Northcote’s mix of older weatherboards, renovated terraces and multi-level extensions can hide real safety issues—steep stairs, low balustrades, ageing switchboards and uneven paths are common problem areas.
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We assess internal and external stairs for uneven risers, short treads, loose nosings, missing or unstable handrails, and changes in level that are easy to miss during an inspection. This matters in Northcote homes where renovations can introduce sudden step-downs between original and extended areas.
We inspect balustrade height and rigidity, spacing that could allow a child to slip through, and deck edges where guardrails should be present. Many Northcote properties have elevated rear decks or upstairs additions; a compliant-looking rail can still be loose or poorly fixed.
We identify lifted flooring, cracked tiles, high thresholds, curled carpet edges, and uneven external paving/paths. In Northcote, mature trees and older paving materials can create subtle height changes that become serious trip points, especially in narrow side access ways.
We check for obvious safety concerns such as outdated or poorly labelled switchboards, missing safety switches (RCDs) where visible, damaged cabling, and unsafe DIY alterations. Older Northcote houses can still have legacy electrical components that increase shock and fire risk.
We review bathrooms, laundries and external taps for slip-prone surfaces, poor drainage, loose fixtures and obvious issues that can contribute to falls or burns. Wet areas are high-risk zones, particularly where older waterproofing has deteriorated or floors have been re-tiled over time.
We look at practical safety issues such as obstructed exits, jammed or damaged doors/windows, and visible smoke alarm presence and placement concerns. Northcote’s tighter lots and converted spaces can introduce blocked pathways or awkward exits that reduce safe evacuation options.
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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.
In Northcote, we often see hazards linked to older building fabric and later extensions: uneven flooring where additions meet original rooms, steep or narrow staircases, loose handrails, and rear decks added in stages. External trip hazards are also common, such as shifted paving and uneven side paths. Older electrical components and DIY changes can create shock and fire risks that aren’t obvious at a quick walk-through.
It can be included within a broader property inspection, but the focus is different. A Safety Hazards inspection concentrates on injury risks—falls, electrical hazards, unsafe access and other issues that can harm occupants. A Building and Pest inspection also looks at structural condition and timber pest activity. ACE Building and Pest Inspections can assess safety hazards alongside other inspection needs and report them clearly and separately.
Yes. The report is written to help you act quickly, not just list defects. We flag items that present immediate risk—such as unstable balustrades, dangerous stairs, exposed wiring or unsafe access points—and we separate them from lower-priority improvements. Where appropriate, we’ll note the type of trade to engage next (for example, electrician, carpenter or concreter) so you can plan your next steps efficiently.
Yes. Elevated rear decks and upper-level additions are common in Northcote, and they can hide hazards like loose posts, inadequate bracing, flexible balustrades or missing edge protection. We inspect visible fixing points, guardrails, and surfaces for slip and fall risk indicators. If access is limited, we document what could and couldn’t be safely viewed so you’re not left guessing.
Yes. For rentals, safety hazards can become recurring maintenance issues and can expose owners to avoidable risk. We assess common tenant-facing hazard areas such as stairs, external access ways, handrails, wet areas and visible smoke alarm concerns, then provide a report you can share with your property manager and trades. If you’re comparing multiple properties, the findings also help you estimate upgrade costs realistically.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a Northcote-focused safety hazard assessment with clear photos and prioritised actions you can use to negotiate, repair or plan upgrades.