The Most Common Defects Found in Building Inspections Melbourne-Wide
Melbourne’s homes are as diverse as its suburbs—from Edwardian weatherboards in the inner north to sleek new builds in the outer east. But beneath the surface, many of these homes share common problems—ones that often go unnoticed until a qualified inspector uncovers them.
Whether you’re a first-home buyer, seasoned investor, or preparing to sell, knowing what to expect during building inspections Melbourne-wide can save you serious money and stress.
At Inspect East, we’ve inspected thousands of homes across Greater Melbourne. Here are the top defects we find—again and again.
1. Moisture Intrusion and Rising Damp
In Melbourne’s older suburbs like Brunswick, Fitzroy, and St Kilda, rising damp is a frequent issue. It’s caused by moisture creeping up through porous brickwork or foundations, often due to poor or failed damp-proof courses.
Tell-tale signs include:
- Flaking paint near floor level
- Musty smells
- Bubbling or discoloured plaster
- Rotten skirting boards
Moisture isn’t just cosmetic—it encourages mould, attracts termites, and can weaken structural timber over time.
Modern homes aren’t immune either. Poor waterproofing in bathrooms or around windows can lead to hidden leaks.
Tip: Ask your inspector if they use moisture meters or thermal imaging. These tools help detect issues hidden behind walls.
2. Termite Activity and Timber Damage
Despite being a capital city, Melbourne has its fair share of termite-prone zones—especially leafy suburbs like Doncaster, Eltham, and Glen Waverley. Soft, untreated timber near soil, poor ventilation, and hidden access points create ideal termite havens.
A combined building and pest inspection can uncover:
- Active termite infestations
- Mud leads or tracks
- Damaged structural timbers
- Inadequate physical or chemical termite barriers
Sometimes, the damage is only revealed through sagging floors or sticking doors—symptoms that might seem harmless but often indicate deeper problems.
To understand why pest inspections are just as important as building checks, visit our detailed guide on Building and Pest Inspection in Melbourne.
3. Roof Leaks and Poor Roof Drainage
The unpredictable Melbourne weather puts serious pressure on roofs. Whether it’s a century-old slate or a decade-old Colorbond panel, water finds a way if maintenance isn’t up to scratch.
Our inspections frequently identify:
- Cracked or slipped tiles
- Corroded flashing
- Blocked or misaligned gutters
- Poorly installed downpipes or inadequate drainage
Water stains on ceilings, sagging insulation, or visible daylight in the roof cavity are all signs your roof may be compromised.
Roof defects aren’t always visible from the ground, which is why we often use drones or get into the roof space during an inspection.
4. Structural Movement and Foundation Issues
Cracks are common in Melbourne homes—but not all cracks are created equal.
During an inspection, we assess:
- The size and direction of cracks (vertical vs diagonal)
- Wall and ceiling separation
- Movement around windows or doors
- Uneven floors or misaligned skirtings
Foundation movement is typically caused by:
- Expansive clay soils (common in Melbourne’s western and northern suburbs)
- Tree roots interfering with substructure
- Poor site drainage
- Subpar or aged footings
While some cracks are minor and cosmetic, others signal major structural issues that may require underpinning or expensive remediation.
5. DIY Renovation and Non-Compliant Work
Melbourne’s love affair with renovation has a downside—non-compliant or unapproved building work. We frequently come across:
- Retrofitted bathrooms with no waterproofing certification
- Substandard tiling or plumbing
- Electrical wiring not up to code
- Pergolas or extensions without council permits
These defects don’t just affect safety—they can complicate your insurance or cause legal issues during a property sale.
Inspections often reveal corners cut by DIY jobs or unlicensed trades. It’s a timely reminder that not everything shiny is solid.
Less Common But Serious Defects
While the five defects above dominate our reports, other issues we regularly flag include:
- Inadequate subfloor ventilation
- Rusted steel lintels above windows
- Balconies or decks with deteriorating structural support
- Internal floor sag or bounce due to undersized joists
- Fire safety non-compliance in apartment blocks
Every property is different, and these hidden problems are why a generic checklist simply isn’t enough.
Why These Issues Matter
Some of these defects may look harmless now—but over time, they can become financial and safety burdens. Unaddressed moisture and termites, for example, can undermine the integrity of your home’s structure. A leaking roof may start as a stain but lead to thousands in repair if left unchecked.
That’s why it’s essential to get a professional, unbiased inspection before purchasing or selling property in Melbourne.
Book Your Inspection with Confidence
A trained eye sees what most people miss. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just want to stay ahead of future costs, a comprehensive inspection gives you peace of mind.
Request your free quote with Inspect East – Melbourne’s trusted inspection professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How serious are these building defects?
It depends on the extent. Cosmetic issues may be minor, but defects involving structure, water, or pests should be addressed immediately. Your inspection report will classify each defect by urgency.
Will I need to fix these issues to sell my home?
Not necessarily—but you’ll need to disclose them, and buyers may use the report to negotiate. Getting your own inspection first helps you stay in control of the sale.
Do newer homes still have defects?
Yes. In fact, new home inspections often reveal shortcuts or poor workmanship that aren’t visible during handover.
How long does a building inspection take?
Most inspections take 1.5 to 2 hours depending on property size and access. The report is usually delivered within 24 hours.
Final Word
No property is perfect—but with the right information, you can make the right decisions. Knowing what to expect from building inspections Melbourne-wide arms you with the confidence to buy, sell, or maintain your property with clarity.
Ready to uncover what’s really going on behind the walls?
Get a free inspection quote from Inspect East now.