Kilsyth South homes often sit on reactive clay and sloping blocks near drainage lines, which can drive cracking, movement and moisture entry—major defects you need identified before you commit.
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We assess signs of structural movement such as stepped brickwork cracking, distortion around openings, uneven floors and separation at cornices. In Kilsyth South, reactive clay and changes to site drainage can drive seasonal movement, so we look for patterns that indicate ongoing footing issues rather than cosmetic settlement.
We inspect accessible roof spaces and the roof exterior for sagging members, water staining, rusted flashings, and failures around valleys and penetrations. We also review gutters, downpipes and discharge points because poor stormwater control can saturate foundations and contribute to major defects over time.
We check retaining walls and adjacent ground levels for leaning, cracking, poor drainage relief and soil pressure issues. Where the block falls toward the house, we identify water entry pathways and any conditions that can lead to structural damage, damp internal finishes and concealed timber deterioration.
We examine brick veneer ties (where visible), wall alignment, articulation joints, and signs of frame movement or racking. We also look for blocked or bridged weepholes and render bridging, which can trap moisture and accelerate decay in wall components.
We identify major water-related defects such as shower recess failures, swollen skirtings, persistent damp, mould hotspots, and staining that suggests long-term leaks. Plumbing issues can become structural when moisture reaches subfloors, wall frames or slab edges, so we focus on evidence of ongoing leakage and inadequate waterproofing.
While a full electrical certification is completed by an electrician, we flag visible safety hazards and compliance concerns such as damaged cabling, DIY modifications, unsafe connections, and moisture-affected fittings. These issues can present immediate risk and can be costly to rectify after settlement.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Kilsyth South we often see defect risks linked to site drainage and ground movement: significant cracking consistent with footing movement, stormwater overflow that saturates soil near the slab, and moisture entry around older roof drainage and flashing details. Renovations and extensions can also introduce structural discontinuities, roof leak points and non-compliant services. Our inspection focuses on defects that materially affect safety, value and the cost of ownership.
We look at crack location, width, direction and pattern, and whether there are related signs like sticking doors, distorted windows, sloping floors or separation at junctions. Stepped cracking through brickwork or recurring cracks around openings can suggest movement that needs further assessment. Cosmetic cracking is usually fine, shallow and stable. Where symptoms point to structural movement, we recommend the next step, such as a structural engineer review.
Yes. When gutters overflow or downpipes discharge too close to the house, water can saturate soil beside footings and increase movement in reactive clay. Over time this can contribute to slab edge moisture issues, cracking, and in some cases subfloor damp and timber decay. We check where roof water is directed, whether fall is away from the building, and whether there are visible signs of repeated wetting around the perimeter.
They can be. Many Kilsyth South properties have been updated over time, and defects can occur where old and new structures meet—changes in footing type, inadequate articulation, or roof junctions that allow leaks. We assess the integration points: cracking patterns at joins, roofline transitions, internal alignment, and moisture staining. We also flag visible compliance concerns, as rectifying non-compliant work can be expensive and time-consuming.
We inspect for visible defect indicators and safety hazards, such as ongoing leaks, water damage, mould growth, unsafe wiring conditions, and DIY modifications. We’re not issuing plumbing or electrical certificates, but we do identify red flags that warrant specialist testing or certification. This approach helps you avoid unexpected rectification costs and prioritise the right follow-up trades before you finalise your purchase decision.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a defect-focused inspection that targets structural movement, water entry and safety hazards common across Kilsyth South properties.