Kensington’s mix of older terraces, renovated cottages and newer townhouses can hide issues behind fresh paint—especially moisture problems, subfloor access gaps and patch-up renovations. A pre-purchase inspection helps you spot defects before you commit.
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We look for moisture staining, swollen trims, deteriorated grout and silicone, and other indicators of water escape in wet areas. In Kensington homes with renovated bathrooms or upper-level additions, waterproofing failures can remain hidden until damage spreads into framing and adjacent rooms.
We inspect roof coverings where visible, check gutters for overflow points, and confirm downpipes discharge appropriately. Poor stormwater handling can drive dampness at eaves, cause ceiling staining, and contribute to footing movement—especially where water is directed back toward the house.
For homes with suspended floors, we assess ventilation openings, air flow restrictions and visible timbers. In tightly spaced Kensington blocks, blocked vents and limited under-house clearance can trap moisture, increasing the risk of decay and pest activity.
We document cracking patterns, stepped cracking to brickwork, and separation at skirtings, cornices and architraves. This helps you distinguish typical age-related settling from movement that may warrant further engineering advice before finalising the purchase.
We examine where extensions meet original structures, including roofline transitions, wall junctions and internal step-down/step-up areas. These zones commonly reveal shortcuts in flashing, drainage or framing that can lead to leaks, drafts and ongoing maintenance costs.
We look for signs consistent with timber pests, such as mudding, damaged timbers, and conditions that attract pests (excess moisture, poor ventilation, timber-to-ground contact). This is critical in older Kensington dwellings where previous repairs may have covered earlier activity.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
For Kensington’s older terraces and cottages, we focus on moisture pathways, roof and gutter performance, subfloor ventilation (where accessible), and signs of movement such as cracking and uneven floors. We also review the quality of any renovations, including wet-area detailing and extension junctions. The goal is to identify defects that could change the property’s true cost and help you negotiate before signing.
Yes. For townhouses and apartments, we inspect what’s accessible within the lot and note visible issues that may relate to common property, such as balconies, external cladding, shared roofing elements, and water ingress signs. Access can be limited, so we’ll advise what we could and couldn’t inspect and recommend checking owners corporation records for maintenance history and any known building defects.
We look for practical indicators such as damp staining, peeling paint, musty odours, swollen skirtings, and overflow marks to gutters and downpipes. We also assess site drainage cues where visible, including fall away from the building and discharge points. While we don’t perform a full hydraulic test, these checks often highlight conditions that justify further plumbing or drainage investigation before you proceed.
They can be. Many Kensington homes have been extended to add open-plan living or an extra storey, and defects often show at roofline changes, flashings, wet-area waterproofing, and where new work joins old walls and floors. We pay close attention to these junctions and document signs of leaks, movement, or poor finishing so you can understand the risk and likely maintenance before settlement.
Book as early as access allows, ideally as soon as you’re seriously considering the property. For auction campaigns, arranging the inspection during the first week of interest gives you time to review the report, get quotes, and decide on your bidding limit. For private sale, schedule it before finance and building inspection conditions expire so you can act on the findings.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections will pinpoint moisture, movement and renovation-related risks common in Kensington homes, with a clear report you can use to negotiate. Call 0413 163 187.