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PerthInner South10,897 peopleBuilt 1970s-90s

Building Inspections in Rivervale, Perth

30Defects indexed
36In sample
10,897Population

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
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
    FinishesCosmetic19 cases
  2. 02
    52.8%
    of inspections
    Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
    Soil & FoundationModerate19 casesCurated entry
  3. 03
    38.9%
    of inspections
    Mulch and Garden Beds Against House
    TermiteModerate14 casesCurated entry
  4. 04
    27.8%
    of inspections
    High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds
    TermiteMajor11 casesCurated entry
  5. 05
    36.1%
    of inspections
    Undrained Air Conditioner Overflow
    DrainageModerate13 casesCurated entry
  6. 06
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Surface Water Drainage
    DrainageModerate9 casesCurated entry
  7. 07
    30.6%
    of inspections
    External Door Paint Deterioration
    FinishesCosmetic11 cases
  8. 08
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Gyprock Join Cracks
    FinishesMinor8 cases
  9. 09
    61.1%
    of inspections
    External Wall Cracking Due to Settlement
    StructuralModerate29 casesCurated entry
  10. 10
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Deteriorated Splashback Sealant
    MoistureMinor8 casesCurated entry
  11. 11
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Stains on Garage Floor
    FinishesCosmetic6 cases
  12. 12
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Slab Edge Exposure
    Soil & FoundationModerate7 cases
  13. 13
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk)
    TermiteModerate7 casesCurated entry
  14. 14
    22.2%
    of inspections
    Tree Stumps on Site
    TermiteModerate8 casesCurated entry
  15. 15
    30.6%
    of inspections
  16. 16
    19.4%
    of inspections
    Cracked Roof Mortar
    RoofingModerate11 casesCurated entry
  17. 17
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Timber in Contact with Ground
    TermiteModerate11 casesCurated entry
  18. 18
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Aged Roof Framing Timbers
    StructuralMinor7 cases
  19. 19
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Air Conditioner Overflow Not Diverted
    PlumbingModerate6 casesCurated entry
  20. 20
    13.9%
    of inspections
  21. 21
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Porch Ceiling Lining Join Cracks
    FinishesCosmetic5 cases
  22. 22
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation
    StructuralModerate8 casesCurated entry
  23. 23
    16.7%
    of inspections
  24. 24
    13.9%
    of inspections
  25. 25
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Excessive Moisture Readings
    MoistureMajor6 casesCurated entry
  26. 26
    13.9%
    of inspections
  27. 27
    16.7%
    of inspections
    Restricted Roof Void Access due to Insulation
    StructuralModerate6 casesCurated entry
  28. 28
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Debris in Gutters
    DrainageMinor5 casesCurated entry
  29. 29
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Disconnected Downpipes
    DrainageModerate5 cases
  30. 30
    13.9%
    of inspections
    Timber Fungal Decay (Rot) in Fascia and Barge Boards
    StructuralModerate5 casesCurated entry

Common issues in Rivervale

External Wall Cracking due to SettlementBedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join CrackTrees 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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Tiles © Esri · Esri, HERE, Garmin, © OpenStreetMap contributors, and the GIS user community

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, Slab Edge Concealed by Soil, Paving, or Raised Garden Beds. 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.

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

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