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PerthInner North Perth8,183 peopleBuilt 1970s-90s

Building Inspections in Mount Hawthorn, Perth

15Defects indexed
41In sample
8,183Population

Stock profile · ABS 2021 Census

What’s here in Mount Hawthorn

Separate houses
77.9%
Semi-detached / townhouse
17.4%
Flats & apartments
4.3%

2,966 occupied private dwellings

Local profile · ABS 2021 Census

Who lives in Mount Hawthorn

Median age
37yrs
Household income
$2,890/wk
Rent
$420/wk
Mortgage repayment
$2,518/mth
A short history of Mount Hawthorn

How Mount Hawthorn
was built

Mount Hawthorn, postcode 6016, is an inner-north Perth suburb. Its history is closely tied to the early development of Perth. The housing stock largely reflects this, with a significant number of pre-1970 Federation, Edwardian, and California bungalow cottages. These older homes often sit on a mixed substrate of Bassendean Sand over Perth Coastal Limestone, which can include reactive clay pockets, particularly on the eastern side towards Leederville. This geological mix has implications for foundations and structural stability, making proper sub-floor ventilation crucial for timber-framed homes and careful slab-edge detailing important for newer constructions. While the suburb retains much of its original character, there has been infill development with 1970s-90s townhouses, and limited post-2000 apartment or knockdown-rebuild activity, contributing to a diverse architectural landscape. Our inspections in Mount Hawthorn, with 39 reports, show a balanced distribution across pre-1970 and 1970-2000 eras, highlighting the ongoing presence and maintenance needs of these varied property types.

Top defects in Mount Hawthorn

Five issues we find most.

From 41 SURE inspections in Mount Hawthorn. Each defect is anonymous. No property is identified.

30 defect types indexed across 41 inspections

  1. 01
    29.3%
    of inspections
  2. 02
    31.7%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Surface Water Drainage
    DrainageModerate15 casesCurated entry
  3. 03
    87.8%
    of inspections
    External Wall Cracking Due to Settlement
    StructuralModerate50 casesCurated entry
  4. 04
    29.3%
    of inspections
    Common Cracks and Settlement in Pathways
    FinishesMinor12 casesCurated entry
  5. 05
    48.8%
    of inspections
    Undrained Air Conditioner Overflow
    DrainageMinor20 casesCurated entry
  6. 06
    31.7%
    of inspections
    Debris in Gutters
    DrainageMinor13 casesCurated entry
  7. 07
    53.7%
    of inspections
    Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack
    FinishesCosmetic22 cases
  8. 08
    41.5%
    of inspections
    External Door Paint Deterioration
    FinishesCosmetic17 cases
  9. 09
    19.5%
    of inspections
    Aged External Walls
    FinishesCosmetic8 cases
  10. 10
    36.6%
    of inspections
    Timber in Contact with Ground
    TermiteModerate19 casesCurated entry
  11. 11
    26.8%
    of inspections
    Patched Wall Cracks
    StructuralMinor11 casesCurated entry
  12. 12
    22.0%
    of inspections
  13. 13
    26.8%
    of inspections
    Downpipes Not Connected to Storm Water
    DrainageMajor11 casesCurated entry
  14. 14
    22.0%
    of inspections
  15. 15
    29.3%
    of inspections
    High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds
    TermiteModerate12 casesCurated entry
  16. 16
    29.3%
    of inspections
    Restricted Roof Void Access due to Insulation
    StructuralModerate12 casesCurated entry
  17. 17
    29.3%
    of inspections
    Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation
    StructuralModerate13 casesCurated entry
  18. 18
    19.5%
    of inspections
    Aged Fence Components
    FinishesMinor8 cases
  19. 19
    36.6%
    of inspections
  20. 20
    41.5%
    of inspections
    Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
    Soil & FoundationModerate17 casesCurated entry
  21. 21
    19.5%
    of inspections
    Aged Roof Framing Timbers
    StructuralMinor10 cases
  22. 22
    22.0%
    of inspections
    Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk)
    TermiteModerate9 casesCurated entry
  23. 23
    22.0%
    of inspections
    Disconnected Downpipes
    DrainageModerate9 cases
  24. 24
    19.5%
    of inspections
  25. 25
    19.5%
    of inspections
    Deteriorated Splashback Sealant
    MoistureMinor9 casesCurated entry
  26. 26
    22.0%
    of inspections
    Timber Fungal Decay (Rot) in Fascia and Barge Boards
    StructuralModerate9 casesCurated entry
  27. 27
    19.5%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Slab Edge Exposure
    Soil & FoundationMajor8 cases
  28. 28
    29.3%
    of inspections
    Mulch and Garden Beds Against House
    TermiteMinor12 casesCurated entry
  29. 29
    22.0%
    of inspections
    Missing Ant Caps in Sub-Floor
    TermiteModerate9 cases
  30. 30
    22.0%
    of inspections
    Cracked Roof Mortar
    RoofingModerate11 casesCurated entry
What's included in an inspection here

Inspecting
Mount Hawthorn homes

Mount Hawthorn (postcode 6016) presents a diverse range of properties, from pre-1970 Federation cottages to 1970s-90s townhouses. Our 39 inspections in this Perth suburb frequently identify issues related to its mixed geology of Bassendean Sand and Perth Coastal Limestone. For instance, we have noted External Wall Cracking due to Settlement in 76.9% of reports, often linked to ground movement. We also commonly find Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Cracks in 56.4% of inspections, and Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling in 41.0% of reports, which can contribute to foundation issues. Our inspector, Kim Steele, focuses on these common concerns, along with concealed slab edges and potential termite risks, ensuring a thorough assessment of properties in Mount Hawthorn.

DefectIndex

SURE has indexed 15 defects across 41 inspections in the Perth region. That data underlies every finding we report in Mount Hawthorn.

Location

Mount Hawthorn and surrounding suburbs

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FAQs: Mount Hawthorn inspections

Questions we hear about Mount Hawthorn

What does Mount Hawthorn's geology mean for property buyers?

Mount Hawthorn's geology includes Bassendean Sand over Perth Coastal Limestone, with reactive clay pockets. This mixed substrate means that issues like External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, noted in 76.9% of our reports, can be a concern. We pay close attention to foundations and sub-floor ventilation, especially in older homes, to identify potential impacts of ground movement.

Are termites a common concern in Mount Hawthorn properties?

Yes, our inspections in Mount Hawthorn indicate a High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds in 30.8% of reports. We thoroughly check for conditions that attract termites, such as concealed slab edges (found in 33.3% of reports) and trees in close proximity to dwellings (41.0% of reports). Our reports detail any findings and recommend appropriate actions.

Who will inspect my property in Mount Hawthorn and what is the report turnaround?

Your inspection in Mount Hawthorn (postcode 6016) will be conducted by Kim Steele, a certified inspector for the Perth northern corridor. We aim to deliver your comprehensive report within 24 hours of the inspection where access and availability allow. Additionally, we offer 12 months of free expert advice on your property from the date of your inspection.

What are the most common building defects found in Mount Hawthorn?

Based on an indicative sample of 41 SURE inspections carried out in Mount Hawthorn, the most common defects we identify are: External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack, Undrained Air Conditioner Overflow, Timber in Contact with Ground, Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling.

Are termite or timber pest concerns common in Mount Hawthorn?

Yes. Across 41 inspections in Mount Hawthorn, the most common timber-pest findings include Timber in Contact with Ground, Slab Edge Concealed by Soil, Paving, or Raised Garden Beds, Mulch and Garden Beds Against House. We recommend a timber-pest inspection alongside any pre-purchase building inspection here.

What structural issues are typical for homes in Mount Hawthorn?

Common structural findings we record in Mount Hawthorn include External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation. Each finding is reported alongside remedy recommendations and covered by 12 months free advice.

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9,237 inspections · 242,618 defects found · Inspector-owned franchises

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