Richmond homes often mix Victorian terraces, warehouse conversions and newer apartments, so hidden issues can range from damp in old brickwork to movement along shared party walls and water ingress from flat roofs.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for signs of dampness, rising moisture, leaking showers, roof and gutter overflow, and staining to ceilings and walls. In Richmond’s older housing stock and warehouse-style conversions, moisture can travel through brickwork and concealed cavities, so early detection helps you avoid ongoing mould management and repeated patch repairs.
We assess cracking in masonry, plaster and external walls and note patterns that may indicate movement, poor drainage, or inadequate structural support from past renovations. Shared party walls in Richmond terraces can complicate repairs, so we identify likely causes and whether further engineering advice is sensible before you commit.
We inspect accessible roof areas, noting aging materials, poor flashing details, blocked downpipes and box gutter risks. Flat and low-pitch roofs common on extensions and newer Richmond builds can fail silently until water reaches internal linings, so we focus on water entry points and drainage performance.
Where accessible, we check subfloor clearance, ventilation, moisture conditions and visible timber components for signs consistent with fungal decay or termite activity. Many Richmond homes have limited underfloor access and altered ventilation from renovations, which can increase the likelihood of concealed deterioration.
We look closely at where old and new construction meet—roof tie-ins, external cladding changes, internal set-downs, and wet area upgrades. In Richmond, renovations can include reconfigured bathrooms and open-plan conversions; we flag workmanship issues that commonly lead to leaks, uneven floors, or premature cracking.
We test a range of accessible doors, windows, stairs, balconies and wet areas for basic function and visible safety concerns. This includes noting trip hazards, loose balustrades, deteriorated external steps, and water damage around showers and laundries that can affect insurance and immediate repair priorities.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Richmond terraces often have shared party walls, limited side access and multiple renovation stages. During a pre-purchase inspection we focus on cracking patterns, damp in solid brick, roof and box gutter performance on extensions, and the quality of wet area upgrades. We also note access limitations, because restricted roof or subfloor access can affect how much can be confirmed on the day.
A walk-through usually misses defect patterns and early warning signs. Our inspection documents moisture indicators, roof drainage issues, deterioration in external timbers, and workmanship faults in bathrooms, balconies and extensions. We explain the likely consequences if issues are left unresolved and prioritise what needs action first, giving you practical leverage for negotiations and clearer budgeting before settlement.
Yes. For apartments and conversions, we inspect the accessible areas within the lot and any areas available on the day, such as balconies, storerooms and car spaces. We pay close attention to water ingress risks at windows, balcony junctions and wet areas, plus cracking and movement signs. Common property elements may require strata records to confirm maintenance history, which we can advise you to request.
It can be. Older solid-brick walls, altered subfloor ventilation and poor site drainage can contribute to damp, and low-lying areas can make moisture management more important. During the inspection we look for staining, salt deposits, mould-prone conditions, and moisture-related deterioration around floors and skirtings. We also check gutters, downpipes and surface drainage, because controlling water at the exterior is often the key fix.
Book as early as possible, ideally as soon as you’re serious about a property and before you’re locked into unconditional terms. Richmond listings can move quickly, and access times are often limited by tenants, open-for-inspections and tight settlement schedules. Early booking gives you time to review the report, ask questions, and decide whether to proceed, renegotiate or request further specialist advice.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections delivers a buyer-focused report that targets Richmond’s common risks—damp, movement in older brickwork, and leak-prone roof junctions—so you can negotiate confidently and plan repairs realistically.