Building Dilapidation Report

When construction works, excavation, boring or demolition is to be conducted on a site, it can be necessary to conduct a dilapidation report for any adjacent structures. This is not the same as a standard inspection and defect report; it just records the condition and integrity of the neighbouring structures and surrounds before any work is carried out.

Purpose of the Report

One of our Melbourne property inspection services is preparing a dilapidation report for Melbourne’s clients and councils. These are conducted to document the condition of a building prior to construction, development or demolition works commencing on a neighbouring property.
Conducting a dilapidation survey both before and after works makes it possible to assess what conditions were pre-existing, and what damage was or was not likely to have been the result of the construction or excavation works.

Council requirements

It is likely that council will only approve a development adjacent to other buildings on the condition that a dilapidation survey is lodged by an independent qualified professional engineer, such as our expert Melbourne property report team. Councils usually require about four copies of the dilapidation report, each containing copies of colour images of the various details of the existing building.

Why Choose Our Services?

Our dilapidation report contains each and every detail about the comprehensive inspections conducted by our team. We prepare easy to comprehend reports and place relevant images in addition to an independent assessment of the building. We utilise the latest tools and machinery to conduct the assessment and identify potential structural defects in and around your property.

Who Orders a Dilapidation Report?

Usually, the contractor carrying out the new construction work is the one who orders the report, for submission with their Notice of Commencement to the council. The dilapidation report is often a condition of the contract, as required by the council, Melbourne Water, or in the case of demolition, an insurance company. However, anyone can order a separate dilapidation survey for their own peace of mind.

How Much Does a Report On Dilapidation Cost?

When assessing dilapidation, cost will depend on the particular structure/s in question. Please contact us for a quote for your particular job.

Below-Ground Risk

If the work to be carried out involves below-ground structures – such as underground parking, or deep foundations for a multi-storey building – then a dilapidation works report is essential in case this work affects the foundations or structure of the existing building. In these cases, a copy of the dilapidation survey needs to be provided to the owner of the existing building.

Vibration damage risk

Similarly, with any construction work likely to produce significant vibration, such as excavation, demolition or road building, it is important to have a dilapidation report in Melbourne as a record of the original state of an adjacent existing building in case the vibration affects either the structure or fabric of the building.

Council property

Sometimes a local council can make a request that a dilapidation works report include council property – such as the road surface, curbs and gutters, footpath and signs – in case these are damaged by heavy construction vehicles.

Claim justification

The dilapidation works we conduct prior to adjacent construction work will establish the true condition of the existing structure, and the final inspection will establish the condition after construction has been completed. The existence of the report eliminates the potential of unnecessary legal costs – but where damage does occur, it can justify a claim for rectification or reparation.

Avoiding litigation

In Melbourne, property reports on dilapidation carried out by Casey can sometimes inform owners and buyers of potential structural faults or problems in an existing building that they may not have been aware of. This knowledge, which can be especially invaluable for first home buyers and those interested in participating in house auctions, can prevent any inappropriate blaming of the builder of the adjacent property and avoids both bad feelings and inappropriate litigation.

What is included in the report

Dilapidation survey report typically includes things like notes, measurements, photographs and diagrams, usually signed by the owner of the property being inspected and the party undertaking the works. They document cracks or other damage to an existing building, and the construction material used not only in the structure(s) on the property but also in the driveways and footpaths. Other features on the property surrounding it are documented. Included are both major and minor faults like loose roof tiles and minor ceiling cracks.

Final inspection

Once the construction work has been completed, a final inspection is carried out, and any change or damage to the existing building is recorded. Appropriate steps can then be taken for remediation of any damage now that the report dilapidation report clearly demonstrates the ‘before and after’ case.

Contact us today

As an independent Melbourne property report and building inspection agency, Casey Building Inspections services Melbourne, Gippsland, the Mornington Peninsula, and all surrounding suburbs.
Are you still wondering, ‘What is a dilapidation report?’ Just get in touch. We’re happy to provide more information on all of our services, including dilapidation cost information.

Phone: 0488 339 686
Email: admin@caseybuildinginspections.com.au