Kensington’s mix of older terraces, converted apartments and renovated weatherboards can mean alarms are missing, dated, or poorly placed after layout changes—this assessment checks what’s there and where it’s installed.
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We visually confirm where smoke detectors are installed throughout the home, noting any areas where an alarm appears to be missing. This matters because a home can have alarms but still leave key zones—like near bedrooms—without effective coverage.
We assess whether detectors are positioned to alert occupants quickly, focusing on bedrooms and the paths between bedrooms and living spaces. In many Kensington renovations, bedrooms may be set back behind new walls or doors, which can reduce early warning if placement is poor.
Where a property has more than one storey (including townhouses and split-level designs), we note which levels have detectors and which do not. Fire and smoke behaviour can vary by level, so gaps upstairs or downstairs can be significant.
We record what we can see about the detector type (where identifiable) and any obvious condition concerns such as discolouration, physical damage, paint contamination, or poor mounting. Visible issues can indicate an alarm may not perform as intended.
We identify installations that may reduce effectiveness, such as detectors placed in dead-air corners, too close to vents, or in positions where renovations have altered airflow. These placement risks can delay activation even when an alarm is technically ‘installed’.
Your report lists observed detector locations and highlights practical placement concerns based on the home’s layout. This helps you plan improvements, discuss changes with the seller, or brief an electrician on what to review further.
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Get Smoke Detectors Assessment as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
This assessment is a visual inspection focused on confirming the presence and placement of smoke detectors within the property. We identify where alarms are located and flag obvious placement concerns based on the home’s layout. Functional testing, interconnection checks and compliance verification may require additional steps by a qualified electrician or a dedicated alarm service, especially in renovated Kensington homes with updated wiring.
You’ll receive a detailed written report that notes where smoke detectors were visually observed and highlights areas where placement may be ineffective or where an alarm appears to be missing. We also record any obvious visible issues such as damage, paint contamination or poor mounting. The report is designed to be practical, so you can plan changes before moving in or raise concerns during negotiations.
A smoke detector can be installed but still provide late warning if it’s in the wrong spot. Layout, door positions and airflow affect how quickly smoke reaches the sensor. Poor placement can occur after renovations that change hallways, add internal doors, or create open-plan spaces. Our assessment focuses on what’s there and whether those locations make sense for early alerting.
Yes. In Kensington, older terraces and period-style homes are often renovated with new bathrooms, rear extensions or converted attic spaces. These changes can shift bedrooms away from the original hallway, leaving detectors in outdated positions. It’s also common to find alarms only near the front of the home while new sleeping areas sit further back. A visual placement review helps identify these coverage gaps.
Apartments and townhouses can have enclosed corridors, multiple levels, and bedroom areas separated by doors, which can affect how quickly smoke is detected. Some properties may rely on building-level systems while still needing appropriate in-unit alarms. Our assessment confirms what is visibly installed inside the apartment and whether locations are sensible for the internal layout, so you can follow up with strata or an electrician if needed.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections provides a clear visual check of smoke detector presence and placement, with a practical report you can act on—call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection in Kensington VIC 3031.