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Solway’s mix of older brick veneers, weatherboards and renovated family homes can hide movement, moisture and subfloor issues behind fresh paint—an inspection helps you buy with your eyes open.
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Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We inspect internal and external cracking patterns (including stepped cracks, separation at corners and repaired plaster) and look for related signs like out-of-square frames and uneven floors. This helps you understand whether cracks are likely cosmetic or consistent with ongoing movement that may require further engineering advice.
For homes with raised floors, we assess subfloor ventilation, damp conditions, leaking services, timber condition and the presence of mouldy odours. Subfloor moisture can drive timber deterioration and floor bounce, and it can be expensive to correct if the cause is drainage or poor airflow.
We examine roof materials, flashings, valleys, gutter interfaces and visible penetrations, then inspect the roof space for water staining, damp insulation and timber issues. Roof leaks often show first in the roof space, not on the ceiling, so this step is crucial before settlement.
We check bathrooms, laundries and kitchens for visible issues such as cracked grout, lifting tiles, swollen cabinetry, poorly sealed penetrations and moisture-related deterioration. Wet-area defects can be hidden behind renovations and may involve re-tiling, waterproofing and repair of adjacent framing.
We assess whether ground levels and surface drainage direct water away from the home, and we look for overflow risks, blocked discharge points and signs of ponding near walls. Poor drainage is a common driver of dampness and can contribute to movement in reactive soils.
We identify practical safety issues such as deteriorated balustrades, trip hazards, unsafe stairs, damaged cladding and obvious electrical or gas concerns (visual only). These items can affect immediate occupancy, insurance, and your cost planning even when the property looks well presented.
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Professional inspections with attention to every detail. Here's a glimpse of our work.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Solway we often see a mix of age-related wear and renovation-related shortcuts. Common issues include cracking consistent with seasonal soil movement, dampness around perimeter walls, subfloor ventilation problems in raised-floor homes, roof-space water staining, and wet-area defects hidden by new tiling or fresh paint. A pre-purchase inspection helps you separate minor maintenance from problems likely to drive real repair costs.
Yes. We inspect all accessible areas and record any access limitations clearly in the report, including what couldn’t be seen and why (for example, tight clearance, stored items, or unsafe entry points). We then explain the risk that limited access creates and suggest practical next steps, such as requesting access clearance, obtaining specialist advice, or negotiating conditions before you proceed.
Time varies with the size and style of the home, but most inspections take long enough to check the interior, exterior, roof space and subfloor (where safe and accessible) thoroughly. You’ll receive a detailed written report with photos that highlights major defects, moisture and movement indicators, and safety concerns. We also summarise priorities so you know what to act on first.
Reactive clay soils common across Melbourne’s inner-east can expand and shrink with seasonal moisture changes, which may contribute to movement in some homes. During a Solway pre-purchase inspection we look for cracking patterns, separation at joins, sticking doors, and uneven floors that can indicate movement. We also consider drainage and site falls, because uncontrolled water around foundations can worsen these conditions.
Yes. Renovations can improve appearance while leaving underlying issues unresolved, especially around wet areas, drainage, roof leaks and subfloor moisture. Our inspection focuses on visible indicators of hidden defects, the quality of finishes where it matters (like sealing and falls), and any signs of ongoing deterioration. This helps you confirm whether the renovation is sound or if further investigation should be part of your offer.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a thorough, buyer-focused assessment backed by local experience across Melbourne’s east from our Ringwood base. Call 0485 857 077 to organise your Pre Purchase Inspection Services in Solway.