Dilapidation Report Melbourne

(Dilapidation Survey & Report)

What is a Dilapidation Report ?

“Your Dilapidation Report is an accurately established record (building report) of the property’s condition at a given point in time.” The Building Report is an invaluable asset going forward particularly when proposed building work is close to or adjacent to adjoining property boundaries. (Obtain a report on your property if a neighbour is building nearby, obtain a report on your neighbours property if you are building nearby)

Any existing property damage is accurately recorded prior to building commencing protecting both property owners throughout the build process.

Why is a Dilapidation Report Important?

In case any disputes or claims of damage caused by construction or other activities arise, a dilapidation report serves as crucial evidence to help protect you against inaccurate or fraudulent claims for damages and associated liabilities.

A ConsulTec inspection of a building and Dilapidation – Condition Report captures a ‘forever record’ of a property’s condition at the time of the building inspection. Adopting advanced information gathering and recording techniques, ConsulTec inspection and reports firmly surpass the industry standards.

If required, a ‘virtual tour’ of the entire property can be included in the report, equipping you with an invaluable evidential asset, by examining the virtual tour at any time in the future, each and every aspect of the property’s condition (on the day of the initial inspection) can be revisited and compared to the current conditions.

"Unfortunately, the importance and benefit of Dilapidation Reporting is not widely

promoted within the building and construction industry, often resulting in litigation action to

resolve these building matters"

or just read on....

Who benefits from a Dilapidation Report to Mitigate Risk?

Property Owners. Neighbours. Builders and Construction Contractors. Property Managers

Project Managers. Tenants. Councils

Multiple entities where the works being performed has the potential to impact the subject property. 'Demolition Contractor' is another perfect example where by nature, the activity presents significant risk to any nearby properties.

"Any Owners or Stakeholders endeavoring to protect their property from

unsubstantiated damages claims"

Don't Wait Until Construction Has Commenced

Order your dilapidation report promptly, before it's too late.

You might be the Builder, Owner, A Neighbour or Developer

needing to protect yourself against wrongful litigation or

construction damages

You shouldn't be made financially liable for pre-existing damage to a neighbour's property

Peace of Mind

“If you planning major construction works on your property or a neighbour is planning construction on their property". With your pre-construction & post-constructionDilapidation Reports in hand, you enjoy the peace of mind you have protected yourself from future damages claims against you and expensive

(Building Damage) costs to your own or a neighbouring property.

Capitalise on Peter's pedigree of industry knowledge born from 40 years of building experience,

immersive survey techniques and holistic building reports.

Dilapidation Report Process

(Dilapidation Survey & Report)

Your detailed ConsulTec dilapidation report assists to protect you from unfair building damage claims

Report Process in More Detail

Step 1. Contact Peter at Consultec to discuss your concerns and answer your questions.

This your opportunity to simply ask some questions to help you better understand Dilapidation Reporting (or Condition Reporting).
Discussion of your particular building situation and any concerns you have.
Booking a Consultation Meeting, this can be either on site or off site depending on your preference and requirements

Step 2. Consultation meeting, (Yourself & Peter), compile property details, discuss you Report Requirements

Peter to record your and an any subject neighbouring property details.
Request any relevant property / building documents not already at hand, including building certificates.
ConsulTec can retrieve numerous building documents if/as required on your behalf (with your authority)
Respond to any further questions you may have.
Contact details of any other parties involved.
If the proposed Dilapidation Report is to be performed on an a neighbour’s property, ConsulTec will contact relevant parties to arrange authority to access and inspect the property

Step 3. Inspection of your property by ConsulTec

On Inspection Day, Peter inspects the entire property inside and out
Comprehensive Film, Photographic and Dialogue capturing and recording of all condition aspects of the property including a property overview.
Focus on any particular items you are concerned about and recorded in our House Inspection Checklist
Depending on the nature of the property, the inspection of a building can require from 2 to 3 hours, to an entire day

Step 4. ConsulTec processes and completes your comprehensive Dilapidation Report

Upon completion of your building inspection & property inspection, ConsulTec compiles your comprehensive Dilapidation Report in the time recorded in the agreement
Including:
- Extensive photographic record of the property
- Descriptive dialogue accompanying the photographic record
- Link(s) to any film footage recorded at the property

Step 5. Delivery of your Property Condition Report and familiarisation

Electronic and Hard Copy versions of your property and building report delivered on or before the date recorded in the agreement.
Complimentary face to face, zoom or phone meeting to further discuss your report and answer any queries you may have.
Owner retains the report in a safe but accessible location, monitoring the building from time to time, noting any changes.
You retain the report in a safe but accessible location, monitoring the building from time to time, identifying and recording any changes of dilapidation

To book your Melbourne building inspection Contact Peter, your independent building inspector

to arrange your house inspection

With your dilapidation report in hand, you have the peace of mind along with the ability to accurately record any (post inspection) changes, deterioration or damage to your property.

You can do this yourself by simply photographing any changes and comparing them to the corresponding image(s) in the report,

Or if required, ConsulTec can perform a Post Construction Report, thoroughly investigating the property and listing any or all changes apparent to the property, in the Post Construction Dilapidation Report.

By partnering with ConsulTec for your Melbourne building inspections and reporting

you will enjoy the benefits & security of our forty years industry experience

Topical Dilapidation and Condition Articles

If you would like to Read More........

While we have endeavored to provide the most relevant information for inspections and reports in the preceding pages, further explanatory information is included in the following for your perusal including:

Whats my scenario ? & Topical articles and other helpful information.

ConsulTec Building Reports generally range from 40 to 60 pages

depending on the size and complexity of your property, including links

to relevant cloud based information files

All reports delivered in Electronic and Hard Copies.

Which Property Inspection do I need ?

You can choose a help topic here to browse:

What's My Scenario in Detail:

I am planning significant building works to my house close to neighbours

Planning stage is the perfect time to have your dilapidation survey (inspection of Building - Property) and report prepared for any adjoining properties that could be affected by your building works. Your completed pre-construction report will faithfully & accurately record the condition at a given point in time (inspection date) of the neighbouring property(s) for future reference. By discussing the same with your neighbour’s you will be seen as responsible and transparent about any potential damage risk to their property.

Having your building report at hand also rules out the risk of you being held responsible for any existing damage to your neighbour’s property.

Should it be required in the future, your report is admissible evidence in the event a claim is raised against you for property damage to your neighbour’s property.

Please keep in mind when choosing your site inspector – house inspector and he is inspecting a house, there effective capture of information around the property condition can vary dramatically.

I am planning a knock-down and new build close to adjoining properties

With the addition of demolition to your scope of works, potential risk of property damage is amplified.

By nature, Demolition Works heightens the risk of damage to any other buildings close by. Even with physical impact damage to adjoining buildings is avoided, vibration, ground disturbance and excavations on your property can impact adjoining buildings

Your completed pre-construction report will faithfully & accurately record the condition of the neighbouring property(s) for future reference and is admissible evidence in the event a claim is raised against you for property damage.

“Investing in the cost of building inspection by an independent building inspector and obtaining your Dilapidation Report provides peace of mind and protection against unsubstantiated claims against you”

Investing in the cost of building inspection by an independent building inspector

and obtaining your Dilapidation Report provides peace of mind and protection

against unsubstantiated claims against you

My neighbour is planning major building works close to my property

Communicate and enquire with your neighbour if they plan to include a Dilapidation Survey and Report for your property in their scope of works administrative documentation.

In the event they don’t plan to have the report prepared, you can safeguard yourself by obtaining your own Property Inspection & Dilapidation Report.

While it may seem unfair in this instance you are paying for a dilapidation report only because of your neighbour’s building works, armed with the report can be compared to paying for your house insurance cover.

In the course of your neighbours building works, any damage to your property that presents as a result of the neighbours building works can be clearly identified without dispute.

Your Report prepared by the ConsulTec Building Inspector is a helpful and valuable asset to have available in the event a property insurance claim arises on any of the properties involved. The Insurance Assessor or Insurance Site Inspector can easily compare the Pre-Construction Report with the current conditions, clearly identifying any building related property damage.

No home owner wants a building project to turn into a protracted legal dispute, obtaining your dilapidation report is astute proactive behaviour to help protect yourself.

I am planning major siteworks on my property

There are neighbouring houses either side of my property.

I am engaging Contractors to clear and level my site in preparation for our new home build, this with involve site clearing, benching, drainage systems and retaining walls.

Even though you don’t have a building on your property at this stage, obtaining a site survey and dilapidation report will help protect you from future claims for damages from your neighbours and indeed the Local Council and others.

If heavy machinery and related traffic is accessing your property from the street, damage can inadvertently be cause to the roadway, kerb, footpaths etc. Underground services in the street along with service pits and the like can also suffer.

So, the importance of the report here is that it accurately records the condition of all Council and associated assets before you start, ensuring you are not held responsible for any existing damage.

In addition, making your contractors aware you have the report, it will encourage them to show care around the Council and related assets.

Another consideration is your proposed excavations / retaining walls, especially if they are located near adjoining boundaries-buildings.

In particular if your benching-levelling works combined with the installation of retaining walls is close to adjoining property / buildings, care and correct procedures should be taken to avoid compromising the foundations of the adjoining building(s). Preventative measures need to be included in these works to avoid risk of damage to the adjoining foundations and your building engineers certainly should be involved.

Example: Site excavations that are below the level of the adjoining building(s) foundation, can impact the ‘angle of repose’ to the building’s foundation, (this term and example is getting a little technical and explained in more detail elsewhere in this section.

I own an older home in Melbourne and major construction is about to commence next door

This section describes the heightened importance of a dilapidation report for an older building when major building works is to be conducted nearby.

By nature our older homes and buildings display varying degrees of dilapidation and damage caused by many actions including ground water ingression, foundation settlement etc.

Let’s consider that hypothetical older Melbourne home, regardless of who owns it and major building works are planned next door.

Its fair to say our desirable older Australian homes accumulate signs of distress or damage as they age, of course dependant on the level of maintenance being performed on the home.

So, in the building scenarios described above and prior to commencement of adjacent building works, the subject home (for example) might exhibit let’s say fifteen varying points of building damage or dilapidation, these might include cracking

To brickwork caused by foundation(s) settlement, some internal cracks to the plaster caused by the same, we all know these are common in our older homes.

For this example, let’s call our owner of the older Melbourne home Jane,

Neither Jane nor the builder have obtained a Dilapidation Report for Jane’s home.

BUILDING WORKS COMMENCE! The weather deteriorates, surface water management is a challenge, excavations and foundation works become protracted. Building works finally pick up pace, time passes, and the new building is approaching completion.

While the building works have been progressing Jane has noticed she has quite a few more cracks inside and outside her home, doors wont close properly that used to close before, ground subsidence in the back yard etc.

Jane asks the builder to come over and have a look, making the suggestion to the builder, his building works has caused all this (recent) damage. The builder responds ‘those cracks were probably there before but you hadn’t noticed them!, and concludes he isn’t responsible for them.’

Now Jane is in a bit of a pickle, all this damage that has occurred and is getting worse since the nearby construction commenced, and the builder (and the property owner the builder is contracted to refuse to do anything about it.

One of the first things Jane should have considered (and indeed the builder) is that by law “An owner who is proposing building work has obligations under the BUILDING ACT 1993 (THE ACT) to protect adjoining property from potential damage being caused from their building work.

Jane is now learning about the importance of Building Consulting and a Dilapidation Report after they have been out to inspect the property.

Lets go back to those ‘fifteen varying points of building damage or dilapidation’ Jane understood to be present at her house, since construction Jane has observed and fifteen or more of building damage or dilapidation.

Jane now finds herself in a difficult position as she attempts to pursue compensation for the later damage caused to her house as no one involved can agree on what was pre construction and post construction damage to her home.

The takeaway from this story as you can see, had Jane’s house had a pre-construction Dilapidation Survey and Report completed by either Jane, her neighbour or the builder, a simple comparison could be between the Dilapidation Report and the current conditions, easily identifying what is pre-construction damage and post-construction damage.

It should be noted in this example; the report would have also protected the builder and adjoining owner from Jane trying to claim all of the damage because of his construction works.

Sadly, these examples when unable to settle amicably, arrive on the Lawyers desk to try and achieve a settlement

This example depicts the valuable importance of a pre-construction Dilapidation Report

Regards, Peter

I am about to commence major building works near an older or established home next door

This topic is for the Owner, Builder and Contractors performing works on the subject site.

Our Older Australian Homes intensify the importance and need of a dilapidation report when significant building works are to be carried out nearby. These homes have a greater fragility than our more modern homes due to nature of their construction, their age and a number of other factors. Even with a robust maintenance program going on, they are generally constructed on lighter foundations that can be further affected by changing soil conditions as an example.

History shows us our older building's do deteriorate over time, (in the absence of any rigid maintenance program)

So it's fair to say, our older buildings usually exhibit areas of damage and deterioration as they continue to age.

As a builder or project manager carrying building works nearby, you need to avoid being held responsible for pre-existing damage to an older (or any) building nearby. Obtaining a dilapidation report for the subject property is proactive behaviour to help protect yourself and displays to any other stakeholders involved your accountability and transparency.

Given our older homes are a little more delicate structurally, they are also more susceptible to external forces impacting them. Some of those forces might include:

- Physical impacts on the building

- Ground vibration from heavy machinery and compaction equipment nearby.

- Deep excavations nearby

- Altered surface and ground water drainage in the immediate area

I must confirm here, while the above actions have the ability to cause unintended damage to older buildings, the same applies to our modern and current day structures.

Now, if you identify yourself as one of the following performing or responsible for the planned construction near to a neighbouring property:

* Property Owner

* Builder or Project Manager

* Demolition Contractor

* Contractor performing significant earthworks

* Any other party involved in major aspects of the construction

Mitigate your risk of being made responsible for the cost of repairing property damage that is pre-existing by obtaining a ConsulTec Dilapidation Survey & Report, peace of mind for all parties involved.

To either discuss or arrange your inspection, contact Peter 0418 570 079 - peter@consultec.com.au

I’m a Landlord, should I have a Dilapidation Report ?

Historically Landlords haven’t by practice obtained dilapidation reports for their rental properties.

There is change now in the investment / rental market due in part to the high and increasing costs of repairs for building damage and to. A lesser degree, building maintenance.

For additional protection wiser Landlords and property owners are more commonly obtaining Dilapidation Reports on their properties taking advantage of the peace of mind and benefits the reports are instrumental in providing

Example.

You have purchased an established property for investment as a rental property, It’s not a brand new home but is in good condition for its age. As is common practice, you engage a Real Estate Property Manager to manager your rental property.

We understand your property manage is (or should) be responsible for exactly that, managing your property. One of his duties is to inspect and report on your property via a ‘Condition Report’ during and after a tenant moves out, the idea being your manager holds the tenant responsible for any property damage that has occurred during their tenancy. We know the property managers perform this task with varied degrees of diligence, and all too commonly items of damage to your property slip through their system. Tenants come and go, you have little opportunity yourself to inspect the property to se how things are going.

One should also understand the difference between a ‘maintenance item’ and ‘property damage’, in most cases they self-explanatory, but all too often it would seem not so in your property manager’s eyes and his condition reports.

After the passing of a few more tenants you get to inspect your property yourself. You notice an accumulation of items of building damage present, you look back through your manager’s building reports and notice these ‘damage’ items have slowly been creeping into the reports and become ‘as is’ condition. So, if these damage items are to be repaired (in the interest of maintaining the property in good condition), you are left to pay the repair costs for the damage caused by others.

So how does a Dilapidation Report Help Me?

With a Dilapidation Report in hand prior to putting your property to rent, You have a point in time comprehensive condition report for the entire property inside and out. Your Dilapidation report contains extensive photographic record, commentary and if required, a virtual walk through of your property.

This gives you a degree of advantageous ability to remotely hold both the tenant and your property manager accountable for there responsibilities and indeed any property damage that has occurred.

Over time, as your ‘condition reports’ arrive from your property manager particularly at tenants changeover, you can easily compare your dilapidation report and the manager’s condition report providing an ease of detecting any property damage that has occurred, it also gives you evidence to present to your manager of the same, it also aids in determining when the property damage likely occurred.

A further side benefit of the report is that can assist (at the time of inspection) demonstration of the compliance of the property for rental.

House Insurance Claim

In the event you are submitting a claim to your insurance company for property damage, your dilapidation reports provide a clear and concise snapshot of the building prior to the damage occurring. Or if you are claiming for a catastrophic event such as a house fire, you have all the information you need about the property when you are negotiating settlement with your insurer. The site inspector will ensure each and every aspect of the condition of your property is

captured and documented in your building report.

Topical Article - How do I ensure my Dilapidation Report is right for me ?

We understand the difficulty a customer might face when choosing a Building Consultant and obtaining a Dilapidation (or other) Building Report. The standard of integrity and compliance of dilapidation reports delivered to the market varies wildly.

Here are some considerations that might help when you are choosing your Consultant/Report.

Have you ever purchased the cheapest offering of an item you can find, only to discover later the item is not fit for purpose? Then you are caused to make the same purchase again of a more appropriate item.
Building reports can be the same.
By nature of the report, you cannot ‘test drive’ or examine the product to help with your choice. Availability of ‘Example’ building reports are common in the market for perusal, but they don’t necessarily guarantee the report for your property will meet your current and future requirements.

This article is presented here to assist and alert you when choosing your building inspector in Melbourne and in turn your building report.

We had a recently had an enquiry from a Melbourne property owner with a relatively new apartment who seemingly had builder defects going on at his property, Let’s call him Jack.

Jack explained: “Being unable to have his builder-warranty issues addressed amicably, Jack had proceeded to VCAT (Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal) with his case to address his alleged builder defects”. It’s also common knowledge the backlog of cases at VCAT has caused a waiting time of up to two years (for a case to be heard). “Jack went on to explain he finally had his day at VCAT only to have his case rejected by them (VCAT) because his Building Report was not VCAT Compliant!” (see practice note PNVCAT2-Expert Evidence)

I can only imagine the anxiety this situation caused for Jack, not only did have to obtain a second “Compliant” Building Report, but was faced with rejoining the waiting list at VCAT to have his case heard. Meanwhile, one of the building issues he had at his apartment was a water leak from an upstairs balcony continuing to cause damage to the building.

Naturally not all building report related issues proceed to VCAT, but this is a good example of the importance of your report meeting your individual-specific requirements.

Our checklist here might assist you in your process of selecting your building consultant and your building report.

At our ‘Consultation Meeting’ with you,
We ask about your expectations around the report. This information and the inspection itself form the ‘scope of works & index’ for the report, in this case the ‘Scope of works for you dilapidation survey & report’

At Consultation Stage we work with you to:
* Identify the purpose for, concerns and reason(s) you are obtaining the report.
* Determine if you require a pre and post construction reports. In most settings (often because the pre-construction report is in hand), you are less likely to require a post construction report, unless unexpected events have occurred and documentation is required.
* The budget you expect to invest in your site inspection and report (building inspection cost)

* To explain as your independent building inspector a description of our immersive approach and what we look for in housing inspections, this as varies considerably between alternative housing inspectors. Your building inspection is a most critical aspect of the reporting process.

* Examine and discuss with you any existing reports or associated documentation you may have at hand.

* To ensure we meet your expectations we clearly identify with you both the type and scope of the report you are obtaining

* Arrange site access for your building inspection

Hope that helps!

So if you’re shopping for your dilapidation-building report and would like any further information on this topic, without commitment feel free to call Peter on 0418 570 079

It's difficult to improve on our decades of Experienced Based Building Knowledge

when choosing your building inspector.

Topical Article - Emerging Housing Trends In Melbourne & Associated Risk

Increased Housing Density

Government planned changes to Melbourne's housing density regulations are aimed at established inner suburbs:

“Implementation of 50 Higher-Density Zones emphasizing high-density residential structures ranging from single to 20 storeys.”

This shift will undoubtedly stimulate Melbourne's current demand for 'knock down - rebuilds,' wherein new homeowners either occupy or acquire older homes, demolish them, and construct new residences.

Developers and investors are expected to further capitalize and expand on this market trend.

With the rise in permissible building density, it is anticipated that not only individual houses will emerge on these redevelopment sites, but also a growing number of townhouses and multi-storey apartments.

Accompanying the increase in housing density is a heightened demand for off-street parking. The common approach is to incorporate underground parking facilities beneath apartment complexes. This trend is also becoming more popular older homes where off street parking is an issue, sometimes to preserve the property's traditional aesthetics. Additionally, below-ground swimming pools positioned near property boundaries are gaining popularity.

Building inspection reports Melbourne (including dilapidation reports) will become a critical a critical component in the redevelopment building process engaging an appropriate compliant property inspector will also become critical when performing housing inspections.

Increased Risk to Neighbouring Property Owners

Particularly for apartment type redevelopments requirement for demolition of any/all existing structures, site clearing and overstated deep excavations, present significant risk to neighbouring property owners.

Even a well planned and executed deep excavation on or near your boundary can result in unintended outcomes and damage to your property. Events including heavy rain or project delays can lead to foundations of your home becoming compromised or worse!

If you home suffers significant building damage as a result of the adjoining building works a costly legal dispute can develop between you and the neighbouring party, let alone a stress and anxiety that comes with such a situation.

If your home sustains damage and an amicable agreement for repairs cannot be reached, pursuing a significant court case may end up being more expensive than the actual cost of the repairs required to your home

Protect Yourself & Avoid Unnecessary Costly Litigation

It is crucial you have your Dilapidation Survey & Report completed prior to any works commencing.

With the advanced technology tools we use, at any point in time you can virtually walk through the house and entire property as if you were doing so on the day of your ConsulTec Survey. The report is also admissible Court, VCAT and Tribunal evidence, with expert witness support.

Feel free to enquire further about our inspect manager.

ConsulTec is dedicated to providing exceptional service, producing clear and concise reports with guaranteed professionalism, accuracy, and reassurance for our clients.

While the Building Dilapidation Survey & Report is an undeniable ‘must have’ in in this environment, the report also offers value to the adjoining owner / developer by recording any pre-existing condition issues at your property.

How the Report helps protect your property and potential financial liability.

The security and peace of mind having a Dilapidation Report at hand is equally appealing to Home Owners, Builders and associated stakeholders particularly when significant construction works are planned on or adjacent to property boundaries. Accurate professionally Prepared Pre & Post Construction Dilapidation Reports support a strategic & advantageous defence against potential inaccurate or fraudulent claims for building damage(s).

It can’t be stressed enough here, the paramount importance the Building Dilapidation Survey & Report(s)

are prepared with comprehensive accurateness by a professional consultant capturing and documenting

the condition of a property at a given point in time.

In addition, equally important is the procurement of the ‘pre-construction’ dilapidation report prior to

any site works or construction commencing, otherwise the potential strength & effectiveness of the pre-construction report diminishes as works proceeds. The Consultant’s Survey Information & Dilapidation Report is retained for future forensic – expert witness support should the need arise.

In the event a dispute arises between adjoining property owners with one party claiming property damage caused by the adjoining party’s construction works and in turn seeking compensation, the dilapidation reports serve as the most fundamental element of defence.

The definitive strength of having the Pre & Post Dilapidation Reports at hand, is the unquestionable ability to demonstrate and determine what building damage is pre-existing and what damage has occurred during construction works.

By comparing the Pre & Post Reports, it can be determined in either mediation, legally or otherwise, exactly what building damage was pre-existing and what damage is a result of the associated building works.

Poorly prepared reports can be discredited in a legal setting, resulting in the evidential defence of the facts in the matter being eroded and weakened. Common strategical practice by the legal professionals in a damages claim is to attack the integrity of and disparage the Dilapidation Report held by the defendant. It is of the utmost importance your Dilapidation Report has been prepared with compliance to its purpose.

In the event you / your matter proceeds to VCAT

Your Dilapidation Report is required to be VCAT Compliant, with reference and compliance to Practice Note PNCAT2-Expert Evidence. Non-Compliant Reports can lead to your hearing being adjourned & rescheduled.

Lead times for VCAT Hearings are inordinately lengthy.

If required your ConsulTec Representative will attend VCAT, Tribunal or Court hearing to provide Expert Witness Evidence (drawn from the dilapidation survey) to further support your ConsulTec Dilapidation Report.

Protect your rights, circumvent unfair claims against you and avoid being made

financially responsible for property damage that was pre-existing.

Order Your ConsulTec Dilapidation Report

Being proactive with your neighbours

Prior to works commencing, by introducing and discussing your project with neighbours and stakeholders who could potentially be affected by your project, you will build rapport and be seen as responsible and caring displaying respect for them and their property.

Your neighbours are with you for the journey, it is desirable for all concerned to maintain a congenial relationship.

By explaining to the parties the assurance and peace of mind supported by a Dilapidation Survey & Report,You are demonstrating transparency and accountability.

How can I resolve my Building Dispute and avoid legal action ?

This article is in no way intended as legal advice we are not lawyers. We are however expert industry consultants with forty years experience. The information offered here is presented in the hope of assisting you by sharing knowledge and information you may not be aware of.

Historical documented examples are not hard to find where Legal and Litigation Costs in a protracted building dispute - damages claim can have exceeded the actual repair costs to repair the building or property damage.

The best takeaway here is 'have your dilapidation - condition report in hand prior to construction commencing. It is invaluable to you in exhausting all of your options to resolve a damages dispute-claim. In the event you are unable to reach resolution amiccably, you always retain the option to engage a lawyer, should a property damage disagreement arise.

You cant go back in time to get your preconstruction report.

If a property damage dispute erupts due to nearby building works (that has a Dilapidation Report),

You are then able proactively demonstrate your initiative driven management to alleviate the situation.

By assembling the relevant stakeholders and making an accurate comparison between the subject property and the Dilapidation Report, clear identification of any building damage that has occurred as a a result of the building works.

From there the stakeholders can understand clearly what property damage was pre-existing and what has been caused by the building work. Then you have a clear path action the required works to rectify the property damage. Your consistent transparent behaviour coupled undeniable evidence contained in the report will inspire confidence with your associates that an amicable agreement can be reached.

Make a better decision for yourself and partner with forty years building industry experience.