Preston’s mix of older weatherboards, mid-century brick homes and renovated extensions can hide unsafe wiring, loose balustrades and trip hazards that don’t show up at open inspections.
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We assess steps, landings, handrail presence and stability, and balustrade height and openings where accessible. These are high-injury areas, especially on older front verandas, split-level renovations, and rear deck stairs common in Preston.
We check uneven flooring transitions, lifted carpets, cracked tiles, loose thresholds, and external paths or pavers. We note where hazards are likely to worsen with movement or moisture and where repairs are typically straightforward but important.
Without performing a full electrical compliance test, we look for visible risk indicators such as damaged cabling, unsafe DIY additions, exposed conductors, and older switchboard concerns (where accessible). We flag issues that warrant immediate electrician review.
We note the presence and positioning of smoke alarms and highlight common fire-risk issues seen in homes with extensions, such as unprotected penetrations, stored combustibles near heat sources, and unsafe clearances around appliances where visible.
We check bathrooms, laundries and external taps for hazards such as slippery surfaces, deteriorated sealants, water damage that affects footing, and signs of moisture impact on nearby electrical fittings. Water and electricity risks are prioritised in the report.
We inspect accessible garages, carports, sheds and outdoor structures for unstable framing, sharp edges, inadequate lighting, and unsafe power use. This is particularly relevant where older outbuildings have been repurposed as studios or storage.
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Get Safety Hazards as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Preston we often see hazards linked to older building fabric and staged renovations: steep or uneven stairs, loose veranda and deck balustrades, trip points where original floors meet extensions, and deteriorated outdoor timber. We also regularly flag electrical red flags such as aging fittings, improvised outdoor power, and older switchboard setups. Your report separates urgent risks from items you can schedule.
It’s different. A Building and Pest inspection looks broadly at structural condition, defects and timber pest activity. A Safety Hazards inspection focuses specifically on injury and incident risk—falls, trips, electrical danger points and practical fire safety observations. Many buyers choose both, especially in Preston where older homes can be structurally sound but still have unsafe stairs, decks, or legacy wiring changes.
No. We identify visible safety concerns and risk indicators and recommend further assessment by a qualified electrician when needed. That includes issues like damaged cabling, unsafe connections, deteriorated fittings, or switchboard concerns where accessible. If the property is older or has been renovated multiple times, our observations help you target the right electrician checks rather than guessing what to ask for.
Be cautious around the junctions between old and new work. Rear extensions can introduce level changes, non-compliant steps, and balustrades that look finished but aren’t secure. Outdoor areas such as decks and pergolas can conceal deterioration under paint or cladding. Also watch for added lighting and power outdoors that may not have been installed to a consistent standard. A Safety Hazards inspection highlights these specific risks.
Yes. For units and townhouses we assess the lot areas and any accessible common areas relevant to safety, such as external stairs, shared walkways, car parks, lighting, and garage access points. We also flag internal hazards like stair geometry, balcony barriers, and wet-area slip risks. If something appears to fall under owners corporation responsibility, we note it clearly so you can follow up before settlement.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a clear, photo-backed hazard report that pinpoints fall, electrical and fire risks often missed in Preston’s older homes and renovated extensions.