Open House DIY Red-Flag Checklist

Visible cracks in external brickwork, especially near window/door corners, or jagged interior plaster cracks.

Internal doors that swing open/shut by themselves, stick in frames, or won't latch properly (sign of wall or subfloor movement).

Significant slope when walking through rooms or springy floorboards, often caused by deteriorated timber stumps in older homes.

Distinct damp smell when opening built-in robes, bathroom vanities, or entering rooms on the ground floor.

Softened or blistered skirting boards behind bathroom walls or laundry; cracked shower grout or drummy tiles indicating failed waterproofing.

Brown water stains or sagging plaster sheets on ceilings, typically indicating roof leaks or hidden pipe leaks above.

Noticeable dip or sag along the roof line from street view, or visibly cracked/displaced terracotta or concrete roof tiles.

Corrosion holes in gutters or downpipes draining straight into the ground next to the house foundation instead of stormwater drains.

Ground levels higher than the internal floor level or sloping towards external walls, causing rainwater ponding against masonry.

Subfloor air vents obstructed by raised garden beds, decks, or concrete paths, creating high moisture traps that attract termites.

Pergola posts, fences, or garden mulch touching external brickwork above the damp-proof course, bridging termite barriers.

Poorly constructed patio covers, converted garages, or non-compliant alterations that may lack council approval or structural integrity.