor areas.
We assess roof framing for sagging, spread, and prior alterations, and check coverings, flashings, valleys and penetrations for leak risks. Major roof defects can cause widespread damage to ceilings, insulation and framing, and often worsen after heavy weather.
We identify signs of removed or modified walls, undersized beams, inadequate support posts, and poor workmanship around openings. In Ivanhoe East, open-plan conversions and rear extensions are common, and structural shortcuts can create serious long-term safety and compliance issues.
We check bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and external transitions for failure points like poor falls, deteriorated seals, water staining and swollen joinery. Moisture-related major defects can spread into wall frames and floors, increasing repair scope well beyond retiling.
While not a full compliance certification, we flag visible hazards and workmanship concerns such as unsafe wiring, damaged fittings, moisture near electrical points, and plumbing leaks or pressure issues at accessible fixtures. These defects can pose immediate safety risks and trigger costly rectification work.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Ivanhoe East we often see major issues linked to movement (cracking that follows structural lines), water entry from roof and flashing failures, and problems where older houses have been extended or opened up internally. Subfloor moisture and timber deterioration can also be significant in older dwellings. The inspection focuses on evidence of structural compromise, safety hazards, and defects likely to require substantial repair.
Yes. We look for indicators that walls may have been removed or altered without adequate support, such as unexpected cracking, ceiling deflection, undersized beams, or makeshift posts. We also review how the extension ties into the original structure, because mismatch at junctions can create movement and water-entry points. Where signs suggest structural risk, we’ll recommend the right next step, such as an engineer’s assessment.
We assess foundations and footings indirectly through observable symptoms and accessible areas: cracking patterns, out-of-level floors, door/window binding, subfloor support condition, and external wall alignment. If access allows, we inspect subfloor components and perimeter conditions that can contribute to movement. If the evidence suggests significant footing movement or failure, we’ll outline what’s concerning and what further investigations may be warranted.
They can be. Homes built across a slope often rely on stepped footings, retaining elements, and subfloor supports that must manage moisture and ground movement. Defects can show up as uneven floors, cracking at split-level transitions, drainage-related dampness, or movement where additions meet the original house. We pay close attention to these transitions and to drainage paths that can worsen structural movement over time.
Use the findings to decide what’s a deal-breaker, what’s negotiable, and what needs specialist follow-up. Major defects can justify renegotiating the price, requesting repairs, or adding contract conditions for further investigations (such as engineering or waterproofing diagnostics). We’ll explain the severity and likely consequences so you can weigh the Ivanhoe East purchase against your budget and renovation tolerance.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on serious structural and safety risks in Ivanhoe East homes, including renovation-related defects and water-entry damage. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.