Richmond’s mix of Victorian terraces, renovated cottages and warehouse conversions can hide movement, moisture and DIY alterations behind fresh finishes—an independent building inspection helps you spot risks before signing.
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We assess visible signs of dampness, timber decay, ventilation issues and stump or bearer movement. In Richmond’s older homes, subfloor moisture and shifting supports can lead to sloping floors and sticking doors, so identifying the cause early helps you budget for rectification rather than repeated patch-ups.
We inspect roof coverings, ridge capping, flashings, valleys and drainage points for damage, rusting, lifting and poor detailing. Many Richmond homes have complex rooflines or renovated sections where new and old materials meet; these junctions are common leak points that can damage ceilings, insulation and framing.
We document cracking in brickwork, render and internal linings and look for indicators of movement such as stepped cracking, separation at openings and uneven floors. This helps you differentiate settlement or seasonal movement from defects that may warrant further structural advice before committing to purchase.
We check for signs of water ingress including staining, swollen skirting, loose tiles, drummy finishes and mould-like growth, and we assess visible waterproofing risks. Richmond renovations often include new wet areas and upper-level outdoor spaces; failures here can cause hidden rot and expensive repair work.
We identify practical hazards such as unstable balustrades, damaged steps, unsafe handrails, trip hazards, and issues in garages and shared accessways (where visible). For Richmond’s multi-level homes and townhouses, fall risks around stairs, landings and balconies are a key inspection focus.
While we’re not performing a full trade compliance test, we look for visible issues such as damaged wiring, unsafe fittings, non-protected cabling, leaking pipework, poor drainage falls and signs of DIY work. This is particularly important in Richmond where properties may have multiple renovation stages and mixed-age services.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
A Building Inspection in Richmond focuses on visible structural condition and defects typical of older homes, including cracking and movement indicators, roof and gutter performance, subfloor moisture and ventilation (where accessible), and signs of water ingress in wet areas and extensions. We also note safety hazards and visible plumbing/electrical red flags. The goal is to flag major issues early and outline what needs urgent attention versus maintenance.
Yes. For warehouse conversions and newer apartments in Richmond, we inspect the accessible interior, balconies/terraces, doors and windows, moisture risks around wet areas, and any visible structural or safety concerns. In strata properties, some elements are common property, so we note what appears to fall under the owners corporation and what is within the lot. We recommend reviewing strata records alongside the inspection findings.
We provide a visual assessment and can identify common warning signs such as damaged wiring, unsafe fittings, evidence of overheating, leaks, corrosion, poor drainage, and DIY-style alterations. A Building Inspection is not a substitute for a licensed electrician or plumber conducting compliance testing. If we see red flags, we’ll recommend the appropriate specialist checks before you proceed, so you can confirm scope and costs.
Properties close to high-traffic corridors and rail lines in Richmond can show cracking from a mix of building age, ground movement and vibration. The key is the crack type and pattern: hairline plaster cracks can be minor, while stepped brick cracks, widening gaps, or misaligned openings can indicate movement that needs closer attention. We document and interpret visible symptoms and advise when further structural assessment is sensible.
Most Building Inspections take around 1.5 to 3 hours depending on size, access and complexity, followed by time to compile the report. You should book as early as possible within your buying timeline, ideally before your cooling-off period ends or before going unconditional. Early booking also helps if the property needs follow-up checks (for example, roofing, waterproofing or structural advice).
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a detailed, defect-focused inspection that suits Richmond’s older homes and renovation-heavy properties. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.