Kilsyth South homes often sit on sloping blocks at the Dandenong Ranges fringe, where drainage, footing movement and older renovations can hide costly structural issues.
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We assess cracking patterns in brickwork, internal plaster and tiles, and check for related signs like racked door frames, uneven floors and separation at junctions. This helps distinguish cosmetic finishes damage from structural movement that may indicate footing failure or ongoing settlement.
We inspect visible stumps/piers, bearers and joists for deformation, inadequate support points, moisture damage and timber decay. In Kilsyth South, subfloor issues can be linked to poor drainage or past re-levelling work, so we look for evidence of patch repairs and uneven load transfer.
We check accessible roof spaces for sagging members, altered trusses/rafters, signs of over-spanning, and stress cracking around supports. Roof structure defects can be expensive and can create safety hazards, particularly where renovations have removed or modified internal load-bearing walls.
We review visible retaining walls, ground clearances and how water is directed around the building. Poor site fall, blocked ag drains and stormwater discharge near footings can drive movement and dampness, which then shows up as cracking, floor distortion and decayed structural timbers.
We inspect around windows, doors and large openings for lintel deflection, stepped cracking, and distortion that can indicate structural stress or corrosion-related expansion. This is important in older masonry construction where steel lintels can corrode and lift brickwork over time.
While not a full electrical or plumbing compliance audit, we note visible issues that can contribute to structural deterioration or hazards, such as chronic leaks, inadequate ventilation leading to timber decay, or unsafe modifications that compromise load paths.
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Get Major Structural Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Major structural defects are faults that affect the building’s stability, load-bearing capacity or safety—such as significant footing movement, failing stumps, compromised roof framing, or structurally driven cracking. Normal wear is usually superficial (minor plaster cracks, scuffs, ageing finishes). In Kilsyth South, sloping sites and drainage changes can make movement-related defects more likely, so we assess the pattern and supporting evidence, not just the crack size.
We look at crack location, direction and whether it lines up with other indicators such as sticking doors, uneven floors, brickwork step cracking, and separation at cornices or skirtings. Older plaster can crack over time, but movement tends to leave a broader “trail” through multiple elements. Where the signs suggest active settlement or heave, we’ll recommend appropriate next steps, often including structural engineering advice.
Yes. We check visible evidence of altered load paths, undersized beams/lintels, and roof framing changes that can follow renovations. We also look for cracking around new openings, ceiling sag, and patch repairs that may hide earlier movement. If approvals or engineering documentation aren’t available, we’ll flag the risk so you can verify the work and, if needed, get a structural engineer to confirm adequacy before you proceed.
They can be. On sloping sites, poor surface water control, inadequate subsoil drainage, or failing retaining walls can change how moisture reaches the footings and how the ground bears load. That can lead to differential settlement, cracking and floor distortion. During our inspection, we connect external conditions—like drainage discharge points and wall movement—with internal signs, so you’re not assessing the structure in isolation.
If a major defect is indicated, the next step is usually targeted investigation—commonly a structural engineer assessment, and sometimes a drainage/plumbing review where moisture is driving the problem. We’ll explain what we observed, what areas need confirmation, and the likely implications. For buyers, this helps you negotiate repairs, adjust the price, or add contract conditions so you’re not committed before the true scope is understood.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural issues that can cost you most in Kilsyth South—movement, subfloor support failure, roof framing problems and drainage-driven deterioration. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.