Vermont South’s mix of brick veneer homes, sloping blocks and older extensions can hide movement, roof framing issues and water ingress that become expensive fast if missed.
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We assess cracking patterns in masonry and plaster, check for racking, and look for indicators of footing movement such as uneven flooring and door/window misalignment. This matters because structural movement can point to foundation problems that are costly to rectify and can worsen if drainage and site conditions aren’t addressed.
For properties with subfloor access, we check bearers, joists, supports, ventilation and signs of moisture damage. We also look for sagging, improvised packing, and timber deterioration. Subfloor defects can create bounce, uneven rooms and ongoing moisture issues that affect the whole building.
We inspect the roof exterior where visible and accessible roof space areas for leaks, deteriorated flashings, rusted sheeting, damaged tiles, and signs of roof frame stress such as cracking, deflection or altered trusses. Roof defects can lead to structural timber damage, mould growth and electrical hazards.
We look for moisture entry points and damage around bathrooms, laundries, kitchens, balconies and external junctions. We check for staining, swelling, delamination, mould and musty odours, and we consider likely sources such as failed waterproofing or poor external drainage. Moisture issues often sit behind finishes until major repairs are needed.
We check for cracking over openings, sagging lintels, separation at wall junctions, and clues that walls may have been altered without adequate support. In Vermont South, renovations and open-plan changes can introduce structural risk if beams, posts or bracing weren’t correctly designed and installed.
We identify visible safety hazards such as unstable balustrades, deteriorated stair structures, unsafe roof access points, and obvious electrical and plumbing defect indicators (for example, amateur cabling, scorched fittings, active leaks). Where compliance can’t be confirmed visually, we recommend the right specialist checks to reduce risk.
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Get Major Building Defects as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
A major building defect is a fault that can affect structural integrity, safety, or the building’s ability to perform as intended. In Vermont South, common examples include cracking consistent with movement, roof leaks that have damaged framing, significant moisture ingress around wet areas, and unstable or poorly altered structural elements from renovations. We explain severity, likely causes, and what further specialist assessment may be needed.
Yes, we assess crack location, direction, width, and pattern, plus related signs like uneven floors, sticking doors, and separation at junctions. Step cracking in brickwork, cracking near openings, and cracking that continues through multiple surfaces can indicate movement rather than shrinkage. While we don’t provide engineering design, we can identify red flags and recommend when an engineer should be engaged.
We look for visible indicators of defects and safety hazards, such as active leaks, water damage, inadequate drainage fall symptoms, amateur wiring, damaged fittings, or signs of overheating. Full compliance testing requires licensed trades and specialised equipment, so we don’t certify electrical or plumbing systems. If we see risk indicators, we’ll recommend appropriate follow-up inspections before you commit.
They can be. Many Vermont South properties have been updated over time, and defects sometimes appear where old and new structures meet. We pay close attention to altered walls, changes to roof framing, beam supports, and junctions around extensions and wet areas. If workmanship or structural support looks questionable, we’ll explain the concern and suggest next steps for verification.
We inspect accessible parts of the building including internal rooms, external walls, roof exterior where visible, roof space where safe access exists, and subfloor areas where an access point is available. If access is restricted (low clearance, stored items, unsafe conditions), we document the limitation and explain what risk it creates, along with practical options such as re-inspection once access is provided.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on structural and safety-critical defects common in Vermont South homes, with clear findings you can act on. Call 0413 163 187.