Loading...
Loading...
Waterways’ canal-side blocks, high groundwater and drainage-sensitive landscaping can hide serious slab movement, moisture damage and corrosion that only show up when you know where to look.
Answer a few quick questions to receive your personalised quote for Waterways
Complete this step to continue
Our comprehensive service includes everything you need to make an informed decision about your property.
We check internal and external cracking, joints, brickwork separation and floor level indicators to distinguish typical hairline shrinkage from movement that may point to footing issues. In Waterways, we pay close attention to edges near gardens, paths and drainage points where moisture changes can drive slab movement.
We inspect roof framing, sarking, penetrations, flashings, gutters and downpipes for defects that allow water entry. Even minor roof leaks can create major issues over time, including rot, sagging and electrical hazards when moisture reaches ceiling spaces.
We target bathrooms, laundries, external walls and low points of the home for moisture ingress using visual checks and appropriate testing. Canal-side conditions and blocked stormwater can keep materials wet, leading to swelling, mould growth and deterioration of structural timbers and plaster.
We review retaining wall condition, weep holes, evidence of movement, and how paving falls away from the building. These elements often control how water behaves on Waterways blocks; failures can load up the slab edge and drive ongoing cracking and moisture entry.
We identify visible hazards such as unsafe wiring signs, moisture around electrical fittings, damaged switchboards/covers, leaking pipework, and DIY alterations. While we’re not replacing a specialist compliance test, we flag issues that commonly require urgent attention by licensed trades.
We inspect wall straightness, signs of frame movement, and vulnerable junctions like balconies, door thresholds and wet-area transitions where waterproofing failures can be concealed. These areas are frequent sources of major defects because water travels behind linings before damage becomes obvious.
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 Waterways we often see defect patterns linked to moisture management: ineffective surface drainage, blocked or undersized downpipes, water ponding near the slab edge, and wet-area waterproofing failures. These can lead to movement-related cracking, timber deterioration, mould growth and corrosion of fixings. A major defects inspection focuses on issues that materially affect structural integrity or safety, not minor cosmetic wear.
Yes. Homes near canals can experience higher ambient humidity and more persistent damp conditions, especially where drainage isn’t directing water away from the building. This can accelerate deterioration in vulnerable areas such as roof spaces, window and door frames, balconies, and external fixings. The inspection looks for moisture pathways, inadequate falls, failing seals and early indicators that materials are staying wet longer than they should.
We assess crack location, direction, width, and whether it’s associated with doors/windows binding, uneven floors, separation at junctions, or external brickwork movement. Hairline cracks in plaster can be normal, but stepped cracking in masonry, widening cracks, or recurring repairs can suggest movement driven by footing or drainage issues. We document the evidence and explain likely causes and priorities.
No. Newer homes can still have major defects, particularly where drainage, waterproofing or construction detailing wasn’t executed properly. We commonly find issues around wet areas, balconies, roof penetrations, and stormwater connections that don’t show up during a quick walk-through. A defects inspection helps confirm whether the home is performing as intended and flags items that could worsen after the first few seasons.
If a major defect is identified, use the report to prioritise risk and next steps. For structural concerns, it’s often appropriate to obtain a structural engineer’s opinion with our documented observations and photos. For electrical or plumbing hazards, engage licensed trades promptly. If you’re purchasing, your conveyancer can help with contract options, and you can use the findings to renegotiate or request rectification.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections provides defect-focused, Waterways-relevant reporting that highlights movement, moisture and safety hazards clearly. Call 0485 857 077 to arrange an inspection.