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Perth Inner South 10,897 people Built 1970s-90s

Building Inspections in Rivervale, Perth

30 Defects indexed
36 In sample
10,897 Population

Stock profile · ABS 2021 Census

What’s here in Rivervale

Separate houses
42.6%
Semi-detached / townhouse
21.2%
Flats & apartments
36.1%

4,873 occupied private dwellings

Local profile · ABS 2021 Census

Who lives in Rivervale

Median age
34yrs
0
Industry reports covering this area
30
Defects indexed in Rivervale
Suburb
36
Inspections sampled in DefectIndex
A short history of Rivervale

How Rivervale
was built

Rivervale, postcode 6103, is a Perth suburb with a population of 10,897, reflecting a varied development history. Properties here span a mix of eras, including pre-1970 post-war cottages, 1970s-2000s brick-veneer family homes, and more recent 2000s-present apartment and townhouse developments, particularly along the Great Eastern Highway and Optus Stadium corridor. This diverse housing stock means properties of different ages and construction types coexist. The underlying geology of Rivervale transitions from alluvial clay near the Swan River foreshore to Bassendean sand over Guildford Formation clay inland. This reactive clay sub-base is a significant factor in the suburb, often driving settlement findings across properties, regardless of their construction era. Our inspections frequently observe how these geological conditions interact with the various building styles found throughout Rivervale's evolution.

Top defects in Rivervale

Five issues we find most.

From 36 SURE inspections in Rivervale. Each defect is anonymous. No property is identified.

30 defect types indexed across 36 inspections

  1. 01
    52.8%
    of inspections
    Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack
    Finishes Cosmetic 19 cases
  2. 02
    52.8%
    of inspections
    Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
    Soil & Foundation Moderate 19 cases Curated entry
  3. 03
    38.9%
    of inspections
    Mulch and Garden Beds Against House
    Termite Moderate 14 cases Curated entry
  4. 04
    27.8%
    of inspections
    High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds
    Termite Major 11 cases Curated entry
  5. 05
    36.1%
    of inspections
    Undrained Air Conditioner Overflow
    Drainage Moderate 13 cases Curated entry
  6. 06
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Surface Water Drainage
    Drainage Moderate 9 cases Curated entry
  7. 07
    30.6%
    of inspections
    External Door Paint Deterioration
    Finishes Cosmetic 11 cases
  8. 08
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Gyprock Join Cracks
    Finishes Minor 8 cases
  9. 09
    61.1%
    of inspections
    External Wall Cracking Due to Settlement
    Structural Moderate 29 cases Curated entry
  10. 10
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Deteriorated Splashback Sealant
    Moisture Minor 8 cases Curated entry
  11. 11
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Stains on Garage Floor
    Finishes Cosmetic 6 cases
  12. 12
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Slab Edge Exposure
    Soil & Foundation Moderate 7 cases
  13. 13
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk)
    Termite Moderate 7 cases Curated entry
  14. 14
    30.6%
    of inspections
  15. 15
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Timber in Contact with Ground
    Termite Moderate 11 cases Curated entry
  16. 16
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Aged Roof Framing Timbers
    Structural Minor 7 cases
  17. 17
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Cracked Roof Mortar
    Roofing Moderate 11 cases Curated entry
  18. 18
    22.2%
    of inspections
    Tree Stumps on Site
    Termite Moderate 8 cases Curated entry
  19. 19
    13.9%
    of inspections
  20. 20
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Inaccessible Roof Space Top Plates
    Termite Moderate 5 cases Curated entry
  21. 21
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Air Conditioner Overflow Not Diverted
    Plumbing Moderate 6 cases Curated entry
  22. 22
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation
    Structural Moderate 8 cases Curated entry
  23. 23
    13.9%
    of inspections
  24. 24
    16.7%
    of inspections
  25. 25
    13.9%
    of inspections
  26. 26
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Excessive Moisture Readings
    Moisture Major 6 cases Curated entry
  27. 27
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Restricted Roof Void Access due to Insulation
    Structural Moderate 6 cases Curated entry
  28. 28
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Disconnected Downpipes
    Drainage Moderate 5 cases
  29. 29
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Debris in Gutters
    Drainage Minor 5 cases Curated entry
  30. 30
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Timber Fungal Decay (Rot) in Fascia and Barge Boards
    Structural Moderate 5 cases Curated entry

Common issues in Rivervale

External Wall Cracking due to Settlement Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
What's included in an inspection here

Inspecting
Rivervale homes

In Rivervale, postcode 6103, our inspections cover properties across its varied construction eras, from pre-1970 cottages to modern apartments. We pay close attention to the suburb's geology, which transitions from alluvial clay to Bassendean sand over Guildford Formation clay. This reactive clay sub-base is a key factor, and we frequently identify external wall cracking due to settlement, noted in 57.6% of our reports. Other common findings include Bedroom 2 ceiling/cornice join cracks in 54.5% of inspections and trees in close proximity to dwellings in 48.5% of reports. Our inspector, Kim Steele, thoroughly assesses these and other potential issues, providing a clear understanding of the property's condition.

DefectIndex

SURE has indexed 30 defects across 36 inspections in the Perth region. That data underlies every finding we report in Rivervale.

Location

Rivervale and surrounding suburbs

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Tiles © CARTO

FAQs — Rivervale inspections

Questions we hear about Rivervale

How does Rivervale's geology affect properties?

Rivervale's geology transitions from alluvial clay near the Swan River to Bassendean sand over Guildford Formation clay inland. This reactive clay sub-base often contributes to settlement findings, such as external wall cracking, which we noted in 57.6% of our reports here. Our inspections assess how these geological conditions may impact a property.

Are termites a common concern in Rivervale?

Yes, our inspections in Rivervale have identified 'High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds' in 24.2% of reports. We also frequently find issues like 'Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling' and 'Tree Stumps on Site', which can increase termite risk. Our inspectors, like Kim Steele, are trained to identify these environmental factors and potential pest entry points.

Who conducts inspections in Rivervale and what support is offered?

Inspections in Rivervale, postcode 6103, are conducted by experienced inspectors like Kim Steele, who covers the Perth northern and north-eastern corridor. After your inspection, you receive a detailed report within 24 hours. We also provide 12 months of free phone advice with Kim or another qualified inspector to discuss any concerns about your property.

What are the most common building defects found in Rivervale?

Based on an indicative sample of 36 SURE inspections carried out in Rivervale, the most common defects we identify are: External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack, Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling, Mulch and Garden Beds Against House, Undrained Air Conditioner Overflow.

Are termite or timber pest concerns common in Rivervale?

Yes. Across 36 inspections in Rivervale, the most common timber-pest findings include Mulch and Garden Beds Against House, Timber in Contact with Ground, High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds. We recommend a timber-pest inspection alongside any pre-purchase building inspection here.

What structural issues are typical for homes in Rivervale?

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

Is moisture a concern in Rivervale homes?

Deteriorated Splashback Sealant and Excessive Moisture Readings are among the moisture-related findings recorded across 36 inspections in Rivervale. Our inspectors use moisture-meter readings to quantify any issue they detect.

Built to last. Inspected to be SURE.

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

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