Ringwood East has a mix of older brick homes and renovated weatherboards where movement, moisture entry and DIY alterations can hide costly defects—especially around subfloors, roofs and extensions.
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We check for signs of footing movement such as stepped cracking in brickwork, racked door frames, sloping floors, and separation at cornices and skirtings. In Ringwood East, movement can be amplified on sloping sites or where drainage concentrates near foundations, so we look closely for patterns that suggest ongoing structural issues rather than cosmetic cracking.
For homes with raised floors, we assess the subfloor for moisture, ventilation issues, timber decay, and the condition of visible stumps, bearers and joists. Major defects can include inadequate support, significant rot, or previous patch repairs that don’t properly carry loads—issues that can lead to bounce, sagging and long-term structural failure.
We inspect roof surfaces, valleys, flashings, gutters and downpipe connections for defects that allow water into the roof space and walls. A small defect at a valley or flashing can create major damage over time, including wet insulation, decayed framing and ceiling collapse risks—especially after repeated Melbourne rain events.
We look for evidence of removed or modified walls, undersized lintels, poorly supported openings, and cracking that forms around windows and doors. This is particularly important where Ringwood East properties have been opened up for modern living areas or extended, as structural changes may not be properly engineered or executed.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are assessed for visible waterproofing failure signs, including swelling, lifting finishes, mould patterns, deteriorated grout/silicone and moisture staining. Major defects can arise when ongoing leaks affect wall framing, subfloors and adjacent rooms, creating repair scopes far beyond a simple re-seal.
We identify visible safety concerns such as damaged wiring, suspect DIY alterations, unsafe connections, leaking pipework, and inadequate overflow management to wet areas. While we don’t certify electrical or plumbing compliance, we flag high-risk indicators that warrant urgent review by licensed trades before settlement.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Ringwood East we often see issues tied to older construction and later renovations: structural movement showing as stepped brick cracking, moisture problems from gutters/downpipes that don’t discharge well, roof leaks around flashings and valleys, and wet area leaks that have affected timber framing. We also commonly find defect risks where extensions meet the original house, including uneven floors and cracking at junctions.
We assess the crack type, location, width, direction and surrounding symptoms (such as sticking doors, floor slope, and separation at junctions) to determine whether it is more consistent with structural movement or normal ageing. If the signs suggest a major structural defect, we’ll explain the likely cause and recommend appropriate next steps, which may include a structural engineer assessment before you proceed.
Yes—where safe and accessible, we inspect the roof void and subfloor because that’s where major defects often hide. In the roof space we look for water entry, framing issues and moisture impacts. Under the floor we look for ventilation and moisture problems, timber decay, and visible support concerns. If access is restricted, we’ll note limitations and explain the risk.
Renovations can be excellent, but they do increase the chance of defects where structural elements have been altered or where new work connects to old. We pay close attention to signs of removed walls, undersized lintels, uneven floor transitions, cracking at extension junctions, and wet areas that may have been re-tiled without proper waterproofing. We also flag visible signs of DIY electrical or plumbing changes.
If we identify a serious hazard—such as evidence of significant structural compromise, active water ingress affecting electrical components, or other urgent risks—we’ll clearly mark it as a priority item and explain why it matters. We’ll recommend the right trade or specialist to engage next (for example, an electrician, plumber, or structural engineer) so you can act quickly before settlement or negotiations progress.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a defect-focused assessment that targets the structural, moisture and safety issues common in Ringwood East homes—especially on sloping blocks and renovated properties.