North Melbourne’s mix of heritage terraces, converted warehouses and compact apartments can hide electrical, balcony and stairway risks—especially where renovations and shared walls are common.
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We look for visible signs of unsafe electrical conditions such as deteriorated cabling, overloaded power boards, scorched outlets, exposed conductors, and non-compliant DIY modifications. In older North Melbourne homes, these issues can be hidden behind newer finishes, so we focus on switchboards, accessible wiring points, and high-use rooms like kitchens and laundries.
We assess handrails, balustrade stability, gaps, and uneven treads/risers where accessible. Many North Melbourne terraces have steep internal stairs or split-level rear additions; small defects here can become serious hazards. We flag instability, poor grip points, and trip edges that increase the likelihood of falls.
Where accessible, we inspect external platforms, steps and guardrails for movement, rot, corrosion, and inadequate height or fixing. North Melbourne’s exposed rear decks and upper balconies can deteriorate quickly if drainage and waterproofing details are poor, so we note any conditions that suggest structural or fall-risk concerns.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for obvious slip hazards (poor drainage, loose tiles, uneven surfaces) and visible hot water risks such as poorly secured tempering valves or unsafe pipework where accessible. Wet-area changes are common in North Melbourne renovations, and rushed workmanship can create everyday safety problems.
We note the presence and visible condition of smoke alarms, obvious gaps in coverage, and any clear concerns around escape paths (for example, blocked egress routes or hazardous security bars). In higher-density North Melbourne living, clear exits and functional alarms are critical for early warning.
We identify common external hazards such as unstable fencing, loose pavers, raised edges, unsecured gates, and deteriorated sheds/outbuildings. Compact North Melbourne blocks and shared boundaries mean a small defect can affect access ways and create liability, particularly for rental properties.
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Get Safety Hazards as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. In North Melbourne, it’s common to see older terraces updated in stages, and hazards can be left behind—like aged wiring, steep stairs with poor handrails, or rear decks that have weathered quickly. Our Safety Hazards inspection focuses on the practical risks visible in accessible areas and flags items that should be assessed or repaired urgently by the right trade.
It’s more targeted. A Safety Hazards inspection prioritises issues that could cause injury or immediate danger, such as fall risks, obvious electrical red flags, unsafe external steps, and blocked egress routes. A full building inspection is broader and looks at overall condition and defects. Many buyers in North Melbourne choose safety-focused checks when timing is tight or specific concerns have been raised.
We inspect accessible balconies, terraces and external access points where entry is available on the day. We look for obvious movement, corrosion, water damage and guardrail concerns that could create a fall risk. For areas that aren’t accessible (locked roof spaces or restricted common property), we note limitations in the report and suggest the best next step, such as requesting strata records or specialist assessment.
Conversions can present unique risks, including non-standard stair design, high-level platforms without compliant balustrades, improvised mezzanines, and exposed services. In North Melbourne, these properties may also have heavier doors, altered fire separation details, or older external stairs that have been repurposed. Our inspection highlights practical hazards in accessible areas and helps you understand what needs urgent attention before occupancy.
Yes. Your report is written to help you act quickly, with hazards prioritised by risk. We separate urgent items (for example, unstable handrails, obvious electrical concerns, or unsafe steps) from issues that can be scheduled. If you’re buying in North Melbourne, this makes it easier to plan repairs, obtain quotes, and have clear conversations with agents, vendors, or property managers.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a focused safety check that suits North Melbourne’s older terraces, dense living, and renovation-heavy properties.