Kew has a mix of older character homes, renovated period properties and sloping blocks near the Yarra—conditions that can hide balcony, stair, and electrical safety risks that only show up on a focused hazard check.
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We check internal and external stairs for uneven risers, loose treads, inadequate landings, and missing or unstable handrails. We also identify trip points such as thresholds, lifted flooring edges, and abrupt level changes—common in Kew homes that have had extensions or reconfigured layouts.
We visually assess decks and balconies for signs of movement, deterioration, and inadequate barrier protection, including loose posts, rot-prone connections, and balustrade gaps. This matters in Kew where elevated outdoor areas are popular and failures can have serious consequences.
Without dismantling, we look for indicators of unsafe electrical conditions such as damaged outlets, exposed wiring, scorch marks, improvised connections, and moisture-risk locations. Older Kew dwellings and mixed-era renovations can leave hazardous legacy wiring that needs prompt electrician review.
We assess bathrooms, laundries and external paving for slip hazards, poor drainage, and water escape points that can lead to slick surfaces and timber decay. Shaded pathways and older drainage layouts in Kew blocks can make these issues more pronounced after rain.
We review obvious safety concerns affecting escape routes, door operation, window access, and the presence/positioning of smoke alarms where visible. We highlight practical improvements and note where formal compliance checks may be required under Victorian regulations.
We inspect steps, paths, driveway edges, garden walls, and visible retaining elements for instability, abrupt drop-offs, and poor lighting or visibility. On Kew’s sloping sites, small defects can create significant fall risks, particularly around side access routes.
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Get Safety Hazards as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Kew we often see hazards linked to older construction and renovations: steep or inconsistent stairs, missing or loose handrails, aging timber decking, and balustrades that don’t provide adequate fall protection. Externally, shaded paths and leaf litter can create slip risks, and sloping blocks can lead to tricky level changes and unstable edging. We document these issues and prioritise what should be addressed first.
Our inspection is visual and non-invasive, so we don’t perform electrical testing or open switchboards. We do look for warning signs such as damaged outlets, exposed wiring, heat or scorch marks, and moisture-related risks in wet areas. If we identify red flags, we’ll recommend further investigation by a licensed electrician so you can confirm safety and compliance.
Yes. Renovated period homes in Kew often add upper-level decks or rear balconies, and the safety depends on sound structure, secure fixings, and an effective balustrade barrier. We look for visible movement, deterioration, inadequate barrier protection, and signs of water ingress at connections. Where the risk appears higher, we’ll recommend targeted assessment by an engineer or qualified builder.
They can be. Sloping sites often introduce more stairs, split-level entries, and retaining or edging features along access paths. In Kew, side pathways and stepped gardens can also be shaded and slippery after rain. During the inspection we focus on stability, abrupt drop-offs, trip points, and safe access to doors, bins, and meters, then outline practical fixes and priorities.
Yes. We structure findings so you can make decisions quickly, especially if you’re under a cooling-off period or finance deadlines. Items that present an immediate risk of injury—such as unstable handrails, unsafe balustrades, or obvious electrical hazards—are flagged as urgent. Lower-risk maintenance items are listed separately with recommended next steps and likely specialist trades.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a safety-focused assessment that targets the real risks seen in Kew homes—stairs, decks, access paths, and mixed-era renovations—so you can act before they become incidents.