Maidstone’s mix of older brick homes, unit blocks and renovated weatherboards can hide serious movement, altered load paths and water-related structural damage—especially after extensions and re-stumping.
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We check for stepped brick cracking, widened joints, distorted window/door openings, sloping floors and separation at cornices and skirtings to determine whether the home shows signs consistent with footing movement rather than normal settlement.
Where accessible, we inspect stumps, bearers, joists and ant caps (if present), looking for rot, moisture damage, inadequate support, improper packers and signs of re-stumping issues that can lead to bounce, sagging and long-term structural instability.
In the roof space, we assess trusses/rafters, ridging, bracing, strutting and connection points. We look for sagging, cut members, removed webbing, inadequate tie-down and DIY alterations that can compromise the roof’s ability to carry loads safely.
We examine brickwork, rendered surfaces and internal walls for structural cracking patterns, bulging, damp-related deterioration and past patching that may be masking ongoing movement or water ingress impacting wall strength.
We focus on bathrooms, laundries and any tiled balconies/terraces for moisture indicators that can weaken subfloors, wall frames and adjacent masonry. Persistent leaks can turn a minor maintenance issue into a major structural defect.
We identify clues that renovations may have altered structural elements—such as wide openings, steel beam installations, removed internal walls or modified roof framing—then flag items that typically require engineer design, permits or further investigation.
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In Maidstone we often see movement-related cracking in masonry, subfloor support issues such as deteriorated stumps or inadequate packing, and roof-frame alterations after extensions or open-plan changes. Water ingress is another major driver—leaks around wet areas, poor roof-water discharge and subfloor damp can weaken structural timbers and cause ongoing distortion. We assess the pattern and severity to help determine what needs urgent attention.
We look at the crack location, direction and pattern, whether it’s stepped through brickwork, whether it widens toward one end, and if it aligns with other indicators such as sloping floors, gaps at architraves, or sticking windows and doors. Cosmetic cracks are usually fine, hairline and stable. Structural cracks tend to be progressive, repeated across multiple areas, and linked to movement or moisture damage.
Yes, where access is available and safe. The roof space can reveal sagging, cut members, poor bracing and inadequate tie-down that aren’t visible from inside the rooms. The subfloor is critical for identifying stump/bearer/joist condition, dampness and support defects that can cause uneven floors and wall cracking. If access is restricted, we’ll note limitations and recommend the safest next step.
They can, especially if load-bearing walls were removed, openings were widened without adequate lintels or beams, or roof framing was modified to suit a new layout. In Maidstone it’s common to see rear additions and internal reconfigurations, so we pay close attention to altered rooms and transitions between old and new work. We flag structural red flags and advise when an engineer or permit check is warranted.
First, don’t rely on patching or repainting to “fix” it. We’ll outline the likely cause and the urgency, then recommend the appropriate next step—often a structural engineer for design/verification, a qualified builder for rectification pricing, or a drainage/plumbing specialist if water is driving damage. If you’re buying, use the findings to renegotiate, request repairs, or decide whether to walk away.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a thorough structural-focused assessment that targets movement, subfloor supports, roof framing and moisture-related damage common in Maidstone properties.