Princes Hill has many older terraces and period homes with past renovations and rear extensions—our inspection checks for movement, damp and compliance issues that can be costly to fix after settlement.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for stepping cracks in brickwork, distorted door frames, sloping floors, and separation at joints that can suggest footing movement. In Princes Hill, where older construction and nearby trees are common, these signs help you gauge whether movement is historical, ongoing, or linked to drainage issues.
We inspect roof coverings, ridge capping, valleys, gutters and downpipes (where accessible) and look for rust, displaced tiles, poor falls and overflow points. We also check internal ceilings and roof space for staining, mould and timber decay that often indicate long-term leaks around flashings and parapets.
We assess external and internal walls for damp marks, salt efflorescence, deteriorated mortar, and bridging of damp-proof courses. Where a subfloor is accessible, we look for ventilation issues, moisture, and timber condition—important in older Princes Hill homes where subfloor airflow can be limited.
We identify visible workmanship concerns such as uneven floors at junctions, cracking around new openings, inadequate support beams, and water ingress at extension interfaces. We also note red flags that can indicate unapproved or poorly executed alterations so you can request documentation before committing.
We check for functional issues and visible leaks at fixtures, wet areas and exposed pipework, plus signs of prior overflow or water damage. We pay close attention to bathrooms, laundries and rear additions, where waterproofing failures and poor drainage design commonly appear first.
We look for visible safety issues such as damaged cabling, outdated switchboards, missing safety switches (RCDs) where observable, and DIY-style modifications. While a full electrical test requires an electrician, these indicators help you understand whether further specialist checks should be a condition of purchase.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Princes Hill inspections often reveal water ingress around older roofs, parapets and flashings, plus damp-related damage from poor drainage or limited subfloor ventilation. We also see cracking in brickwork from footing movement, wear in timber subfloors, and defects where rear extensions meet the original structure. The inspection documents these issues, explains their likely causes, and outlines practical next steps.
Yes. We look at crack location, width, pattern (including stair-step cracking), and whether it aligns with movement indicators like sticking doors, uneven floors or separation at corners. We also consider drainage and site conditions that can contribute to movement. While we don’t provide engineering certification, we can advise if the signs warrant a structural engineer before you proceed.
Where safe and accessible, we inspect roof voids and subfloor areas because that’s where hidden issues often show up first—leaks, mould, timber decay and inadequate ventilation. Some Princes Hill homes have restricted access due to tight hatches, low clearance or stored items. If access is limited, we note the restriction clearly and recommend options for further assessment.
Many Princes Hill homes have been updated in stages, so we focus on junctions between old and new areas. We check for cracking around new openings, uneven floor transitions, water entry at extension interfaces, and visible support issues. We also flag signs of DIY work or incomplete finishes that can hint at broader compliance or workmanship problems, and we recommend requesting permits where relevant.
We assess visible plumbing and electrical condition and identify safety or compliance indicators, such as active leaks, water damage around wet areas, unsafe cabling, or switchboard concerns. A full compliance certification requires licensed specialist testing, but our inspection helps you decide whether further plumbing or electrical investigations should be included as a purchase condition—especially if the home shows signs of older services or modifications.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the defects that matter in Princes Hill’s older homes and renovated terraces—call 0413 163 187 to schedule an inspection and get clear, practical findings before you buy.