Loading...
Loading...
Springvale’s mix of older weatherboard homes, post-war brick builds, and renovated units can hide serious defects behind new linings, tiled bathrooms, and extensions—especially where drainage and movement have been ignored.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Springvale
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We assess crack patterns in brickwork, plaster and external render, and check for indicators of footing movement such as stepped cracking, racked door frames and uneven floors. This helps distinguish cosmetic cracking from movement that may require an engineer or underpinning advice.
For homes with raised floors, we inspect stumps, bearers, joists and ventilation, looking for rotation, subsidence, excessive deflection and moisture-related deterioration. Subfloor issues can drive major internal cracking and ongoing floor movement if not corrected.
We check roof cladding condition, valleys, flashings and penetrations for signs of water entry, then inspect roof-space framing for sagging, alterations, bracing problems and moisture staining. Roof leaks and compromised framing are common causes of major defects that escalate quickly.
We target bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and internal/external wall junctions for moisture indicators and damage. Elevated moisture, swelling skirtings and stained cornices can point to failed waterproofing or plumbing leaks that may require invasive investigation.
We examine openings and modified walls for inadequate support, poor workmanship and cracking around lintels or beams, which can occur after removing internal walls or widening doorways. This is particularly important in renovated Springvale homes where older structures have been reconfigured.
While not a compliance certification, we identify visible hazards such as unsafe cabling, non-weatherproof exterior fittings, DIY-style modifications, leaking pipework and corrosion. These issues can represent immediate safety risks and costly rectification after settlement.
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 Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
In Springvale, major defects often relate to movement (cracking linked to footings or subfloor issues), water entry from roof flashings or poor drainage, and moisture damage around renovated bathrooms and laundries. We also see problems where extensions meet older structures, such as inadequate support over new openings or mismatched rooflines that leak. The inspection focuses on defects that impact safety, structure and significant repair costs.
It can identify strong indicators, even when defects are concealed. We look for moisture signatures, staining, swelling materials, musty odours, uneven floors, and cracking patterns that suggest movement or water ingress behind linings. We also assess the quality of junctions around wet areas and extensions. If the risk is high, we’ll recommend targeted follow-up, such as a plumber’s leak test or further investigation.
Yes, where safe and accessible. Roof spaces can reveal leaks, framing alterations, bracing issues and moisture staining that aren’t visible from inside the rooms. Subfloors (where present) can show stump movement, excessive dampness, timber deterioration and poor ventilation. If access is restricted or unsafe, we’ll document the limitation and explain what additional access or specialist input may be needed.
They can be. In Springvale, it’s common to see rear additions, reconfigured internal layouts, and garage conversions to extra living space. Major defects can arise from inadequate structural support, poor waterproofing at new wet areas, altered drainage paths, and unverified electrical or plumbing changes. We pay close attention to old-to-new junctions, roofline transitions, and signs of movement or moisture around the modified areas.
No. Our inspection identifies and documents major defects and the likely causes based on visible evidence and building knowledge, but it isn’t a structural engineering certification. If we find signs of significant movement, compromised framing, or load-bearing concerns, we’ll recommend engaging a structural engineer for design advice and repair specifications. This approach helps you avoid spending money on engineering unless it’s warranted.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the defects that can derail a Springvale purchase—structural movement, water entry and safety hazards—so you can make a clear decision. Call 0485 857 077.