Do you own property in Victoria? Your property may not be showing obvious signs of damage following last week’s earthquake, but fatal flaws may be hiding beneath the surface. Read on to find out where to look to uncover what could be deadly faults.

“One of the most vulnerable  and dangerous parts of the home is the single brick  parapet  above garage doors  which is popular for  basketball ring installation which has featured  in deaths and serious injury,” explained Archicentre general manager David Hallett.

“Leaning walls or brick fences which had previously had cracks should be carefully checked along with any decks and elevated water tanks on old timber stands.”

He warned, however, that safety needs to be top of mind when assessing the extent of any damage. Cracks in walls and ceiling, for example – especially in older homes where there is considerable weight in lathe and plaster ceilings – should be treated with caution, and will require the attention of a qualified professional.

“Anyone getting  repairs carried out on their  home  should get at least three quotes to ensure they are paying a fair price,” said Hallet .

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