What is a Dilapidation Report?
A dilapidation report, also called a dilapidation survey is a way to document the condition of a property in your Geelong or Surf Coast area, that is located in close proximity to adjoining property building works.
Although this is usually organised by the builder as part of their process. An adjoining property owner may also request the builder to organise the dilapidation survey or have one conducted themselves.
There is no obligation on the builder to conduct a dilapidation survey. However if protection works have been issued as part of a building permit then the building surveyor will usually request one as part of the building permit process.
It’s an important report, as it acts as a critical piece of evidence in the event of disputes or claims of property damage, providing a clear and objective record of the condition of the affected property and surroundings before and after construction.
Having an accurate account of the condition of select areas within the location of the proposed construction provides a benchmark.
This provides a safeguard against claims that the construction you are undertaking was the cause of the alleged damage.
Why Get a Geelong Dilapidation Survey?
Councils and neighbours may make a claim that the building works you are undertaking have caused damage to their walls, floors, roof, driveway, fencing, sidewalks, gutters or any number of assets.
If you haven’t surveyed the condition of the property and surrounds before you start works on your property in Geelong or surf coast, then you have no way to prove that your construction did not cause the damage.
This can send you down the litigation path and you may end up in court having to prove your innocence. That’s costly, stressful and is likely to produce a negative result.
Then, if you lose, you will be forced to rectify damage by engaging trades and paying to fix any defects.
What a Dilapidation Report from Home Building Assist May Prevent
- Budget blowouts from being ordered to fix damage
- Conflict with councils or multiple parties
- Time spent in meetings discussing damage that you didn’t cause
- Litigation
Having a dilapidation report is like having insurance. Why risk your building project without one?
Who Conducts the Dilapidation Survey?
Generally an independent building inspector is responsible for the survey. This ensures impartiality and instills trust for all parties.
In Victoria, you don’t need to be experienced nor have certification to show you are a qualified building inspector. Our Home Building Assist building inspector is local to Geelong and Surf coast and has obtained the QMB residential inspector certificate, is a registered builder with over 3 decades of experience, a HIA member and knows what to look for to provide a meticulous report.
How Long Does it Take an Independent Building Inspector to Provide a Condition Report?
Depending on the size of your construction site and adjoining property, it takes between 2 to 3 hours to assess and document the condition of the specified area.
When Will I Receive the Dilapidation Report After Inspection?
The Home Building Assist inspector will provide you with your report within 48 hours of conducting the inspection.
Having a dilapidation report is not mandatory however, is it worth the risk not to get one?
