Residential Dilapidation Reports
Land and housing are among the most stable and lucrative personal assets — so when construction work is planned, you don't want to cut corners on having the site correctly evaluated for dilapidation before any work begins.
Cover all bases — before and after.
Many councils now require a dilapidation inspection prior to construction on a residential site, and a post-construction inspection is strongly recommended too. Mitigate any risk of claims from your council or your neighbours by engaging a reputable company that specialises in residential dilapidation reporting.
Structural engineers and expert building inspectors.
AusDilaps was originally established to service an increasing demand for residential dilapidation services. Our specialist team is a collection of experienced structural engineers and expert building inspectors — knowledgeable in their field and able to pinpoint issues that may arise during a construction project.
Every neighbour- and council-owned asset at risk.
Our reports detail existing issues or damage to council- or neighbour-owned assets such as driveways, retaining walls, roadways, pools, fences, buildings and landscaping. We liaise closely with you on-site and off — pre-construction, during, and post-construction — and tailor each report to your project, no matter its size or complexity.
- →Driveways, roadways and kerbing
- →Retaining walls and fences
- →Pools and landscaping
- →Buildings and adjoining structures
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.
Residential 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.
Related services
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