Kew’s mix of renovated period homes and multi-level townhouses can leave gaps in smoke alarm coverage after extensions, attic conversions, and open-plan changes. A placement check helps confirm key areas haven’t been missed.
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We visually confirm smoke detectors are present in the home and note their locations relative to bedrooms, hallways, and main living spaces. This matters because missing devices in high-use areas can delay early warning when occupants are asleep or behind closed doors.
We assess whether detectors are positioned to provide coverage for bedrooms and adjacent hallways, noting obvious gaps. In Kew’s larger family homes, bedrooms can be spread across wings or levels, so a quick presence check alone isn’t enough without considering where people actually sleep.
Where a property has two or more storeys, we note whether detectors appear to be present across levels and near stair connections. Stairwells can act like chimneys for smoke, so placement around vertical circulation routes is important for early activation.
We look for layout changes that commonly affect alarm positioning—new open-plan living, added upper floors, reconfigured hallways, or converted rooms. We then record whether detector placement appears to reflect the current footprint rather than an older floor plan.
We note detectors that are visibly positioned very close to kitchens or cooking areas. While we don’t test sensitivity, identifying likely nuisance-trigger locations helps reduce the chance occupants disable alarms due to frequent false activations.
Our report documents detector locations we could visually confirm and highlights areas where placement appears incomplete. This gives you a practical checklist to discuss with a qualified electrician, especially useful during a Kew purchase or pre-settlement planning.
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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 Smoke Detectors Assessment is a visual inspection to confirm the presence and placement of smoke detectors. We record what we can see on the day and highlight any obvious gaps based on the home’s layout. If you need functional testing, replacement, or compliance work, that’s typically completed by a qualified electrician, and our report can help guide that scope.
In renovated Kew homes, we often see detectors left in original hallway positions while new bedrooms, extended living areas, or upper levels are added. That can leave sleeping areas or new circulation paths without nearby detection. During the assessment, we visually map where detectors are located against the updated layout and note areas where additional or repositioned detectors may be needed.
Yes. Multi-level townhouses are a common fit for this assessment because detector coverage needs to make sense across floors and along stair connections. We visually confirm which levels have detectors and note their proximity to bedrooms and key pathways, including entries from garages into internal corridors or living spaces. The report clearly lists what we observed and any apparent coverage gaps.
High ceilings and open-plan areas can change how smoke and heat move through a room, which can affect how quickly an alarm activates. While this assessment is visual (not a design certification), we do consider these features when noting whether detector positions seem sensible for the space. If your home has raked ceilings, voids, or large open living zones, we’ll flag placement concerns for follow-up.
Timing depends on the size and layout of the Kew property, but the on-site component is typically completed as part of an inspection walk-through. You’ll receive a detailed report that documents the detectors we could visually confirm, their locations, and any obvious placement gaps based on bedrooms, hallways, living areas, and levels. It’s written to be practical for next steps.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections provides a clear visual check of smoke detector presence and placement, with detailed reporting you can act on. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your Kew assessment.