Loading...
Loading...
Solway homes often include older weatherboards and renovated brick veneers where movement, restumping wear, and extension joins can hide serious structural issues.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Solway
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for step cracking in masonry, separation at corners, sloping floors, and binding doors/windows to assess whether the home shows signs of significant movement that could point to footing or stump failure.
We visually inspect stumps, bearer/joist condition, ant capping presence, moisture impact and any makeshift propping. This matters because subfloor support failure can cause floor bounce, cracking, and unsafe load paths.
We look for sagging ridgelines, cracked or modified trusses/rafters, over-cut members, and signs of long-term leaks affecting timbers. Roof structure defects can be high-cost and can compromise the entire building envelope.
We assess wall alignment, significant plaster cracking, ceiling joins, and areas around removed walls/large openings. This helps identify whether renovations have altered structural support without adequate engineering solutions.
We check for swelling, rot indicators, mould patterns, and staining that may suggest ongoing water ingress from wet areas, balconies, or roof plumbing. Persistent moisture can weaken framing and subfloor components over time.
Where major structural issues may create hazards, we highlight risks such as unstable verandahs, compromised lintels, or failing retaining elements. We also note visible concerns that may warrant electrical or plumbing compliance checks by licensed trades.
Discover why thousands of property buyers trust us with their most important investment.
Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
Inspection photo 1
Inspection photo 2
Inspection photo 3
Get Major Structural Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Solway, we often see movement-related signs such as step cracking in brickwork, gaps around window frames, uneven floors, and cracking that reappears after patching. Homes with extensions can also show stress at the join line, including ceiling cracking and door misalignment. We assess the pattern, location, and severity to determine whether it suggests a major defect requiring further investigation.
This is a visual structural inspection, so we identify indicators of potential footing or support problems rather than performing invasive testing. If we find signs consistent with significant movement—such as pronounced cracking, separation, or structural distortion—we’ll recommend the right next step, which may include a structural engineer’s assessment, level monitoring, or targeted investigations by a qualified builder.
Yes, where access is available and it’s safe to enter, we inspect both the roof space and subfloor because major defects often show up there first. In the roof space we look for altered or damaged framing and leak impacts. In the subfloor we check supports, moisture effects, and any inadequate propping. If access is blocked, we document limitations and the risks.
Many Solway properties have been updated over time, and structural risk increases when walls are removed, openings are enlarged, or additions are tied into older structures. Problems can include undersized lintels, altered roof framing, and differential movement between the original house and the extension. We focus on cracking patterns, alignment changes, and roof/subfloor alterations that can indicate structural compromise.
We clearly describe the defect, why it matters, and the likely consequences if it’s not addressed. We’ll also outline practical next steps—typically engaging a structural engineer for design and confirmation, and a qualified builder for costings and rectification planning. If the defect relates to water ingress or safety hazards, we’ll highlight urgency and the areas that should be prioritised first.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural red flags that can derail a Solway purchase—movement signs, subfloor support issues, and roof framing concerns. Call 0485 857 077.