Preston homes often mix older weatherboards, mid-century brick veneers and quick renovations—small leaks, movement cracks and drainage slip-ups can turn into expensive repairs if you miss them early.
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We look for minor but telling signs around bathrooms, laundries and kitchens—swollen skirting, lifted flooring edges, silicone failure, and staining. These issues often start as “cosmetic” but can lead to hidden rot, mould risk and expensive rectification if water continues to track behind finishes.
We document minor cracking patterns in plaster and masonry and note likely contributors such as movement, shrinkage, or poor repairs. The goal is to separate normal ageing from cracks that may worsen, then recommend monitoring points or further investigation where needed.
We check how water is managed at the surface—falls away from the home, pooling near walls, overflow points, and blocked or undersized stormwater components that can back up. Minor drainage faults are a common trigger for dampness and subfloor issues.
From the ground and accessible areas, we identify minor issues such as loose downpipes, overflowing gutters, displaced fittings and seal failures that can send water into eaves or wall cavities. Small leaks here can cause widespread damage before they show inside.
We assess sticking doors, misaligned windows, worn weather seals and gaps that let in water and draughts. In Preston’s mix of older frames and newer retrofits, these minor faults often point to movement, poor installation, or maintenance needs.
Where there is safe access, we check for minor defects like blocked vents, damp smells, condensation evidence and early timber deterioration. These are the early warnings that ventilation and moisture control need attention before structural timbers are affected.
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Get Minor Property Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Preston we often see early moisture issues from tired gutters/downpipes, poor falls around paths and driveways, and failed sealant in wet areas after renovations. Minor cracking around openings, sticking doors, and patched brickwork can also show up where there’s been movement or altered layouts. These items may look small, but they can be the first sign of ongoing water entry or settlement that needs attention.
Yes. A Minor Property Defects inspection focuses on smaller faults that are easy to overlook—water paths, sealing failures, early cracking, drainage slip-ups, and wear that can become expensive if ignored. A full building inspection is broader and usually targets major structural concerns as well. If we see indicators that a “minor” issue could be bigger, we’ll clearly note it and recommend the most sensible next step.
We inspect accessible areas that are safe to enter. If there is safe access to the roof void or subfloor, we’ll look for minor defects such as moisture staining, ventilation problems, and early timber deterioration. If access is restricted (low clearance, stored items, or unsafe conditions), we’ll document the limitation and explain what could not be confirmed, so you can arrange access or targeted follow-up.
Often, yes. Weatherboard homes can show early paint breakdown, window/trim gaps and localised timber swelling where moisture gets in. Brick veneer homes may show fine cracking in mortar, weep hole issues, or moisture bridging where paving or garden beds sit too high. We note the defect in context of the construction type and explain the likely pathway so repairs target the cause, not just the symptom.
Your report lists each defect with clear location notes, photos, and an explanation of why it matters. We also indicate sensible priorities—what to fix promptly to prevent damage, and what can be monitored. This makes it easier to brief the right trades (plumber, roofer, carpenter, renderer) and obtain quotes that match the actual issue, rather than paying for exploratory work.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the small faults that lead to big repair bills—especially moisture, drainage and renovation-related defects common in Preston homes. Call 0413 163 187 to book.