Loading...
Parkdale’s mix of older brick homes and coastal weather exposure can hide serious structural movement, roof leaks and corrosion—major defects that are expensive to fix if missed early.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Parkdale
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for stepped cracking in masonry, racking in door/window openings, sloping floors, and separation at wall-to-ceiling junctions. These signs can indicate footing movement or compromised load paths that may require engineering advice and costly rectification.
We assess accessible subfloor areas for dampness, timber decay, inadequate ventilation, poor drainage, and stump/bearer deterioration. Subfloor defects can lead to uneven floors, persistent moisture problems and progressive structural damage.
We inspect roof coverings, valleys, penetrations, flashings, gutters and downpipe discharge points, plus the accessible roof space for leaks, stained framing, sagging members and inadequate support. Roof leaks often present as ‘minor’ stains but can be major defects once framing or insulation is affected.
We examine wall linings and external interfaces for cracking, bulging, loose or deteriorated cladding, and gaps around windows/doors. We also focus on high-risk junctions—balcony edges, parapets and meter box penetrations—where water entry can drive hidden rot and corrosion.
We look for major defect indicators around showers, baths, vanities and laundries, including swollen skirtings, lifted tiles, grout failure, mould patterns and moisture staining. Wet-area defects can lead to structural timber damage, termite risk, and significant bathroom strip-out costs.
We identify high-risk issues such as corrosion at pipework, poor drainage falls, leaking fittings, exposed wiring, unsafe terminations, and DIY modifications. While this is not a full compliance certification, these red flags help you prioritise licensed trade checks before settlement or renovation.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
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 building defect is a problem that affects structural integrity, safety, or could cause major damage if left. In Parkdale, we often see issues like significant cracking from movement, roof leaks affecting framing, widespread damp and rot, and unsafe service alterations. During the inspection we document the defect, explain likely causes, and outline practical next steps, including when to seek an engineer or licensed trades.
Yes. Homes closer to the bay can be exposed to salt-laden air and stronger weather, which can accelerate corrosion on metal roof components, fixings, and external hardware. Wind-driven rain can also exploit small flashing failures and turn them into ongoing leaks. We pay close attention to roof penetrations, guttering, downpipe discharge, and wall junctions where water entry commonly starts and then spreads into concealed areas.
We can often identify clues even when surfaces are new. Fresh paint and new linings can hide past water damage or cracking, but movement indicators can show at openings, cornices, and external brickwork, and moisture issues often reveal themselves at skirtings, tile edges and wet-area junctions. We also look for workmanship red flags at structural modifications and service runs that may suggest unapproved or unsafe work.
They can be. Older construction may have ageing roof coverings, deteriorated flashings and gutters, and subfloor ventilation or drainage issues that drive dampness. Brick veneer homes can show cracking from movement, while weatherboards can conceal timber decay where water has entered around windows, corners and ground contact points. We tailor the inspection to the building type and focus on the junctions where major defects commonly begin.
We explain the severity, what further investigations are sensible, and what specialists to engage next. For example, major movement may warrant an engineer’s assessment, while active leaks may require a licensed roofer or plumber to pinpoint and quote repairs. If you’re buying, the findings can be used to renegotiate price, request rectification, or add contract conditions so you’re not taking on unknown repair liability.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the defects that change the real cost and safety of a Parkdale property—call 0485 857 077 to organise your inspection.