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Oakleigh South has a mix of post-war brick homes, renovated weatherboards and newer townhouses—often hiding movement cracks, dodgy extensions and waterproofing failures. A major defects inspection helps you catch the expensive problems before settlement.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess cracking patterns in brickwork, plaster and external render, plus signs of differential movement such as racked door frames and sloping floors. This helps distinguish cosmetic cracks from indicators of footing or slab movement that may require engineering advice.
For homes with subfloor access, we inspect stumps, bearers, joists and ventilation for rot, moisture, inadequate support and pest-related deterioration. Structural issues under the floor can explain bounce, uneven levels and ongoing cracking throughout the house.
We check the roof covering, flashings, valleys, gutters and downpipe connections for defects that cause water entry or overflow. Persistent roof leaks can lead to timber decay, mould, ceiling damage and hidden electrical hazards in roof cavities.
We look for swelling skirtings, loose tiles, grout breakdown, shower recess leaks and moisture staining around bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. These signs often point to failed waterproofing and can mean major rectification, particularly in renovated homes.
We assess ground levels, paving falls, subfloor vents and weep holes, plus evidence of rising damp and lateral moisture. Poor drainage and high external ground levels can drive damp into walls and accelerate deterioration of structural timbers and finishes.
While not a full compliance certification, we identify visible hazards such as DIY wiring, damaged switchboards, unsafe cabling, leaking pipework, poor hot water installations and signs of uncontrolled moisture. These issues can create fire risk, shock risk and ongoing water damage.
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Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
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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.
In Oakleigh South we often see issues linked to older houses that have been extended or renovated over time, including structural cracking, uneven floors, roof leaks and wet area moisture. Townhouse builds can show drainage and waterproofing problems that only become obvious after rain. Our inspection focuses on defects that affect safety, structural performance and repair cost, not minor cosmetic wear.
Not always. Hairline or isolated cracks can be cosmetic, but certain patterns can indicate movement, such as stepped cracking through brick mortar, widening cracks, or cracking that aligns with doors and windows that no longer square up. We assess location, direction and severity, plus contributing factors like drainage and site conditions, then explain whether it appears active and what further checks may be needed.
Yes, we look for signs that an extension has changed loads or moisture behaviour, such as altered roof lines, unusual cracking at junctions, uneven floor transitions, and makeshift support in subfloors or roof spaces. We also look for water entry points around new flashings and wet areas. If we see significant red flags, we’ll recommend the right next step, often an engineer or specialist trade assessment.
They can. Newer townhouses may present issues like balcony and bathroom waterproofing failures, poor stormwater management, and tight site drainage leading to moisture problems. Older homes more commonly show subfloor deterioration, roof aging and movement-related cracking. Our approach in Oakleigh South is to match the inspection focus to the building type and what commonly fails in that style of construction.
We document the defect with photos, explain why it matters, and outline practical options such as further investigation, specialist quotes or negotiating with the vendor. For issues that affect safety or structural integrity, we’ll highlight urgency and likely consequences if left untreated. You’ll get a clear summary of the major risks so you can make an informed buy/no-buy decision.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections helps Oakleigh South buyers uncover serious structural, moisture and safety defects before contracts become costly. Call 0485 857 077 to arrange an inspection.