Ivanhoe has a mix of older brick homes, weatherboard builds and modern renovations—our pre purchase inspection helps you spot hidden movement, moisture issues and renovation shortcuts before you commit.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check walls, ceilings, brickwork and joinery for step cracking, separation and signs of ongoing movement. In Ivanhoe’s mix of older and renovated homes, this helps distinguish age-related settling from defects that may indicate footing or drainage problems that could worsen after purchase.
For homes with subfloors, we inspect for ventilation issues, dampness, timber decay and signs of past water entry. This matters because subfloor moisture can drive mouldy odours, bouncy floors and long-term timber damage that is expensive to rectify once you’ve moved in.
We look for evidence of leaks, staining, sagging members and poor workmanship visible from accessible areas. Roof problems are often masked by ceiling paint; identifying water entry early helps you avoid surprise repair bills, especially where extensions or altered rooflines change drainage paths.
We assess bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for indicators of waterproofing failure, tile cracking, swelling to skirting/architraves and moisture-related damage. Many Ivanhoe renovations update finishes without addressing waterproofing details, so we focus on the subtle cues that point to hidden deterioration.
We check visible drainage fall-away from the building, ponding risk near walls, and moisture staining to lower sections. Poor run-off management can contribute to footing movement and rising damp symptoms, making it a key pre purchase check rather than a “later” maintenance item.
We identify visible hazards such as unsafe balustrade heights, deteriorated steps, loose handrails and obvious electrical safety concerns (visual only). These issues can affect insurability and immediate occupancy costs, and they’re often overlooked during a quick walkthrough.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. In Ivanhoe you’ll often see older brick and weatherboard homes alongside extensions and renovations. We pay close attention to cracking patterns, floor level changes, roofline alterations, subfloor ventilation and moisture-prone areas. We also look at how newer works tie into the original structure, because junction points can reveal shortcuts or future maintenance hotspots.
Absolutely. Renovations can improve presentation while concealing issues such as past leaks, insufficient waterproofing, altered drainage paths or poor structural tie-ins. During the inspection we look for subtle warning signs like staining, swelling to trims, uneven finishes, cracking at corners, and changes in roof structure. We then explain what’s likely and what further checks may be sensible.
We inspect accessible areas of the property including the exterior, interior rooms, roof space (where safely accessible), subfloor (where accessible), wet areas, windows and doors, and visible site drainage conditions. The inspection is non-invasive, so we don’t cut into walls or lift fixed coverings, but we document defects and evidence that suggests hidden problems and recommend next steps.
Leafy blocks can mean more shade, wetter ground near walls and gutters that clog more often, which can drive damp-related problems. We look for overflow staining, mould indicators, soft or deteriorated timber, swelling to skirtings, and signs of poor run-off. We also note ventilation limitations under floors and in roof spaces, as stagnant airflow can worsen moisture impacts.
Book as early as possible once you’re serious about the property, ideally before signing or while contract conditions still allow you to act on findings. Ivanhoe homes can attract strong interest, so earlier inspections help you make a decision without rushing. If time is tight, call ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 to discuss the earliest available slot.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for Pre Purchase Inspection Services in Ivanhoe, with clear reporting that highlights defects, likely causes and the practical next steps before you buy.