Warranwood’s sloping blocks, reactive soils and tree-heavy surrounds can drive foundation movement, roof spread and cracking—issues that often hide behind finishes until they become costly.
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We check for stepped cracking in masonry, slab edge separation, doming or dish-shaped floors, and doors/windows that bind. These indicators help distinguish normal ageing from footing movement that can compromise stability and lead to escalating repair costs.
Where retaining walls are present, we assess visible lean, cracking, bulging, drainage provisions and nearby ground settlement. Failing retaining structures can shift soil loads onto footings and create sudden changes in structural alignment.
We inspect accessible roof framing for sagging members, spread at wall plates, cracked trusses/rafters, undersized supports and signs of water damage. Structural roof issues can create ongoing ceiling movement, wall cracking and, in severe cases, safety hazards in high winds.
We check for cracking patterns, displaced brick courses, deflected lintels, bowed walls and internal plaster movement that points to structural stress. This is especially important around large openings and modified layouts where load-bearing walls may have been altered.
For homes with subfloor access, we look for bearer/joist deterioration, moisture staining, inadequate ventilation, stump/packer issues and uneven support. Subfloor defects often cause springy floors and ongoing movement that won’t be solved by cosmetic patching.
We identify likely moisture pathways such as poor surface drainage, downpipe discharge near footings, leaking wet areas and roof plumbing faults. Ongoing moisture can rot structural timber, corrode fixings and weaken masonry over time.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Not always. Some hairline cracking can be minor, especially around plaster joins or where materials meet. In Warranwood, however, cracking can also reflect footing movement on reactive soils or changes in ground moisture from trees and drainage. We assess crack type, location, width, pattern and whether there are supporting symptoms (sloping floors, sticking doors, roof distortion) to determine severity.
A major structural defect is a problem that affects the stability, safety or load-bearing performance of the building. That can include significant footing movement, failing retaining structures impacting the house, roof framing defects that reduce structural capacity, compromised load-bearing walls, or severe moisture-related decay. We document the evidence, explain why it matters, and outline practical next steps such as engineer review or urgent repairs.
Yes. Alterations can introduce structural weaknesses if load paths were changed, beams were undersized, or bracing was removed. We pay close attention to areas where new work meets old—changes in floor level, patched brickwork, modified openings and ceiling lines. We also look for signs of movement or distress that suggest the modification isn’t performing as intended.
On many Warranwood blocks, water flows downhill and can concentrate under or beside the house if surface drainage and downpipes aren’t controlled. Combined with tree roots and seasonal soil moisture changes, this can lead to stump movement, bearing settlement and timber deterioration. During the inspection we check subfloor support points, ventilation, moisture signs and any structural timber damage that may be driving floor bounce or unevenness.
Start by treating safety and water entry as priorities. If there’s evidence of significant movement, roof framing compromise or retaining wall failure, we’ll typically recommend a structural engineer for formal assessment and scope of repairs. If moisture is contributing, arrange prompt drainage or plumbing rectification to prevent further deterioration. Use the report to guide negotiations, repair planning and contractor quotes.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the structural risks common on Warranwood’s sloping sites—footing movement, retaining wall pressure, roof-frame distortion and moisture-driven deterioration. Call 0413 163 187 to arrange an inspection.