Building & renovating
Dilapidation reports
A dated, photo-supported record of a property's visible condition before nearby construction, demolition or other major works begin. If questions come up later, you have a clear record of how the property looked beforehand.
Illustration. Not an actual property or real inspection work.
- Owners whose neighbour is about to demolish, excavate, build or renovate close to the boundary.
- Builders and developers who want a record of neighbouring properties before works start, with the neighbours' agreement.
- Owners planning their own major works who want a record of the property before work begins.
- Owners near other major works, such as roadworks or larger construction projects.
- The visible condition of the home's exterior, such as walls, brickwork, render, cladding and roof areas that can be seen safely.
- Interior rooms, with existing cracks, gaps, stains and other visible marks recorded by location.
- Fences, retaining walls, paths, driveways, paving and outbuildings, especially on the side closest to the works.
- Dated photos of each area, with close-ups of existing cracks and damage.
- The areas that matter most for your situation, agreed in the scope before the inspection.
- A dated written record of the property's visible condition, organised by area.
- Photos supporting each entry, so existing marks can be found and compared later.
- A clear note of areas that couldn't be accessed or seen.
- A record you can keep, and share with the other party, your insurer or your lawyer if you choose.
A dilapidation report is a dated record of a property’s visible condition before nearby construction or major works begin, supported by photos. This illustration shows the kind of structure you can expect. The exact contents depend on the agreed scope.
VicWide · Report
Dilapidation report
- Property
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- Prepared for
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- Reference
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- Inspection
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Scope
Limitations
Rooms and areas recorded
Photo record
Notes
A layout illustration only. Real reports describe what was observed at the time of inspection.
Tell us about the nearby works: where they are, what is planned and when they are expected to start.
Book before the works begin, as the report records the condition on the day of the inspection.
Arrange access to the rooms, outdoor areas and outbuildings in scope, especially on the side nearest the works.
Point out any existing cracks or damage you already know about, so they can be recorded.
If you are commissioning a report on a neighbour's property, get the owner's agreement and arrange access with them first.
Can’t see your question? Send an enquiry and we’ll come back to you.
More detail
More about dilapidation reports
How it works
Tell us the property address, what the nearby works are and when they are expected to start. We'll confirm the scope and provide a quote. On the day, we record the visible condition of the areas in scope, inside and out, with dated photos and close-ups of existing cracks and marks. You then receive a written record to keep.
Before the works begin
Timing matters. A dilapidation report is most useful when it is done before demolition, excavation or building starts nearby, because it shows how the property looked beforehand. If you've received paperwork about works on a neighbouring property, share it with us when you enquire.
If you're a builder or developer, a report on a neighbouring property needs the owner's agreement. Talk to the neighbour first, then tell us which properties you'd like recorded.
If questions come up later
If you notice new cracks or other changes during or after the works, compare them with the report and keep your own dated photos. Raise concerns with whoever is carrying out the works. The report records condition. It doesn't decide what caused a change or who is responsible, and for that you may need a structural engineer, your insurer or a lawyer. Our structural inspections page explains when a closer look at cracking or movement is worthwhile.
What a dilapidation report is not
It isn't a building inspection for defects, a structural engineering assessment, a statutory inspection or legal advice. For a room-by-room record at the start or end of a tenancy, see Property condition reports.
Learn with VicWide
Showing 3 topics
Inspections
What should I do before the inspection?
Good access makes for a more complete inspection. This topic covers arranging keys and permission, clearing the way to key areas, and gathering documents that help explain the property.
Key points 5
- Confirm access with the owner, agent or renter, and arrange keys ahead of the day.
- Make sure the roof space access, subfloor access, meter box and outbuildings can be reached.
- Secure pets and mention anything that could affect safe access.
- Have plans, permits, certificates or previous reports ready to share.
- Areas that can't be reached safely are recorded as limitations in the report.
Related service: Building & pest inspections
Inspections
How do I read an inspection report?
An inspection report records what was observed at the time of the inspection, where it was observed, and what couldn't be inspected. This topic walks through a typical report structure and how to use it when you talk with builders, agents or other advisers.
Key points 5
- A report describes observations at the time of the inspection. Conditions can change afterwards.
- Read the scope and limitations first, so you know what was and wasn't inspected.
- Observations are grouped by area, so you can find what matters to your decision.
- A report is not a certificate of compliance, a warranty or an insurance policy.
- If something isn't clear, ask us to explain it in plain language.
Related service: Compliance & reporting
Building
What do property owners often ask about their homes?
Many owner questions come back to a few themes: what needs a permit, which records to keep, and who to ask about a particular problem. This topic works through common questions in plain language and points to the right person for each.
Key points 5
- Check whether a permit may be needed before starting building work, including smaller projects.
- Keep permits, plans, certificates and warranties together. They matter when you sell, rent or renovate.
- Some questions need a specialist, such as a licensed land surveyor to confirm a boundary.
- An inspection describes condition. It doesn't settle disputes or give legal advice.
- If you're not sure who to ask, send an enquiry and we'll point you in the right direction.
Related service: Documentation assistance
Ready when you are
Enquire about dilapidation reports
Tell us about the property. We confirm the scope and a quote with you before anything is arranged.