Dilapidation Reports
What is a Dilapidation Report?
A dilapidation report is a property condition report that documents the existing state of a property before any major construction, demolition, or excavation work begins nearby. It helps to establish a clear baseline condition of the property, ensuring that you’re protected in case any damage occurs during or after construction work.
The dilapidation inspection involves a thorough check of your property, where our professional inspectors record and photograph the condition of critical areas that may be impacted. This includes structural elements like walls and foundations, as well as external features such as driveways, fences, and nature strips. A dilapidation report serves as vital proof in case construction causes any issues, ensuring that repairs can be claimed and attributed to the responsible party.


Why do you need a Dilapidation Inspection?
A dilapidation inspection is essential to protect your property from potential damage caused by nearby construction activities. It provides clear documentation of your property’s condition before construction begins, helping to avoid disputes with contractors, neighbours, or insurers.
Suppose any damage occurs as a result of construction, such as cracks in the walls or foundation issues from vibration or excavation. In that case, the dilapidation report serves as key evidence, proving that the construction work caused the damage. Additionally, a property condition report ensures compliance with legal requirements, as many councils or contractors may request this documentation before work can begin. Having a dilapidation inspection gives you peace of mind, knowing that your property is fully protected and that you have proper documentation to back up any future claims for repairs.

Download a Sample Report
Download a sample Dilapidation Report to see how we carefully document the existing condition of a property before nearby construction or development, helping to protect against future claims of damage.
What do our Property Condition Report include?
At Jim’s Building Inspections, our property condition report (also referred to as a dilapidation report) is thorough, detailed, and easy to understand. It includes:
- Comprehensive Inspection: A visual inspection of your property, noting all existing damage, structural concerns, and vulnerable areas.
- Photographic Evidence: High-quality images documenting the current state of critical areas like fences, driveways, and external features.
- Structural and External Assessments: We inspect key structural elements (walls, foundations) and external areas (footpaths, street gutters) to document their condition before construction begins.
- Clear Documentation: The dilapidation report is professionally compiled, with all observations and images presented in a way that’s easy to use for future reference or legal matters.
This report helps protect your property, making it easier to resolve any future disputes over damage caused by construction.


Benefits of Building Condition Report
A building condition report or dilapidation report offers numerous benefits for property owners, especially those near construction zones:
- Maximise Protection: By documenting the current condition of your property, you can protect yourself from claims that construction caused damage to your property.
- Save Money: If construction causes damage to your property, the dilapidation report can help you claim for repairs, saving you from costly expenses.
- Prevent Legal Issues: Avoid potential legal disputes with neighbours, contractors, or councils by having a documented condition report.
- Increase Peace of Mind: Knowing your property is well-documented gives you confidence that any future damage can be resolved quickly and fairly.
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Frequently asked questions
What areas do we service?
Jim’s Building Inspections operates across Australia, with inspectors available in most regions. Contact 131 546 to connect with your local inspector.
What is the purpose of a dilapidation report?
A dilapidation report documents the current condition of your property before any construction work begins. It helps protect against disputes if construction causes damage.
Who needs a dilapidation report?
- Property owners near construction sites
- Insurance companies
- Builders and demolition companies
- Councils, architects, and designers
How long does a dilapidation inspection take?
A dilapidation inspection typically takes less than an hour, depending on the size and complexity of the property.
Is a dilapidation report required for insurance purposes?
Yes, many insurance companies require a dilapidation report before approving damage claims resulting from construction work.
Can I get a same-day dilapidation report?
We offer expedited services for urgent cases. Contact us for more information on same-day dilapidation inspections.
How much does a Dilapidation Report Cost?
A dilapidation report cost depends on the property size and type. Residential inspections typically start from $400–$600. Contact a qualified building inspector for a precise quote.


