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McKinnon has plenty of older brick veneer and weatherboard homes with renovations and extensions; a visual structural inspection helps spot movement, roof frame issues and moisture-related damage before you buy or repair.
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We visually assess subfloor areas where accessible and examine internal and external cracking to distinguish common settlement from signs of active structural movement. Crack width, direction and location around openings and corners can indicate footing issues that may require engineering advice.
We inspect accessible roof spaces for sagging rafters or trusses, damaged or altered members, signs of past leaks, and bracing issues. In McKinnon, roof alterations from extensions and solar installations can create stress points, so we check for distortion and inadequate support.
Where walls have been removed or widened for open-plan living, we look for warning signs like cracking above openings, bowed walls, or undersized/poorly supported lintels. This helps identify structural risks linked to renovations rather than just cosmetic finishes.
For homes with subfloors, we check ventilation, dampness signs and timber condition where visible. Persistent moisture can lead to rot and loss of structural capacity in bearers, joists and flooring, particularly where drainage falls toward the house.
We visually check brick veneer and masonry for step cracking, separation at corners, bulging, and deteriorated mortar. These patterns can point to footing movement, corrosion-related expansion, or moisture problems affecting long-term stability.
We assess visible risks from wet areas, balconies, around penetrations, and roof plumbing discharge points. Water is a major trigger for structural deterioration, so we identify where moisture may be entering and causing swelling, decay or corrosion that compromises the building.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Cracks can be common in McKinnon across older homes, renovated properties and newer builds, but the cause matters. We look at crack width, direction and where they occur—especially around windows, doors, corners and changes in materials. We also check related signs like sticking doors, sloping floors, and gaps at skirtings. These combined clues help identify potential footing movement or structural stress versus surface-level plaster cracking.
Yes. McKinnon homes are often updated with open-plan changes, rear extensions and reworked rooflines. Our inspection looks for signs the original structure and the newer work aren’t performing together, such as differential movement, cracking where old meets new, sagging beams, and inadequate support at widened openings. Where the risk appears significant, we’ll recommend the right next step, which may include a structural engineer’s assessment.
Moisture can weaken structural timbers, cause swelling and distortion in flooring and framing, and contribute to masonry deterioration. We look for staining, mould, musty odours, timber softness where accessible, and evidence of past leaks in roof spaces. We also assess visible drainage and wet-area risk points that can keep parts of a building damp. The goal is to identify moisture pathways that could lead to major defects, not just superficial damage.
On subdivided blocks or where nearby construction has changed drainage and ground conditions, a home can experience movement over time. We pay attention to signs like cracking concentrated on one side, separation between walls and ceilings, and external brickwork distortion. We also note site factors visible on the day, such as water ponding areas and downpipe discharge, because poor water management can accelerate movement and structural deterioration.
We don’t certify plumbing or electrical compliance, but we do look for visible issues that can create structural risk or safety hazards. For example, leaking wet-area plumbing that drives timber decay, roof plumbing problems that cause persistent water entry, or unsafe DIY alterations that affect building elements. Where we see concerns outside a visual structural scope, we’ll clearly flag them and recommend a licensed plumber or electrician for compliance checks.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the big structural risks that can derail a McKinnon purchase or renovation. Call 0485 857 077 to arrange your inspection and get clear, practical advice on what the defects mean.