Park Orchards homes often sit on sloping blocks and reactive clay soils, where movement can show up as cracking, uneven floors and roof distortion. A focused structural defects inspection helps you confirm what’s cosmetic and what’s a genuine integrity and safety issue.
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We check for signs of active or historic movement, including step cracking in brickwork, racked openings, uneven floor levels and separation at junctions. This matters in Park Orchards where reactive ground conditions and altered surface drainage can change how footings perform over time.
Where accessible, we inspect stumps, piers, bearers and joists for deterioration, inadequately supported spans and moisture-related damage. Subfloor issues can present as bouncy floors, sagging and door misalignment, and they often worsen if drainage under the home is poor.
We examine load-bearing walls, lintels over openings and evidence of wall bowing, bulging or differential cracking. This is critical for identifying defects that compromise structural capacity, particularly where renovations have widened openings or removed internal walls.
We inspect visible roof framing for sagging, spread, altered trusses, inadequate bracing and leak-related timber damage. Roof movement can be an early warning that loads aren’t transferring correctly, or that moisture has weakened key components.
We look for roof plumbing issues, flashing failures, blocked drainage lines, ponding near the slab and dampness that can lead to timber decay or corrosion of fixings. Identifying moisture sources helps stop structural defects progressing and informs the repair scope.
We note visible issues that may create safety risks or indicate non-compliant work affecting the structure, such as DIY alterations, unprotected penetrations, or plumbing leaks near load-bearing elements. While we don’t replace specialist compliance testing, these red flags often explain why structural damage has started.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Cracks can be common on reactive soils and sloping sites, but the pattern and behaviour matter. We look for step cracking through mortar, cracks that widen at one end, repeated cracking after patching, and related signs like sticking doors or uneven floors. We also consider drainage and moisture around the home, because water changes can drive movement. We’ll explain whether indicators suggest active movement or an older, stabilised issue.
Major structural defects include significant footing movement, failing stumps/piers, sagging bearers or joists, compromised roof framing, wall bowing, structural cracking consistent with movement, and deterioration that reduces load capacity (often from moisture). We focus on defects that threaten stability or safety, not minor cosmetic issues. Where we can’t confirm a cause visually, we recommend the next most appropriate investigation.
Yes. Fresh plaster, paint, new flooring and re-tiled wet areas can conceal cracking, unevenness and moisture damage. We look for indirect signs, such as inconsistent floor levels, racked door frames, unusual ceiling lines, patched areas that suggest recurring movement, and roof-space alterations. We also check likely moisture entry points that can quietly damage framing over time, especially around bathrooms, laundries and roof plumbing.
They can. Poorly managed surface water, blocked ag drains, or failing retaining walls may redirect water toward footings or undermine supporting ground. On sloping blocks, this can contribute to differential movement that shows up as cracking and floor level changes. During the inspection, we note site drainage indicators, ground levels near the building and visible retaining wall concerns that could be contributing to structural stress.
First, avoid making assumptions about repair scope or cost until the cause is understood. We’ll document the defect, likely drivers and the urgency level. For significant movement, altered load-bearing elements or serious roof framing issues, the next step is often a structural engineer’s assessment. If moisture is involved, rectifying the water source usually comes first. We can guide you on what evidence to provide to tradies or engineers.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a focused assessment of serious structural risks, including movement indicators, roof framing issues and moisture-driven damage common on Park Orchards blocks.