Kew's leafy, tree-lined streets and heritage housing stock make it one of Melbourne's most sought-after inner-east suburbs — but the age of the housing stock also means buyers face a unique set of inspection risks. A recent combined building and termite inspection in Kew by Inspectra Property Inspections uncovered active subfloor termite activity, footing movement causing structural wall cracking, asbestos-containing material, and unsafe electrical wiring throughout the home.
Outcome for the buyer: This report documented 5 major defects — live termite activity, structural movement, a hazardous material finding and an electrical safety hazard — all invisible at the open home. Armed with these findings before committing, the buyer had documented evidence to renegotiate the purchase price or withdraw from the contract entirely.
Below we share the key findings so buyers in Kew, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Canterbury and surrounding inner-east suburbs can see the full value of a combined building and termite inspection before committing to a purchase.
The Property at a Glance
The property was a period weatherboard dwelling with a rear addition, a detached garage, and an accessible subfloor. The home presented beautifully at open for inspection, with recently refreshed paintwork and landscaped gardens. Our combined building and termite inspection in Kew revealed a property carrying active termite activity, structural footing movement, a hazardous material finding, and safety hazards across multiple building systems.
Major Defects & Safety Hazards Found
These are the findings that can make or break a purchase decision. In this inspection, multiple items were flagged at the highest severity level.
Active Termite Activity in the Subfloor
Active termite activity was identified in subfloor bearers and joists beneath the rear addition, with associated damage to structural timber. Immediate treatment by a licensed pest technician and further investigation of the extent of damage was required before purchase could proceed with confidence. This is precisely the risk a combined building and termite inspection in Kew is designed to catch — termite activity of this nature is rarely visible without specialist subfloor access.
Footing Movement and Structural Wall Cracking
Diagonal cracking consistent with footing movement was observed to the external brick veneer walls, most pronounced at the junction between the original dwelling and the rear addition. A structural engineer's assessment was recommended prior to purchase to determine the cause and any required rectification, as differential movement of this kind can indicate ongoing subsidence.
Asbestos-Containing Material Identified
Material consistent with asbestos-containing product was identified in the eaves lining and subfloor sheeting, common in homes of this era in Kew. While intact and non-friable at the time of inspection, any future renovation or disturbance work must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist in line with WorkSafe Victoria requirements.
Unsafe Electrical Wiring
The switchboard retained old ceramic fuses with no residual current device (safety switch) protection, and possible unsafe wiring was observed in the roof space. While Inspectra are not electricians, the inspector flagged the electrical system as requiring a licensed electrician's immediate assessment, rewiring where necessary, and installation of RCD protection. This presents a serious safety and fire hazard that must be rectified without delay.
Rear Addition Not Verified for Council Approval
The rear addition appeared to have been constructed without a clear paper trail of council approval. Buyers were strongly advised to contact the local council and their conveyancer to confirm that all works had been approved and inspected as required, and to check whether a 137B owner-builder defect report is required to be attached to the Section 32. This is a compliance risk that is only uncovered through a professional combined building and termite inspection in Kew.
Moderate Defects That Add Up
Beyond the headline items, a string of moderate defects were identified — each carrying the potential to escalate if left unaddressed:
- Chimney breast showing signs of cracking and lean at the roofline — assessment by a structural engineer or licensed builder recommended before use.
- Roof valley gutters undersized and prone to overflow in heavy rain, contributing to the moisture conditions found in the subfloor.
- Wet rot decay to fascia and barge boards on the front elevation, requiring replacement by a licensed carpenter.
- Original timber windows showing decay to sills and frames on the weather-exposed elevations.
- Inadequate subfloor ventilation, creating conditions conducive to timber decay and the termite activity identified.
- Site and stormwater drainage improvement required around the rear and side elevations.
- Detached garage roof frame showing undersized members not compliant with current span tables.
Minor Defects — Still Worth Knowing
Our inspection also catalogued a list of minor defects that, while less urgent individually, paint a picture of deferred maintenance and ongoing moisture risk:
- Minor ceiling undulation in the hallway — adhesive failure between ceiling lining and frame requiring plasterer assessment.
- Excessive timber flooring gaps in the original section of the home due to timber shrinkage.
- Kitchen splashback sealant missing between splashback and benchtop.
- Minor shower screen leakage in the main bathroom.
- Waterproofing membrane installation status unknown in the ensuite.
- Shower drain sealant missing in both bathrooms.
- Water stop not installed at the shower recess entry threshold.
- 137B owner-builder report required for the renovated ensuite.
- Terracotta roof tiles cracked and slipped on the rear roof plane.
- Roof flashing joins require re-sealing by a licensed roof plumber.
- Downpipe and gutter joints leaking and requiring re-sealing.
- Leaves and debris in gutters and valleys.
- Original picket fence showing wet rot decay to several posts.
- Weep holes blocked and garden beds covering the DPC on the front elevation.
- Perimeter window sealing gaps across the original section of the home.
- Fine cracking to the driveway and garage concrete slab.
- Water hammer noted when taps are operated quickly — anti-hammer device or pipe securing by a plumber required.
What This Means for You
This Kew property was beautifully presented and passed the open-for-inspection test. Without a combined building and termite inspection, the buyer could have been walking into a property with active termite activity, structural footing movement, an undisclosed asbestos finding, unsafe electrical wiring, and a long list of maintenance and compliance issues hidden behind fresh paint and manicured gardens.
Whether you're purchasing in Kew, Hawthorn, Balwyn, Canterbury or Camberwell, a combined building and termite inspection from Inspectra is the most informed step you can take before exchange.
Book Your Inspection
Don't let a beautifully presented period home hide costly surprises. Whether you need a combined building & termite inspection in Kew, a pre-purchase building inspection, or a new home pre-handover assessment, contact Inspectra Property Inspections today.
Steve Arthrell — Registered Building Practitioner (15 yrs)
Phone: 0459 771 108
Email: info@inspectrapi.com.au
Servicing Kew, Hawthorn, Camberwell, Balwyn, Canterbury, Surrey Hills and all surrounding Melbourne suburbs.
