Moonee Ponds has a mix of older weatherboards and period homes alongside renovated townhouses—movement from reactive soils, past extensions, and ageing roof framing can hide costly structural problems.
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We assess cracking patterns in brickwork and internal linings, check level changes in floors, and look for binding doors/windows to determine whether movement suggests footing issues, ongoing subsidence, or historical settlement that has stabilised.
Where accessible, we inspect stump alignment and condition, bearer and joist spans, repairs, and signs of moisture or timber deterioration. This matters in Moonee Ponds homes with older subfloors, where sagging or ad-hoc packing can signal structural failure and future re-levelling costs.
We look for removed or altered walls, undersized lintels, cut studs, and improvised supports around openings. This is crucial in renovated properties, where open-plan changes can leave concealed structural weaknesses if works weren’t designed or executed correctly.
We inspect accessible roof spaces for cracked or sagging rafters, damaged trusses, spread at wall plates, inadequate bracing, and signs of long-term leaks. Roof frame defects can escalate quickly and may also indicate broader moisture entry issues.
We examine brickwork for stepped cracking, bulging, separation at corners, and rusted or failing steel lintels over windows and doors. We note where cracking suggests structural movement versus superficial shrinkage so you can prioritise repairs correctly.
We identify likely sources of water that can drive structural deterioration—poor site drainage, wet areas, roof plumbing issues, and subfloor ventilation problems. Moisture is a common contributor to timber decay and masonry movement, so isolating the cause is part of a proper structural defects inspection.
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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.
In Moonee Ponds we often find movement-related cracking, subfloor issues such as deteriorated stumps or sagging bearers, and roof framing problems linked to long-term leaks. Renovations can also introduce defects, including undersized lintels or removed walls without adequate support. Our inspection focuses on the structure and the conditions driving the damage, so you understand both severity and likely cause.
We assess crack location, width, direction, and whether there are matching symptoms like uneven floors, gaps at skirtings, or doors and windows that bind. Stepped cracking in masonry and separation around openings can suggest movement, while fine plaster cracking may be shrinkage. We document patterns and contributing factors, but where movement appears significant we may recommend an engineer for confirmation.
We look for plumbing- and electrical-related conditions that can create structural hazards, such as leaks causing timber decay, moisture affecting roof framing, or unsafe penetrations through structural members. This is not a full compliance audit of electrical or plumbing systems, but we do note visible red flags that could impact structural integrity or safety and advise what specialist follow-up may be needed.
Pay close attention to junctions where the original structure meets an addition, as differential movement can cause cracking, roof leaks, and uneven floors. We look for signs of removed load-bearing elements, undersized beams or lintels, and patch repairs that conceal movement. If the property has been opened up internally, verifying structural support is a key part of our major defects assessment.
Time on site depends on the property size, access to subfloor and roof spaces, and how many defect areas need documentation. We work through the structure systematically, then provide a report with photos, clear descriptions of major defects, and practical next steps. If we identify an urgent safety concern, we’ll raise it immediately so you can act without delay.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural issues that can derail a Moonee Ponds purchase or renovation—call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection and get clear, evidence-based findings.