Ivanhoe has a mix of older brick homes and renovated builds on sloping blocks near the Yarra corridor—conditions where movement, drainage issues and hidden structural changes can turn into major defects.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Ivanhoe
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess cracking in brickwork, plaster and external walls, looking for patterns that suggest footing movement, subsidence, or differential settlement. This matters because major movement can affect structural safety and can lead to ongoing repair costs if the cause (drainage, soil moisture changes, poor footings) isn’t addressed.
We inspect accessible subfloor areas for moisture, rot, sagging, inadequate ventilation, and deterioration in stumps, bearers and joists. In older Ivanhoe homes, subfloor issues can drive uneven floors and cracking above, and moisture can accelerate timber decay and attract pests.
We check the roof space (where accessible), trusses/rafters, sarking condition, signs of past leaks, and the performance of gutters, downpipes and roof penetrations. Roof defects can create hidden water damage to framing and ceilings and can increase the risk of mould and electrical hazards.
We examine bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for moisture staining, swelling, failed waterproofing indicators, and poor plumbing connections visible at fixtures. Persistent leaks can undermine subfloors, cause structural timber damage, and create unsafe slip and mould conditions.
We look for signs of removed or altered load-bearing elements, undersized beams, unusual deflection, and workmanship concerns around renovations and extensions. Ivanhoe properties are often renovated over time; mismatched construction stages can hide critical defects where old and new sections meet.
While we’re not replacing specialist compliance testing, we identify visible hazards such as unsafe cabling in roof spaces, heat damage, inadequate clearance around lighting, and plumbing defects that can lead to water damage. These issues matter because they can create immediate safety risks and expensive rectification work.
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 Ivanhoe, major defects often relate to movement (cracking that follows structural lines), water management failures (poor roof drainage, downpipes discharging incorrectly, damp subfloors), and renovation issues where older structures meet newer extensions. We assess whether defects suggest an underlying structural problem, an ongoing moisture source, or unsafe alterations that could affect the building’s integrity and value.
Yes—where safe and accessible, we inspect the roof space and subfloor because that’s where serious issues often hide. In the roof, we look for leaks, framing concerns and moisture damage. Underfloor, we assess ventilation, dampness and timber condition. If access is restricted or unsafe, we’ll document the limitation and advise the next best step.
We assess crack location, width, direction, and whether there are related signs such as sticking doors, uneven floors, or separation at junctions. Some fine cracking can be age-related, but stepped brick cracks, recurring patched cracks, or cracks paired with movement indicators can point to structural issues. Where the signs suggest a major defect, we recommend the appropriate next level of investigation.
They can be. Sloping sites can concentrate water flow and place extra demands on drainage, footings and retaining walls. If drainage is poor, moisture changes in the ground can contribute to movement and cracking. We check for warning signs such as leaning retaining walls, surface water run-off issues, and cracking patterns consistent with movement so you can judge the risk before committing.
If we identify an urgent hazard—such as severe structural instability, significant roof framing concerns, or visible electrical risks—we’ll raise it promptly during the inspection so you can act straight away. The report will document the issue clearly and outline why it matters, along with practical recommendations for next steps, such as urgent repairs or a specialist assessment.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the defects that can change a property decision in Ivanhoe—structural movement, moisture-driven damage, and unsafe renovation red flags. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your inspection.