Possible Shower Leak Found During a Pre-Purchase Inspection in Highton

Inspection: Pre-Purchase Building and Timber Pest Inspection
Location: Highton
Finding: Signs of a possible shower leak

I’m Billy Ferguson, a Registered Builder with over 15 years’ residential construction experience. I found this issue during a Pre-Purchase Building and Timber Pest Inspection in Highton.

The shower base showed signs of a previous repair, but moisture testing identified a more significant concern.

What I Found

I tested the shower walls with an electronic moisture meter, which recorded significant readings in several areas.

There was also visible water damage to the plaster and skirting beside the shower, along with further deterioration in the shower base.

Together, these findings suggested a possible leak or moisture ingress.

Why It Mattered

Moisture testing can identify areas where moisture may be present, but it can’t show exactly what is happening behind the tiles or walls.

Further investigation was recommended to confirm where the moisture was coming from and whether there was any concealed damage.

If You’re Buying in Highton

This is exactly the kind of issue that’s easy to miss during an open inspection — and expensive to miss altogether.

If you’re buying in Highton or the wider Geelong region, a pre-purchase inspection helps you find out what’s going on before it becomes yours to deal with.

Book a Pre-Purchase Building and Timber Pest Inspection →

Common Questions

Can a shower leak be found during a building inspection?

An electronic moisture meter can identify elevated moisture readings in shower walls and surrounding areas, even when the visible signs are limited. It can’t confirm the exact cause or extent of the damage, but it helps identify areas requiring further investigation.

What happens if moisture is found during a pre-purchase inspection?

The finding is documented in the report with photographs and an explanation of what may require further attention. Further investigation, which may involve opening the affected area, can then be recommended to identify the source and determine whether any concealed materials have been damaged.

Does a defect like this mean I shouldn’t buy the property?

Not necessarily. It gives you the information needed to make an informed decision — whether that means seeking specialist advice, budgeting for repairs or discussing the finding before you commit.