Dilapidation Reports
A record of a property's condition before building work starts nearby.
A dilapidation report records the condition of a property before building or demolition work starts nearby. We prepare them across Melbourne for residential property, commercial property and council assets.
What the Building Act says
Where your building surveyor decides protection work, such as underpinning or shoring up, is needed for a neighbouring property, section 94 of the Building Act 1993 requires a survey of that property before the protection work starts. The owner doing the building work makes it with the neighbour, recording all the property's existing cracks and defects.
Council assets
A dilapidation report on council assets records the condition of the council's assets next to a building site before work starts. Glen Eira City Council, for example, lists its assets as footpaths, nature strips, kerb and channels, pavement, stormwater drains, trees and signs. It asks the person in charge of a building site to report existing damage before building works start and says this protects them from having to pay for it.
What it costs
- Residential property: $595 + GST
- Commercial property: $795 + GST
- Council assets only: $795 + GST
We inspect across metropolitan Melbourne. A travel fee of $100 + GST may apply for Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Phillip Island, Warragul and the areas around them.
How a Dilapidation Report Works
Tell us about the works
The address, what's being built or demolished and when it starts.
We book a time
A time to inspect the property before any of the works begin.
We inspect the property
We record the property's condition as it stands before the works.
You get the report
A written report of what we recorded at the inspection.
Questions about Dilapidation Reports
What is a dilapidation report?
It's a record of a property's condition before building or demolition work starts nearby, to compare against if damage is claimed later.
When is a dilapidation report required in Victoria?
Where the building surveyor decides a neighbouring property needs protection work, such as underpinning or shoring up, the Building Act 1993 requires a survey of that property before the work starts. Glen Eira City Council, for example, also asks for existing damage to its assets to be reported before building works start.
Who makes the survey the Building Act requires?
Under section 94 of the Building Act 1993, the owner doing the building work, or their agent, makes it with the neighbour or the neighbour's agent. Under section 97 the owner also pays the neighbour's costs of assessing the proposed protection work.
Can the owner doing the work enter a neighbour's property for the survey?
Yes, where protection work is needed. Section 95 of the Building Act 1993 lets the owner or their agent enter the neighbouring property between 8am and 6pm for the section 94 survey, after at least 24 hours' notice. Section 96 says the neighbour must not refuse entry once that notice is given.
How much does a dilapidation report cost?
Ours is $595 + GST on a residential property, $795 + GST on a commercial property and $795 + GST on council assets only. A travel fee of $100 + GST may apply for Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Phillip Island, Warragul and the areas around them.
What is a council assets dilapidation report?
It records the condition of the council's assets next to a building site before work starts. Glen Eira City Council, for example, asks the person in charge of a building site to report existing damage to its footpaths, nature strips, kerbs, drains and trees first. The council says reporting it protects you from having to pay for that damage.
When should I book a dilapidation report?
Book it before any building or demolition work starts nearby. Glen Eira City Council, for example, asks for existing damage to its assets to be reported before building works start.
What happens if the works damage the neighbour's property?
Under section 98 of the Building Act 1993, the owner must compensate the neighbour for inconvenience, loss or damage in connection with protection work. The section 94 survey, made before that work starts, is evidence of the property's condition at the time.
Related Inspections
Commercial Building Inspections
Inspections and reports on commercial property and new builds.
New Home Stage Inspections
Checks at each stage while your home is being built.
Building and Pest Inspections
Building defects and timber pests checked in one inspection.
Building Inspections
Residential, construction stage and commercial inspections.
Book a dilapidation report
Send us the address and when the works start, or call us on 0421 307 603.