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Murrumbeena’s mix of older brick homes, renovated weatherboards and newer townhouses can hide structural movement, roof failures and non-compliant upgrades—defects that are costly if missed before you buy or renovate.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We inspect walls, ceilings, brickwork and junctions for cracking patterns, distortion and differential movement. This helps separate superficial plaster cracking from signs of footing movement, wall spread or structural stress that may require engineering advice.
For homes with subfloors, we check for moisture, inadequate ventilation, timber deterioration and support issues such as stump settlement or packing failures. These defects can lead to uneven floors, door misalignment and ongoing structural movement.
We examine roof framing where accessible, plus external roof coverings, flashings and penetrations. In renovated Murrumbeena homes, added skylights, exhausts and solar cabling can create leak points that trigger hidden timber decay and ceiling collapse risks.
We check for step cracking, bulging, mortar deterioration and separation at openings. Brick veneer can conceal frame movement and moisture ingress, so identifying early signs helps prevent expensive structural and facade repairs.
We assess bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for signs of waterproofing failure, deteriorated grout, swelling to skirtings, and moisture staining. Persistent moisture can damage framing, cause floor movement and contribute to hazardous mould conditions.
We look for observable electrical and plumbing issues such as unsafe cabling, DIY modifications, inadequate drainage, and poor ventilation that can worsen moisture. While we don’t certify services, we flag defects that warrant urgent review by licensed trades.
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Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
A major building defect is one that affects structural integrity, safety, or the liveability of the dwelling. In Murrumbeena this can include significant movement-related cracking, failing stumps or bearers, roof structure sagging, severe moisture ingress causing timber decay, or unsafe building alterations from past renovations. We focus on defects that typically require urgent repair or specialist assessment, not minor wear and tear.
Yes. Renovations can change load paths and introduce junctions where movement and water entry occur, such as old-to-new extension connections, altered roof lines, or relocated wet areas. Weatherboards can also conceal framing issues behind linings. We pay close attention to additions, re-stumping evidence, roof penetrations, drainage changes, and internal cracking patterns to determine whether defects are cosmetic or structural.
We assess crack location, width, direction, and whether there are related symptoms like sticking doors, sloping floors, or separation at cornices and window frames. Step cracking in masonry, recurring cracks at extension joins, or cracking paired with moisture damage can indicate a more serious problem. While a structural engineer may be needed for design advice, our inspection helps you understand the likely cause and urgency.
They can be. Newer builds may show issues such as poor flashing details, balcony and roof drainage defects, waterproofing failures in bathrooms, and cracking from movement or shrinkage—especially where site drainage isn’t managed well. We inspect for signs of water entry, structural distortion, and workmanship problems that can become major defects if left unresolved, and we outline what to investigate further.
Use the findings to guide your next step: obtain quotes from relevant trades, request documentation for past works, and consider a structural engineer for movement-related defects or significant roof framing concerns. If you’re buying, you may renegotiate price, ask the vendor to rectify, or walk away if the risk is unacceptable. We’ll clearly note which issues are urgent versus monitorable.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchSpeak with ACE Building and Pest Inspections about the risks common in Murrumbeena’s older homes and renovated properties, and get clear guidance on structural, moisture and safety defects. Call 0485 857 077 to book.