Loading...
Loading...
Vermont South has plenty of 1960s–1980s brick veneer homes, split-level builds and large established trees; movement, drainage issues and roof deterioration can hide major structural defects until they become expensive and unsafe.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Vermont South
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check for indicators of footing movement such as stepped cracking in brickwork, slab edge separation, uneven floors, and distortion around windows and doors. We also look for site factors that worsen movement, including poor surface drainage and moisture build-up near the perimeter.
For homes with bearers and joists, we inspect for sagging, rot, inadequate ventilation, ant caps and signs of persistent dampness. Structural timber deterioration can be a major defect because it reduces load capacity and often points to long-term moisture issues that need rectifying.
We assess roof timbers for deflection, damage, inadequate support, and signs of movement at junctions. Internally, we look for signs that structural walls have been altered or overloaded, including cracking patterns, ceiling separation and structural bowing.
We trace likely entry points such as flashings, valleys, gutters, wet area waterproofing breakdown and external cladding junctions. Moisture-related damage can turn into major defects when it affects framing, subfloors, lintels or wall stability.
We identify cracking that suggests structural movement rather than normal shrinkage, and check for bulging walls, loose or displaced brickwork, and articulation joint failure. This matters in older Vermont South brick veneer homes where movement can be masked by patch repairs and paint.
We note compliance and safety red flags where structural movement or moisture affects services, such as compromised wet area plumbing leading to rot, or water entry near electrical points. These issues can escalate quickly and may require urgent specialist attention.
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 Vermont South we often see movement-related issues in brick veneer homes, including stepped cracking, sticking doors and separation around openings. Moisture can also drive major defects, such as rotting subfloor timbers, damaged wall framing around bathrooms, and roof framing stress from long-term leaks. Renovations can introduce structural concerns too, like altered walls or inadequate bracing that shows up as cracking and ceiling separation.
Yes. Established trees can influence soil moisture levels and contribute to ground movement, which may show up as cracking, uneven floors and brickwork separation. Drainage problems like poor falls, blocked stormwater or ponding near the slab edge can increase moisture around footings and drive movement or timber decay. During the inspection we look for signs of these site contributors, not just the internal symptoms.
We assess crack patterns, locations and associated movement indicators to determine whether they are consistent with minor settlement or a potential major defect. If the evidence suggests active movement, footing issues, significant roof/frame stress or compromised load paths, we’ll recommend escalation to a structural engineer for calculations and a repair design. This helps you avoid spending money on cosmetic patching that won’t hold.
They can be. Split-level designs and homes on sloping sites often have more complex footing arrangements, retaining interfaces and drainage paths. If water isn’t directed away correctly, or if parts of the structure move differently, you may see cracking at level changes, stairwell areas and junctions between original builds and extensions. Our inspection focuses on these transition points where major defects often start.
We inspect accessible areas only, so we can’t see through walls, under non-accessible subfloors, or into concealed roof sections without safe access. We also don’t perform destructive testing or certify engineering compliance. If we find warning signs, we’ll recommend targeted follow-up such as engineering assessment, CCTV drain inspection, or invasive moisture investigation so you can confirm the cause and scope before committing.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchChoose ACE Building and Pest Inspections for a defect-focused inspection that targets movement, moisture damage and structural safety risks common across Vermont South homes. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.