Princes Hill’s older Victorian and Edwardian homes, plus newer rear extensions, can hide serious structural movement, damp damage and roof defects behind renovated finishes.
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We assess brickwork and plaster cracking patterns, wall straightness and door/window alignment to identify signs of differential movement. This matters in Princes Hill homes where older footings and later extensions can move at different rates, turning minor cracks into major structural concerns.
Where accessible, we check subfloor ventilation, moisture conditions, ant caps, stumps/piers, and the condition of bearers and joists for rot or deflection. Damp subfloors can weaken structural members and contribute to uneven floors and ongoing movement.
We inspect roof framing for sagging, spread, or timber deterioration, and review roof coverings, valleys, flashings and guttering for failure points. In older Princes Hill roofs, small flashing defects can cause long-term water damage that compromises structural timber and ceilings.
We look for displaced brickwork, bulging walls, step cracking, and inadequate support over openings (lintel issues). These defects can be critical in period homes and terrace-style properties where wall stability relies on intact masonry and proper load transfer.
We check for signs consistent with rising damp, plumbing leaks, shower waterproofing failure and roof leak staining, and note high-risk areas such as wet rooms and external wall bases. Uncontrolled moisture can lead to structural timber decay and persistent mould issues.
We identify visible hazards and non-compliant indicators such as unsafe switchboard setups, exposed wiring, unprotected penetrations, and plumbing leaks affecting structure. While not a full compliance certification, these findings help you prioritise urgent trades for safety and prevent further building damage.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Princes Hill, we often see major defects linked to age and repeated alterations: movement-related cracking, moisture damage from roof leaks, damp subfloors affecting bearers and joists, and failing flashings where old and new building sections meet. We also see inadequate drainage contributing to damp at wall bases. Our inspection focuses on defect severity, probable causes, and what needs urgent attention.
We assess crack location, width, direction and pattern, plus supporting signs such as sticking doors, racked window frames, sloping floors and external brick displacement. While a definitive structural design assessment may require an engineer, we can identify whether cracking behaves like movement-related structural distress or typical surface shrinkage, and recommend the appropriate next step based on what we observe.
Yes—where safe and accessible, we inspect roof spaces for framing issues, water entry points, and timber deterioration, and subfloors for moisture, ventilation, stump/pier condition, and structural timber integrity. These areas often hide the defects that cause expensive repairs later. If access is restricted, we note limitations and suggest options such as access panels or specialist follow-up.
They can be. Extensions frequently introduce new load paths and different footing behaviour, and the connection line between the original house and the addition can be a common place for movement cracks and water ingress. We pay close attention to junction flashings, differential floor levels, cracking around openings, and signs of poor drainage or waterproofing that can escalate into major defects.
We identify visible safety hazards and compliance red flags, such as unsafe switchboard arrangements, exposed wiring, wet-area risks, and plumbing leaks that damage structure. However, formal electrical and plumbing compliance certification requires licensed trades performing dedicated tests. If we find concerning indicators, we’ll recommend the right specialist and prioritise what should be addressed urgently.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the big-ticket defects that affect structural integrity and safety in Princes Hill homes—call 0413 163 187 to organise an inspection.