Newmarket’s mix of older weatherboards, renovated period homes and newer townhouse infill can hide serious structural and safety issues behind fresh plaster, extensions and re-roofing.
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We assess signs of significant movement such as stepped cracking, racking to door frames, uneven floors, and separation at joints. Where visible, we consider whether changes may relate to footings, stump condition, altered internal walls, or poorly supported extensions—issues that can escalate if not addressed early.
We examine roof framing, sagging ridgelines, roof penetrations, flashing, valleys and guttering where accessible. In Newmarket homes with multiple renovation stages, we pay close attention to roofline transitions and boxed gutters, as these are common entry points for water that can damage timbers and ceilings.
For properties with subfloors, we look for deteriorated stumps, inadequate ventilation, moisture staining, timber decay and bearing issues. Major defects in subfloor support can cause ongoing movement, cracking and misaligned openings, and they’re often costly to rectify once finishes have been upgraded.
We inspect wall surfaces, junctions and penetrations for defects linked to water ingress and deterioration, including failing render, poorly sealed openings and compromised flashing. We also note signs consistent with hidden moisture damage, which can lead to structural timber issues and mould risk.
We check for visible plumbing defects and site drainage conditions that contribute to major building problems, such as persistent dampness, ponding near footings, overflow points and evidence of long-term leaks. Poor drainage and concealed leaks can undermine foundations and accelerate timber decay.
While not an electrical compliance certification, we identify visible red flags such as aged or damaged cabling, DIY alterations, unsafe connections and moisture-affected electrical components. These issues can represent immediate safety hazards and should be assessed by a qualified electrician before settlement.
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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 defect is a significant fault that impacts structural integrity, safety, or the building’s ability to perform as intended. In Newmarket homes, this can include substantial movement linked to footings or stumps, roof structure problems, ongoing water ingress causing timber decay, and unsafe electrical indicators. We focus on defects that are costly, urgent, or likely to worsen without proper repair.
We assess cracking patterns, locations and associated symptoms such as sticking doors, uneven floors and separation at junctions. In Newmarket, cracking can be related to ageing supports, drainage affecting moisture levels around footings, or changes from renovations. While we can’t guarantee future movement, we can identify red flags that suggest structural involvement and recommend when an engineer should be consulted.
Yes—renovations often hide critical issues behind new linings and finishes. We pay close attention to where old and new structures meet, including roofline transitions, altered internal walls, and additions that may change load paths. We also look for waterproofing and drainage failures around extensions, because small design or installation errors can lead to major damage over time.
Older Newmarket homes can show issues such as degraded stumps or subfloor supports, poor subfloor ventilation leading to moisture-related timber deterioration, and long-term roof or gutter leaks that damage framing. Past DIY changes can also introduce safety hazards. The key is separating surface-level ageing from defects that indicate ongoing movement, water ingress or unsafe services.
After the inspection, you receive a clear summary of major defects, the likely cause, and what needs urgent attention versus monitoring. We outline practical next steps, including which specialist trades to engage for quotes or further testing. This makes it easier to decide whether to proceed, renegotiate, or request repairs within your contract timeframes.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchSpeak with ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a focused assessment of structural and safety defects common in Newmarket’s older and renovated homes.