Melbourne homes range from Victorian terraces to newer CBD apartments, and each comes with different risks—rising damp, ageing roofs, balcony leaks and cracking from building movement. A pre-purchase inspection helps you spot costly defects before you commit.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for stepped cracking in brickwork, plaster movement, sticking doors/windows and uneven floors that can indicate settlement, reactive soils or renovation-related movement. In Melbourne’s mix of older housing stock and infill builds, understanding whether cracks look cosmetic or progressive helps you plan further advice and negotiate confidently.
We look for signs of rising damp, leaking showers, failed waterproofing, mould-prone ventilation issues and water staining around skirtings and floor junctions. Moisture defects are common in older Melbourne homes and can also show up in apartments via balcony leaks or plumbing penetrations, so early identification protects your repair budget.
Where accessible, we inspect roof void condition, evidence of past leaks, insulation placement and ventilation, then check visible roof coverings, flashings, gutters and downpipes. Many Melbourne properties have older roof materials and patched repairs; poor stormwater discharge can lead to damp walls, subfloor moisture and timber decay.
For homes with subfloors, we assess ventilation, signs of damp soil, timber deterioration and conditions that encourage fungal decay. We also look at site drainage and surface falls that direct water toward the building—an avoidable cause of long-term moisture problems in weatherboard and brick veneer homes.
We inspect accessible balconies and terraces for cracking, ponding, tile movement, deteriorated sealants, and moisture staining to ceilings below. Balcony leaks are a frequent and expensive defect in Melbourne apartments and townhouses, so we focus on practical indicators of membrane failure and drainage issues.
We note visible hazards such as deteriorated handrails, trip hazards, unsafe access points, and signs of DIY alterations that warrant further checking. For Melbourne homes that have been renovated over time, we highlight workmanship concerns and areas where additional specialist assessment may be wise before exchange or settlement.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Melbourne, we often see moisture problems (rising damp, leaking showers, poor drainage), ageing roof coverings and flashings, and cracking that reflects movement or past renovations. In apartments and townhouses, balcony leaks and water staining around windows can be significant. Your inspection report explains what’s visible, the likely causes, and what to ask for next if further investigation is recommended.
Yes. Apartment inspections focus on the areas you can purchase and access: the internal unit, balcony/terrace, visible services, and signs of water ingress or building movement. We also flag items that may relate to common property so you can raise them with the agent, conveyancer, or strata manager. Access limits can apply, so we outline what was and wasn’t available on the day.
Timing depends on property size, access and complexity, but we allow enough time to methodically check accessible internal and external areas. The report is written for buyers, not builders: clear descriptions, photos where helpful, and practical recommendations. If anything needs clarification, we talk you through the key defects and what they mean for your decision, budget and negotiation.
They do. Older Melbourne terraces can hide moisture issues behind finishes, show cracking from age or renovations, and have roof and drainage elements that have been altered multiple times. We pay close attention to subfloor ventilation where present, signs of damp at lower walls, roof space evidence of past leaks, and how extensions interface with the original structure to spot workmanship and movement clues.
It’s often a smart combination, particularly for houses with timber elements, subfloors, older fences, or gardens close to the building. Termites and timber decay can be difficult to detect without a dedicated pest assessment, and moisture issues can increase risk. If you’re buying in Melbourne and want the fullest picture before committing, ask about adding a pest component to your pre-purchase inspection.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections delivers detailed, buyer-focused reporting tailored to Melbourne’s mix of period homes and apartment living. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange your Pre Purchase Inspection Services in Melbourne (3000).