A dilapidation report is also another name for a property condition survey. It’s an important document that records the existing condition of adjoining property to your proposed construction site in Geelong, Victoria. This is carried out by an independent building inspector in Geelong.

Do I need a Dilapidation Report?

As a builder, you anticipate that your construction projects don’t cause unintended damage to neighbouring properties and local council surrounds. By going ahead without documenting the existing condition of adjoining properties, you have no benchmark.

Even in cases where it is not a requirement, we believe it’s important for a few reasons.

Protecting Yourself

To ensure you don’t foot the bill for damage that was pre-existing, you will want a dilapidation report.

As a result, if allegations are raised about damage caused by your construction, to neighbouring walls, council roads or gutters, you have proof that your building project did not cause the damage.

The benefit to you is that the condition report can also be referenced at any stage as evidence and assurance.

Consideration for Geelong Neighbours

Completing a dilapidation survey shows you are considerate of neighbours, councils and their property. It’s important to have open and honest communication and reduce your risk of litigation.

Start off on the right foot by:

1. Having us document the condition of adjoining property.
2. Keeping communication open with your neighbours.
3. Letting neighbours know you are available for any questions they have.
4. Referencing the dilapidation report to avoid disputes.

If you are a builder doing major construction work within one meter of the adjoining neighbouring properties, then you should have a dilapidation report to reduce your risk of litigation.

It can become a problem for you if you don’t document the existing conditions and you end up at a tribunal.

Potentially, if a complaint is made that you caused damage, you put yourself at risk of footing the bill as there is no pre-existing proof to show otherwise.

It’s simply not worth the risk, especially with the budgets that builders work from in the current conditions.

The Home Building Assist dilapidation report is a worthwhile, small monetary investment to ensure you are protected. Sometimes people try to cash in to improve pre-existing damage to their own property, implying that you were the cause.

When Should I Get a Dilapidation Report?

For builders; if as part of your building permit, protection works are required then that should trigger the need for a dilapidation report from Home Building Assist.

As a property owner; if a builder does not provide a dilapidation report, then you can request one or have us provide one for you, for peace of mind.

It is critical that we survey the area before any work commenced so book in with our building inspector as soon as you have the go-ahead.

Unlike a protection work notice, it’s not mandatory, but having one will help to avoid disputes.

Here’s how Home Building Assist help: