Double brick homes are exactly what they sound like: two layers of brick with a cavity between them, rather than the single brick skin of a brick veneer home. They're solid, durable, and hold their temperature well, which is why they're prized in many parts of Australia. But solid construction doesn't mean problem-free, and the issues that affect double brick are different to those of a veneer or weatherboard home.
Reading the brickwork
Start outside and look closely at the brick walls, because with double brick the brickwork is the structure, not just the cladding. Cracks matter more here. Fine hairline cracks are usually cosmetic, but stepped diagonal cracks through the mortar, horizontal cracks, or cracks wider than about 5mm can indicate movement in the building and warrant a building inspector's opinion.
Look for white powdery deposits on the brick surface. This is efflorescence, caused by moisture moving through the brick and leaving salt behind. On double brick, also look low down near the base of the walls for salt damp, where rising moisture from the ground brings salts up into the brick, causing the surface to crumble and flake. This is called 'spalling' — where the face of the brick breaks away leaving a rough, pitted surface, and it's a sign of long-term moisture damage that's costly to remediate.
Check the mortar between the bricks. Older double brick homes sometimes have mortar that has deteriorated to a powdery, crumbling state, which lets water in and weakens the wall.
Moisture and drainage
As with any home, water causes the most expensive problems. Walk the perimeter and check the ground slopes away from the house. Look at gutters and downpipes for rust, sagging, and water being directed against the walls rather than away.
Inside, check the lowest section of the walls for damp, staining, bubbling paint, or a musty smell. Double brick can hold moisture in the cavity between the two leaves of brick, so signs of damp low on internal walls are worth taking seriously. In wet areas, tap the tiles. A hollow sound can mean failed waterproofing or spot-fixed tiles.
Inside the home
Look up in every room for ceiling cracks, sagging, or water staining, and check the cornice line where wall meets ceiling. Walk the floors and feel for unevenness or bounce. Open and close internal doors too — consistent sticking can indicate structural movement.
If the home is double storey, check the staircase and balustrade. Push and pull the balustrade firmly to confirm it's solid.
The things people forget
Check which way the main living area faces. North-facing living spaces are warmer in winter and cheaper to run, and your phone's compass will tell you the orientation in seconds. Note the age of the hot water system if you can find it, since replacement is a meaningful cost. And pay attention to how the layout actually feels to move through, because that's what you live with long after the inspection.
What this doesn't replace
Inspecting carefully helps you decide which homes are worth pursuing; it doesn't replace a professional building and pest inspection, which you should always commission before making an offer. A licensed inspector can assess structural matters and access areas you can't. Use your own inspection as the filter that tells you which properties are worth that next step.