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Parkville homes range from older terraces and period builds to newer townhouses near busy corridors and large trees—both can hide movement, cracking and moisture pathways that become major structural defects.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for indicators of footing movement such as stepped brick cracking, racked openings, uneven floors, and separation at skirtings and cornices. These patterns help identify whether movement is active, progressive, or historically repaired, which directly affects repair scope and cost.
Where access allows, we inspect bearers, joists, stumps/piers and ant capping for deterioration, moisture impact, borer damage and undersized or missing supports. Subfloor failures can cause floor bounce, slope and long-term wall cracking, and often worsen when ventilation and drainage are poor.
We inspect trusses/rafters, ridge lines, bracing and tie-down points for sagging, spread, damaged members and non-compliant alterations. Roof framing defects can translate into ceiling cracking, water entry, and compromised wind resistance—especially where previous works have removed or cut structural members.
We examine brickwork, render and lintels over windows/doors for cracking, rust expansion and deflection. Lintel failure can be mistaken for “settlement” but may indicate advanced corrosion or inadequate structural support, which can become a safety hazard if left unaddressed.
We look for signs of rising damp, leaking wet areas, overflowing gutters, poor fall to drains and subfloor moisture that can lead to timber decay and loss of structural capacity. Identifying the moisture source matters because repairing structure without fixing water entry often leads to repeat failures.
We note visible electrical and plumbing issues that can create hazards or accelerate damage—such as unsafe cabling in roof spaces, unsealed penetrations, or leaking services affecting framing and masonry. While not a full compliance certification, these observations help you prioritise urgent rectification.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Parkville, we often see movement-related cracking around openings, uneven flooring linked to subfloor deterioration, and moisture issues that lead to timber decay. Period homes may have ageing roof framing or altered internal walls from renovations, while newer builds can still suffer from drainage-related movement. The inspection focuses on defects that affect load paths, stability and safety, not just cosmetic blemishes.
We assess crack location, pattern, width, and whether it aligns with structural stress points like corners of openings, lintels, and wall junctions. We also look for supporting indicators such as sticking doors, racking, floor slope, separation between building elements, and roof or subfloor movement. Cosmetic cracking tends to be fine and uniform; structural cracking often shows displacement or recurring patterns.
Yes. Many major structural defects are driven or worsened by moisture, so we look for leak indicators and moisture pathways—wet area failures, roof plumbing issues, poor drainage, subfloor dampness and ventilation problems. Where moisture is contributing to structural deterioration, we document the evidence and explain the likely source areas to investigate further, because repairing structure without stopping moisture usually fails.
They can. Mature trees close to footings may influence soil moisture levels and contribute to ground movement, which can show as stepped cracking in masonry or uneven floors. We don’t make assumptions based on landscaping alone—we look for movement signatures in the building and site drainage clues. If tree influence is suspected, we’ll recommend the right next step, such as engineering advice or arborist input.
We document the defect, its likely cause, and the areas most affected so you can act quickly. For significant movement, compromised roof framing, failing lintels, or advanced timber decay, we’ll usually recommend a structural engineer or relevant trade for detailed design and costing. This helps you decide whether to proceed with a purchase, renegotiate, or plan staged repairs based on risk.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural deal-breakers—movement, moisture-driven decay and compromised framing—so you can make a clear decision on your Parkville property. Call 0413 163 187.