Richmond’s mix of older terraces, warehouse conversions and tight-lot builds can hide small defects—like damp staining, cracked render and movement around openings—that grow quickly if they’re missed.
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We inspect fine cracks in plaster, brickwork and render, plus signs of movement around doors and windows. In Richmond homes with older walls and newer additions, small cracks can indicate differential movement or moisture-related expansion that may worsen if water entry continues.
We look for subtle water staining, bubbling paint, swollen skirting, musty odours and silicone breakdown in wet areas. Minor moisture problems can escalate quickly into mould growth or concealed timber damage, especially where ventilation is limited.
We check sticking doors, misaligned window sashes, loose hinges and failed seals. These “small” issues can point to movement, moisture swelling, or poor installation, and they also reduce weatherproofing and energy efficiency.
We assess accessible balconies and decks for surface cracking, lifting finishes, loose balustrades and drainage clues. In compact Richmond lots where balconies are common, minor defects can be early warnings of water ingress into the structure below.
We check visible roof penetrations, flashing, gutters, downpipes and overflow points for early failure signs such as rusting, separation, blockages and poor fall. Small drainage defects often lead to overflow, damp walls, and deterioration at eaves and fascias.
We identify lifting tiles, grout cracking, damaged cornices, gaps to architraves, and poorly finished renovations. These issues can be more than cosmetic—gaps can track moisture, and cracked grout can allow water to reach substrates and cause ongoing damage.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Richmond we often see hairline cracking around openings, early moisture staining near bathrooms and laundries, gaps around windows, and drainage issues such as overflowing gutters or poorly connected downpipes. In renovated terraces and warehouse-style conversions, defects also show up where new work meets old materials. Our inspection documents each issue and explains whether it’s likely cosmetic, moisture-related, or a sign of movement.
Yes. A Minor Property Defects inspection focuses on the smaller issues that are commonly missed or dismissed—seals, finishes, operational faults, early moisture indicators and minor cracking. A full building inspection is broader and may focus more heavily on major structural concerns. This service is ideal when you want a sharper lens on “small but important” defects to guide maintenance, repair planning, or a pre-settlement check.
We can provide practical guidance based on the defect’s location, pattern, and surrounding signs. For example, a fine crack with no staining may be cosmetic, while cracking combined with moisture marks, soft trims, or repeated repairs can signal an underlying issue. We’ll explain likely causes and what to monitor. Where specialist testing or trade input is needed, we’ll recommend the appropriate next step.
Yes. We pay close attention to junctions where extensions meet the original building, old masonry and render, timber skirtings near damp-prone areas, and window/door openings where movement shows first. We also look at drainage and ground-to-wall interfaces, because minor overflow or splashback can create persistent damp staining. These are common places where small defects can escalate if left untreated.
The report gives you a defect-by-defect list with clear descriptions and recommended actions, helping you request specific repairs (for example, resealing a shower, correcting a downpipe connection, or securing a loose handrail). For negotiations, you can use the documented findings to support a repair request or price adjustment based on the likely scope. For owners, it becomes a practical maintenance checklist.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a sharp, defect-focused inspection that targets the small Richmond property issues that most often turn into water damage, movement and costly rework. Call 0413 163 187.