Know whether the cracking or movement in your property is cosmetic, structural or urgent — and what, if anything, needs to be done about it. A structural engineer inspects the damage, identifies the cause, and gives you verbal findings on the day, with an engineer-signed written report if you need one for an insurer, builder, council or tribunal.
Find out what is causing the damage — and what it will take to fix
Most cracks in a Victorian home are cosmetic. Some are the first sign that the footings are moving. From the ground, the two can look almost identical — which is why owners either worry about nothing for months, or spend heavily on repairs that never address the cause. A structural engineer can tell the difference, and put the reasoning in writing.
Stair-step cracking through brickwork or render, especially near corners and openings
Doors and windows that stick, drop or no longer close square
Floors that slope, bounce or feel uneven underfoot
Gaps opening between walls and cornices, skirtings or the ceiling
New or widening cracks after drought, nearby excavation, or a plumbing leak
How we help
We attend the property, measure what is happening, and work out the cause — not just the symptom. You get a straight answer about whether the damage is structural, whether it is still moving, and what genuinely needs to be done about it.
Identifies the cause of cracks, movement or subsidence
Confirms whether damage is structural or cosmetic
Provides clear, written engineering advice on next steps
Helps you decide if repairs, underpinning, or further investigation is required
Gives peace of mind for buyers, owners, insurers, and builders
Why clients trust our assessments
Qualified Structural Engineers Only
Clear, Practical Advice
Independent & Unbiased
Fast Turnaround
What the inspection involves
An engineer attends the property, usually for 60 to 90 minutes. You are welcome to be there and ask questions as we go.
- Visual inspection of cracks, walls, floors, slabs, and foundations
- Assessment of movement patterns and likely causes
- Engineering analysis to determine severity and risk
- High-resolution photos and clear diagrams where required
- Written engineer’s report with next steps — from monitoring to rectification
What the assessment covers
Visual structural assessment of cracking, movement, deflection and distortion to walls, floors, slabs, footings, beams and roof framing
Crack width measurement and classification against the AS 2870 damage categories
Assessment of the likely cause — reactive clay movement, footing settlement, water ingress, drainage, tree roots, load changes or construction defect
Photographic record and sketches where they help explain the finding
Engineering opinion on severity, urgency and the appropriate response
Engineer-signed written report setting out findings, cause and recommended action, where a written report is requested
What it does not cover
Invasive or destructive investigation — no excavation, and no removal of linings, cladding or floor coverings
Specialist testing such as soil classification, borehole drilling, concrete core sampling or laboratory analysis. These can be arranged and quoted separately
Areas that cannot be safely or reasonably accessed on the day, including subfloors, roof voids and locked or obstructed rooms
Non-structural matters — pest and termite activity, electrical, plumbing, waterproofing, energy or glazing compliance
Rectification design, engineering drawings, specifications or repair costings, which are a separate engagement
Ongoing monitoring, repeat visits, or supervision of any repair works
What you will receive
Verbal findings on the day, and where you have requested a written report, an engineer-signed document within 10–12 business days.
A clear finding: whether the damage is structural, and whether movement is ongoing or has stabilised
The likely cause, explained in plain English — soil movement, drainage, tree roots, footing design or building works
High-resolution photographs and diagrams of every issue recorded
Recommended action, proportionate to the problem — from monitoring, through drainage works, to underpinning
A document signed by a registered structural engineer, accepted by councils, insurers, builders and VCAT
What happens next
Four steps, and you can stop after any of them.
Send the property address, a short description of the damage and when it started, and a few photos. We will tell you which inspection you actually need — sometimes that is none.
Typically within 3–5 business days. The inspection takes 60 to 90 minutes and you are welcome to be there and ask questions as we go.
Before leaving site the engineer explains what is happening, the likely cause, and whether it needs action now, monitoring, or nothing at all.
Where you have asked for one, your written report follows within 10–12 business days, setting out the findings, the cause and the recommended action.
Structural Damage Reports Frequently Asked Questions
Are all cracks a sign of structural damage?
No. Some cracks are cosmetic, others are serious. Our report tells you which is which.
Can you tell me if my house is safe?
Yes. Safety is our first priority. We’ll confirm if your structure is stable or needs urgent action.
Do you provide recommendations for repairs?
Yes. If repairs are needed, we’ll outline clear options — from simple patching to engineered solutions.
How long does it take?
Most reports are ready within 10–12 business days. Urgent cases can be prioritised.
Clear Pricing, No Hidden fees
Cracks, movement, or foundation issues
+ GST
Engineer-signed, detailed assessment
+ GST
Notes
- The above are minimum fees only. Final pricing will depend on the property’s size, complexity, location, documentation provided and access requirements.
- A fixed quotation will be provided before work commences.
- Regional properties located more than 2 hours’ drive (one way) may incur an additional travel charge.
- All fees exclude GST.
What to send us
The more we have up front, the more accurately we can tell you which inspection you need and what it will cost. Include these three things in your enquiry and we will come back with a fixed fee before any work starts.
Street address and suburb, so we can confirm it is within our service area and whether a travel charge applies.
What you are seeing, where in the property, when you first noticed it, and whether it appears to be getting worse.
A wide shot showing the whole wall or room, and close-ups of the worst cracking with a coin, ruler or key alongside for scale.
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