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McKinnon’s mix of older weatherboard homes, brick veneer builds and renovated extensions can hide small defects—like early movement cracks, damp patches and roof leaks—that quickly worsen after heavy rain and winter moisture.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check internal plaster, external brickwork and junctions around extensions for hairline cracks, stepped cracking and separation that can indicate early movement, shrinkage or inadequate articulation—issues that can worsen if drainage or ground moisture isn’t controlled.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are inspected for swelling skirtings, loose tiles, silicone failure and damp readings around showers and vanities. These are common ‘minor’ defects that can lead to hidden timber damage and mould if not addressed early.
From the ground and accessible roof space areas where safe, we look for staining, damp insulation, rusted valley irons, lifted flashings and blocked gutters. Small roof leaks often present as minor ceiling marks before turning into widespread water damage.
Where accessible, we check for blocked vents, damp subfloor air, and signs of moisture on bearers/joists. Poor ventilation can turn a minor damp issue into timber decay and long-term floor movement.
We assess visible falls around the dwelling, downpipe discharge points, and signs of ponding near walls. In McKinnon, small drainage defects can be the root cause behind recurring damp patches and cracking that reappears after repairs.
We test sticking doors, misaligned windows, degraded seals and loose hardware, plus obvious trip hazards and minor water entry points. These details help you budget for maintenance and avoid ‘small’ issues that become expensive once timber swells or frames deteriorate.
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Get Minor Property Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In McKinnon, we often see small issues at the join between original homes and newer extensions: fine cracking, slight level changes, and gaps around skirtings or architraves. Wet areas can also show early silicone failure or minor leaks behind vanities. These can look cosmetic but may relate to movement or moisture, so documenting them early helps you target the real cause and prevent repeat repairs.
Yes. A neat presentation can hide the early signs of water entry and movement that show up as small stains, hairline cracking or swelling timber. This inspection is designed to pick up the ‘little things’ that get overlooked during open inspections. It’s particularly useful if you want a clear maintenance plan, or if you’re deciding whether a few visible defects point to a larger issue.
Where access is safe and available, we inspect accessible roof space and subfloor areas for moisture staining, ventilation problems, and early timber deterioration. These areas are important because minor roof leaks or subfloor damp typically show up there first. If access is restricted, we note the limitation and explain what it may mean, and we can suggest the best next step to confirm the condition.
They can. When downpipes overflow, stormwater doesn’t discharge properly, or paving and garden beds hold moisture against walls, the ground around the home stays wetter for longer. That can contribute to recurring damp patches and can aggravate movement-related cracking, especially around older sections of a house. Identifying these ‘small’ drainage faults early is often the most cost-effective way to reduce ongoing damage.
We record each defect by area and describe what we observed, why it matters, and a sensible next step. You can share the relevant pages and photos with trades to obtain more accurate quotes, and you can group items into urgent (water entry and safety), short-term (maintenance to prevent deterioration), and monitor. This makes it easier to budget and schedule work without guessing.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the small defects that drive bigger repair costs—especially moisture, drainage and extension junction issues common around McKinnon. Call 0485 857 077 to book.