By Inspectra Property Inspections | Steve Arthrell — Registered Building Practitioner (15 yrs)
Some inspection reports flag a handful of minor maintenance items. This wasn't one of them. A recent combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley carried out by Inspectra Property Inspections uncovered termite and borer damage in the roof frame, asbestos warnings across multiple areas, major structural wall cracking, active footing movement, and a leaking shower — all in a single property.
Here's what we found, and why it matters for anyone buying in Glen Waverley, Camberwell, Hawthorn, Mount Waverley, Oakleigh or surrounding suburbs.
The Property at a Glance
This was an older brick home with a terracotta tile roof, timber subfloor, and evidence of past renovations. On the surface it appeared liveable. Our combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley told a very different story — identifying a significant number of major defects that required specialist assessment before any purchase commitment could responsibly be made.
Major Defects & Safety Hazards
This property carried an unusually high number of major findings. For any buyer considering a purchase, the inspector's recommendation was clear: engage a structural engineer, licensed pest controller, asbestos professional, and gas plumber before committing.
Termite and Borer Damage in the Roof Frame
Existing termite damage was found in the property. The inspector flagged that more invasive inspections by a builder and pest controller were critical to determine whether the damage had reached the perimeter top wall plates or other roof frame elements. Borer damage was also identified. This finding alone justifies a combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley on any older property in Melbourne's south-east.
Major Structural Wall Cracking
Cracks and movement were evident to external walls on both the right and left elevations — classified as a major structural building defect. The inspector recommended a CCTV camera inspection on the stormwater system (as ruptured plumbing below ground can cause wall movement) and a licensed structural engineer to conduct invasive footing evaluation before purchase.
Moderate Footing Movement
Evidence of moderate structural movement was noted in the footings. Combined with the wall cracking, this pointed to ongoing structural instability requiring engineering assessment and CCTV plumbing inspection as a matter of urgency.
Floors Out of Level
Nivcomp readings revealed significant variation: the bathroom sat 18 mm higher than the datum point, the dining room 19 mm lower — a total differential of 37 mm across the dwelling. A structural engineer and CCTV stormwater inspection were recommended before any commitment. Floor level issues are a common finding in any combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley or across Melbourne's south-east where reactive clay soils are prevalent. But the scale of variation in this property was well beyond typical.
Asbestos Warnings — Multiple Areas
Potential asbestos was flagged in three separate locations: floor coverings and underlays in two rooms, tile substrates in wet areas, and the electrical meter box lining. Testing by a licensed asbestos contractor was recommended without delay for each area. None of these materials should be disturbed until confirmed safe.
Safety Glass Not Present
Large glass panes across all elevations did not have safety glass or shatterproof film installed at the required heights. A glazier assessment was recommended for rectification.
Gas Heater — Testing Required
Gas heaters were present and required testing by a licensed gas plumber to ensure they function safely. Heater appliances were not tested during the building inspection as they fall outside scope.
Unknown Insulation Material
Insulation was present in the roof cavity, but the material could not be identified and may be toxic. Samples were recommended for testing before purchase.
Moderate Defects
Leaking Shower
Active leakage was detected at the shower recess due to high moisture readings at the base of the adjacent wall. The cause could relate to a failed waterproofing membrane, plumbing leak, or other reasons. A licensed builder was needed to determine rectification scope and cost before purchase — with a warning that ignoring this finding could result in major structural wet rot decay to wall and floor framing. This is one of the most common moderate findings in a combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley or any suburb with renovated wet areas.
Terracotta Tile Fretting
Moderate fretting across the terracotta roof tiles required replacement to prevent water penetration. A roof tiler assessment for costing was recommended prior to purchase.
Damp-Proof Course Not Identified
No visible damp-proof course material could be identified. Where a damp-proof course is absent or unconfirmed, rising damp may become a future problem. A specialist assessment was recommended.
Subfloor Issues — Damp Soil, Ventilation and Drainage
The subfloor soil, brick footings, and stumps were damp — likely caused by a site drainage problem. Limited ventilation was compounding the issue, creating conditions highly conducive to termite attack. Fan-forced ventilation was recommended alongside drainage rectification. Site drainage around the dwelling also required improvement, with ground and paving levels lacking sufficient fall to divert water from the walls. Subfloor dampness and drainage are concerns we flag frequently during a combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley and surrounding suburbs — they're invisible from inside the home but directly impact structural stability and pest risk.
Earthenware Plumbing
Clay or earthenware stormwater plumbing appeared present. These older pipes are prone to cracking, tree root invasion, and failure. A CCTV camera inspection was strongly recommended before purchase.
Minor Defects
Our combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley also identified a range of minor defects:
- Minor ceiling cracks, moderate wall cracks, and impact damage to internal wall linings — all requiring plasterer repair.
- 137B owner-builder defect report required for the renovated bathroom.
- Shower and vanity sealant and grout requiring replacement, with waterproofing membrane installation unknown in both wet areas.
- Tiles recommended behind the washing machine cavity, and a rusted laundry trough cabinet indicating past leaks.
- Deteriorating mortar beds across all external elevations, with gaps around window frames requiring resealing.
- Rusted downpipes with holes requiring replacement, plus insufficient downpipes installed for the roof area.
- Valley flashings cemented over with cracked pointing and surface-rusted valley metals — both indicating past water issues.
- Gaps in fascia boards on all elevations creating direct water entry points.
- Water staining under laundry timber flooring from past or present leaks, no ant caps on subfloor stumps, and moss and algae on roof coverings.
- Trees close to external walls requiring removal by an arborist.
What This Means for You
This was one of the more serious reports our team has produced. Between the termite damage, asbestos warnings, structural cracking, footing movement, and leaking shower, a buyer would have been walking into tens of thousands of dollars in specialist assessments and rectification work — all of which was invisible during a standard open inspection.
Without a combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley, this buyer would have had no way of knowing what sat beneath the surface.
Inspectra's Inspection Services
At Inspectra Property Inspections, we offer comprehensive services across Melbourne's south-east:
- Combined Building & Termite Inspections — Structural integrity and timber pest assessment in a single visit. Ideal for anyone seeking a combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley, Camberwell, Hawthorn or Point Cook.
- Pre-Purchase Building Inspections — A detailed assessment before you commit. Whether you need a pre-purchase building inspection in Mount Waverley or a pre-purchase building inspection in Oakleigh, we deliver clear, photographic reports with severity ratings for every defect.
- New Home Pre-Handover Inspections — Our new home pre-handover inspection in Point Cook and new home pre-handover inspection in Glen Waverley services catch defects before your builder walks away.
- Timber Pest (Termite) Inspections — Our termite inspection in Glen Waverley and broader south-east coverage uses the latest detection equipment to identify active termite activity and conditions conducive to attack.
Book Your Inspection
Whether you need a combined building and termite inspection in Glen Waverley, a pre-purchase building inspection in Camberwell, a termite inspection in Hawthorn or a new home pre-handover inspection in Point Cook, contact Inspectra Property Inspections today.
Steve Arthrell — Registered Building Practitioner (15 yrs)
Phone: 0459 771 108
Email: info@inspectrapi.com.au
Servicing Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Camberwell, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Kew, Balwyn, Point Cook, Toorak, Malvern, Oakleigh, Clayton, Caulfield, Brighton, Bentleigh, Carnegie, Wheelers Hill and surrounding Melbourne suburbs.
