Dilapidation reports built to survive a damage claim.
A dilapidation report is a photographic and written record of the condition of a construction site's adjoining structures and surrounding areas — undertaken before and after works to identify any changes. When a claim is made, it's the evidence that defends the project.
A complete record of the property, inside and out.
Detailed description
Property age, construction type and notable features of every inspected structure.
Existing damage & defects
Cracks, settling, movement, leaks and wear — recorded with severity and location.
Photographic & video record
High-resolution, location-referenced imagery — ultra-high-quality and defensible.
Geo-referenced imagery
GPS-logged capture so pre- and post-works images compare to the exact spot.
Recommendations
Repair or maintenance recommendations where existing issues are identified.
Summary of findings
Clear conclusions and a defensible record, signed off by our engineers.
Before works begin on adjacent properties.
Reports are typically required before construction, renovation or demolition on neighbouring properties — and are often a condition of a development application (DA) consent.
- →A DA consent condition requiring condition reports on adjoining properties
- →Vibration-sensitive works beginning near third-party property
- →Neighbour-complaint risk or an insurance / legal exposure clause
- →Major nearby works — roadworks, excavation, tunnelling or high-rise development
The pair is what makes a claim defensible.
The baseline
The documented condition of every adjoining property before works begin — the reference point against which any later claim is measured.
The comparison
A matching record after works complete, identifying any change so damage is proven or disproven on the evidence — not on argument.
Our 6-step methodology.
Every report compliant with Australian Standard AS 4349.0.
Services Proposal
Desktop review of requirements, scope defined, and a detailed itemised quote with clarity on pricing, methodology and deliverables.
Project Kick-Off
Access logistics confirmed, a dedicated project coordinator assigned, scheduling and stakeholder communications managed for on-time bookings.
Access Arrangement
Access initiated via doorknocks, SMS, postal letters, calls and emails; every attempt recorded to maximise inspection success rates.
Perform Surveys
An engineer attends site to capture high-resolution visual records with wide/zoom lenses, GPS logging and crack gauges — photos, video and structured annotations.
Report Delivery
Precise defect categorisation with location-referenced imagery and professional sign-off, compliant with Australian Standards including AS 4349.0.
Project Closeout
A comprehensive PDF summary with inspection dates, access efforts and report links, then transition to accounts for final invoicing.
The right technique for every asset.
From a single residential build to major infrastructure — we match the capture method to the asset so the record is defensible, not just a folder of photos.
Dilapidation reports, answered.
What is a dilapidation report, and why do I need one?+
A dilapidation report documents a property's condition before construction, renovation or demolition works on adjacent properties. It creates a baseline record of existing defects to protect all parties from disputes about damage during works. Reports are typically required by owners, builders, developers, councils and building surveyors as a condition of approval, and they help mitigate future damage claims.
Who is responsible for obtaining a dilapidation report?+
Generally the property owner, builder or developer arranges and pays for the report. Regulatory authorities or councils may require it as an approval condition. While one party usually bears responsibility, all affected parties — neighbouring owners, tenants and others potentially impacted — benefit from having the report.
When should I get a dilapidation report?+
Ideally before any construction, renovation or demolition works begin on adjacent properties — as early as possible. They're also advisable near major works such as roadworks, excavation or high-rise development that could impact the property.
What is included in a dilapidation report?+
A comprehensive record of the inspected property's condition, interior and exterior: property age, construction type and notable features; existing damage or defects such as cracks, settling or leaks; nearby construction that may impact the property; photographs or video documentation; repair or maintenance recommendations; and a summary of findings.
How long does it take to complete a dilapidation report?+
A standard residential inspection typically takes two to four hours; larger commercial properties or complex structures take longer. Report writing afterwards can take several days to weeks depending on complexity. Allow sufficient time before construction begins to document pre-existing conditions accurately.
Can I use a previous dilapidation report for a new project?+
Previous reports aren't recommended because property conditions change over time and new damage may have occurred. A fresh report for each project ensures accuracy, and some authorities require a recent report as an approval condition.
What happens if the dilapidation report identifies issues?+
The report outlines the specific problems and severity, with recommendations such as crack repair, wall reinforcement or foundation stabilisation. A pre-construction report serves as the reference point for determining new damage during works, supporting compensation claims and prompt resolution.
Dilapidation reports near you.
Need a dilapidation report scoped?
Tell us the project, location and adjoining properties — we'll scope it.