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Perth Inner South 4,894 people Built 1970s-90s

Building Inspections in St James, Perth

30 Defects indexed
24 In sample
4,894 Population

Stock profile · ABS 2021 Census

What’s here in St James

Separate houses
70.0%
Semi-detached / townhouse
25.7%
Flats & apartments
4.1%

1,937 occupied private dwellings

Local profile · ABS 2021 Census

Who lives in St James

Median age
32yrs
0
Industry reports covering this area
30
Defects indexed in St James
Suburb
24
Inspections sampled in DefectIndex
A short history of St James

How St James
was built

St James, postcode 6102, has developed across several eras, with our inspections showing a significant presence of 1970s-2000s brick-veneer homes, alongside a modern cohort of 2000s-present townhouses and some earlier pre-1970 post-war residences. The suburb's geology, characterised by Bassendean sand over reactive Guildford Formation clay, has historically influenced property conditions, particularly contributing to settlement cracking observed in many structures. This geological foundation means properties here often require careful assessment for ground movement-related issues.

Top defects in St James

Five issues we find most.

From 24 SURE inspections in St James. Each defect is anonymous. No property is identified.

30 defect types indexed across 24 inspections

  1. 01
    45.8%
    of inspections
    External Door Paint Deterioration
    Finishes Cosmetic 18 cases
  2. 02
    50.0%
    of inspections
    Excessive Moisture Readings
    Moisture Major 12 cases Curated entry
  3. 03
    41.7%
    of inspections
    Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk)
    Termite Moderate 10 cases Curated entry
  4. 04
    45.8%
    of inspections
    Restricted Roof Void Access due to Insulation
    Structural Moderate 12 cases Curated entry
  5. 05
    41.7%
    of inspections
    Cracked Roof Mortar
    Roofing Moderate 16 cases Curated entry
  6. 06
    29.2%
    of inspections
    Inaccessible Roof Space Top Plates
    Termite Moderate 7 cases Curated entry
  7. 07
    37.5%
    of inspections
    Downpipes Not Connected to Storm Water
    Drainage Moderate 9 cases Curated entry
  8. 08
    50.0%
    of inspections
    Mulch and Garden Beds Against House
    Termite Moderate 12 cases Curated entry
  9. 09
    20.8%
    of inspections
    Nail Popping in Hallway Ceiling
    Finishes Cosmetic 8 cases
  10. 10
    33.3%
    of inspections
    Aged Roof Framing Timbers
    Structural Minor 8 cases
  11. 11
    45.8%
    of inspections
    Undrained Air Conditioner Overflow
    Drainage Moderate 11 cases Curated entry
  12. 12
    29.2%
    of inspections
    Outdated Termite Treatment Barrier
    Termite Major 7 cases Curated entry
  13. 13
    29.2%
    of inspections
    Moss Build-up on Roof Tiles
    Roofing Minor 7 cases
  14. 14
    20.8%
    of inspections
  15. 15
    54.2%
    of inspections
    Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
    Soil & Foundation Moderate 13 cases Curated entry
  16. 16
    29.2%
    of inspections
    Obstructed Roof Void due to Insulation
    Structural Moderate 9 cases Curated entry
  17. 17
    66.7%
    of inspections
    External Wall Cracking Due to Settlement
    Structural Moderate 25 cases Curated entry
  18. 18
    29.2%
    of inspections
  19. 19
    41.7%
    of inspections
  20. 20
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Eave Lining Stains
    Roofing Minor 6 cases Curated entry
  21. 21
    33.3%
    of inspections
    Timber in Contact with Ground
    Termite Moderate 10 cases Curated entry
  22. 22
    41.7%
    of inspections
    Bedroom 2 Ceiling/Cornice Join Crack
    Finishes Cosmetic 10 cases
  23. 23
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Timber Fungal Decay (Rot) in Fascia and Barge Boards
    Structural Moderate 6 cases Curated entry
  24. 24
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Inadequate Surface Water Drainage
    Drainage Minor 6 cases Curated entry
  25. 25
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Leaking Gutters
    Roofing Moderate 6 cases Curated entry
  26. 26
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Surface Rust on Pergola Frame
    Finishes Minor 6 cases Curated entry
  27. 27
    20.8%
    of inspections
  28. 28
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Leaning Fence Sections
    Structural Moderate 6 cases Curated entry
  29. 29
    25.0%
    of inspections
    Tree Stumps on Site
    Termite Moderate 6 cases Curated entry
  30. 30
    20.8%
    of inspections
    High Termite Risk Due to Environmental Surrounds
    Termite Moderate 5 cases Curated entry

Common issues in St James

External Wall Cracking due to Settlement Excessive Moisture Readings Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling
What's included in an inspection here

Inspecting
St James homes

In St James (postcode 6102), our inspections frequently uncover issues related to the suburb's geology of Bassendean sand over reactive Guildford Formation clay. This contributes to External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, found in 57.1% of our reports. We also commonly identify Excessive Moisture Readings and Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling, each present in 47.6% of inspections. Our findings reflect the mixed housing stock, from pre-1970 post-war homes to 2000s-present townhouses. Inspector Kim Steele thoroughly examines these common defects and other potential concerns across all property types in St James.

DefectIndex

SURE has indexed 30 defects across 24 inspections in the Perth region. That data underlies every finding we report in St James.

Location

St James and surrounding suburbs

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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors · Tiles © CARTO

FAQs — St James inspections

Questions we hear about St James

What does the geology of St James mean for property buyers?

St James is built on Bassendean sand over Guildford Formation clay, which includes a reactive clay sub-base. This geological composition can contribute to ground movement, and we frequently observe External Wall Cracking due to Settlement in 57.1% of our reports in the 6102 area. Our inspectors, like Kim Steele, are experienced in identifying issues related to these soil conditions.

Are termites a concern in St James properties?

Yes, termite risk is a consideration in St James. Our inspections have identified Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk) in 42.9% of reports. We specifically check for conditions conducive to pest activity and recommend further pest inspections where risks are noted.

Who conducts inspections in St James and what can I expect after the report?

Inspections in St James are conducted by experienced professionals like Kim Steele, who is certified with CPPHON4013 and CPPUPM3008. We aim to deliver your comprehensive report within 24 hours of the inspection where access and availability allow. Following this, you receive 12 months of free expert advice from our team, ensuring you have ongoing support for your property decisions.

What are the most common building defects found in St James?

Based on an indicative sample of 24 SURE inspections carried out in St James, the most common defects we identify are: External Wall Cracking due to Settlement, External Door Paint Deterioration, Cracked Roof Mortar, Trees in Close Proximity to Dwelling, Mulch and Garden Beds Against House.

Are termite or timber pest concerns common in St James?

Yes. Across 24 inspections in St James, the most common timber-pest findings include Mulch and Garden Beds Against House, Timber in Contact with Ground, Concealed Internal Wall Areas (Termite Risk). We recommend a timber-pest inspection alongside any pre-purchase building inspection here.

What structural issues are typical for homes in St James?

Common structural findings we record in St James 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 St James homes?

Excessive Moisture Readings are among the moisture-related findings recorded across 24 inspections in St James. 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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