Dilapidation report & survey

What is a dilapidation report?

A dilapidation report is a summary of damage done to nearby buildings while demolition is being performed. Before and after dilapidation reports are standard in comparing existing or new damage.

What does a dilapidation report include?

Dilapidation reports commonly contain the following information:

Notes

Notes on the structural condition, noticeable water condition and external damage from wear and tear are essential in highlighting the beginning condition of a structure.

Measurements

The measurements of a nearby building can offer a summary of any movement that occurs once the demolition has begun.

Photographs

Pictures of crumbling concrete, water pipes in need of repair and other damages can prove that there were existing problems before the demolition occurred.

Diagrams

Making diagrams of specific areas can be used as a comparison to before and after areas of foundations, previous building inspection details and places where pictures are not possible.

Benefits of dilapidation reports

The benefit of dilapidation reports includes preventing damages to surrounding buildings. However, more importantly, other parties accusing you of damaging their property from your equipment. The reports are offered before and after a job. The facts are clear if damages have happened due to unintentional moves by your company.

Do I need a report of dilapidation?

Any time a contractor is bringing in large equipment or moving soil, the potential for damage is a threat. Just the vibration of motors running can cause harm to unsecured items. It is recommended that before you, or your neighbours, begin a construction project, a report of dilapidation should be ordered.

Another form of inspection is called a building works inspection report. This report is used when a project changes hands in the middle of the work. Making notes and taking photographs at the changeover and the end will provide an accurate picture of where a new contractor’s work began.

Residential vs commercial dilapidation reports

Dilapidation reports for residential or commercial properties can vary in structures and ground type. Laws are often not the same for the two different sites. Residential sites may have more personal items to deal with. In contrast, commercial areas are more concerned with structural and drainage issues. However, both are important in the claims that could be made when a job is completed.

What is the difference between dilapidation reports and dilapidation surveys?

A dilapidation survey report deals with the current condition and areas that may be prone to damage. While the damage is not visible at the time, a weakened foundation could become damaged by heavy equipment.

Only a professional commercial dilapidations assessment can provide the tell-tale signs of potential problems. Restoration of damage is also much more manageable when a dilapidation survey is available. Dilapidation reports rely mainly on the physical evidence of the before and after scenes.

How to hire a dilapidations report expert

A dilapidations report expert will be a professional within the building trade. They must not be associated with the owners or construction company. By using a third party, a neutral, unbiased report is presented.

A dilapidation inspection is much like a home inspection where training and experience are necessary. Only a qualified commercial or residential contractor will understand the essentials of how structures and large equipment can be impacted. Your local building authority can provide you with a list of qualified individuals to perform a before and after inspection.

Once you have a list of qualified dilapidation inspection individuals, use further research to determine which one is best for your particular situation. Ask questions such as:

• Are you licensed?
• How long have you practised in the area?
• Has your work ever been questioned?
• Can you provide a list of references?

Also, get estimates on the dilapidation reports. Depending on the area and the amount of work involved, the prices will be different. For example, in Sydney, a residential dwelling by one company is $700, and a commercial property begins at $850. Be sure to compare apples to apples when getting more than one quote to get an accurate comparison of the competitors.

Dilapidation reports are not cheap. However, they are worth the time and money when considering significant repairs that could be necessary.