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Solway homes often mix older brick and weatherboard builds with modern extensions—major defects can hide where new work meets the original structure, or where drainage and movement have stressed footings over time.
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We inspect wall, ceiling and brickwork cracking patterns and locations to identify signs consistent with movement, lintel issues, or inadequate support. This helps you separate cosmetic plaster cracking from defects that may indicate structural stress and costly rectification.
Where the subfloor is accessible, we check for sagging, rot, excessive moisture, inadequate ventilation, and compromised stumps/bearers/joists. These faults can affect level floors, door alignment, and long-term structural performance.
We inspect roof framing for signs of spread, damaged members, inadequate bracing, and moisture impact. We also look for indicators of poor tie-down or alterations that compromise the roof structure—issues that can become obvious only during storms or high winds.
We check for defects that commonly cause water ingress, including damaged tiles/metal sheeting, failed flashings, and compromised valleys. Persistent leaks can lead to hidden rot, mould growth, and ceiling collapse risks if left unaddressed.
We assess visible signs of waterproofing breakdown such as swollen skirting, lifted flooring, staining, and movement around shower bases. Wet area failures can quietly damage wall framing and subfloors, particularly where renovations have been poorly executed.
Without performing invasive testing, we identify visible hazards and non-compliance indicators such as unsafe cabling, unprotected penetrations, leaking services, and inadequate overflow/relief arrangements. These issues can pose immediate safety risks and often require urgent attention by licensed trades.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Solway, we often pay close attention to movement-related cracking, subfloor moisture and timber decay (where access allows), and roof leaks around complex rooflines created by extensions. We also focus on wet areas, because waterproofing failures can quietly damage framing and floors. Any visible signs of unsafe electrical or plumbing work are treated as priority hazards and flagged for licensed follow-up.
We assess crack width, direction, repetition, and where the cracking appears (for example, near openings, corners, or along joins). We also look for related symptoms such as sticking doors, uneven floors, or separation at cornices. While only an engineer can provide a design-level assessment, our inspection identifies whether cracking shows red flags consistent with structural movement and whether further investigation is warranted.
Yes, where roof space access is safe and available. Roof defects don’t always show up as internal staining straight away—small leaks can track along timbers, and framing issues can be hidden by insulation. We look for moisture evidence, damaged or altered members, inadequate bracing, and signs of long-term ventilation problems. This helps you catch high-cost issues before they become visible damage.
Extensions can introduce defect risks at the junction between old and new construction—different materials and movement tolerances, altered drainage paths, and changes to roof structure. We look closely at transition points, roof tie-ins, flashing quality, and internal cracking near the interface. We also check wet areas associated with renovations, because waterproofing and ventilation shortcuts can cause major hidden damage over time.
We document the defect, explain why it matters, and outline practical next steps. Depending on the issue, we may recommend a structural engineer, qualified builder, roofer, plumber, or electrician for specialist assessment and quotes. The goal is to help you make a clear decision—renegotiate the purchase price, request contract conditions, plan repairs, or reconsider the property—based on evidence, not assumptions.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections brings detailed, defect-focused inspections to Solway buyers and owners, with clear guidance on structural risks, safety hazards, and the next steps to protect your property. Call 0485 857 077.