Dilapidation Report

WHAT IS DILAPIDATION?

The term dilapidation relates to damage that may occur to the condition of a  building that can be caused by construction sites, excavation or demolition work.

It’s increasingly common to see the condition of homes effected by dilapidation. The chances are very high of property within 100 metres of a building site experiencing dilapidation.

WHAT IS A DILAPIDATION REPORT?

Your property is probably your largest asset so it is important to protect it. If your neighbour or council are performing major construction near your property it is important to document the condition of your property before works commence.

If this work impacts your property such as cracking of walls by way of excavation or vibration you will be able to claim against this. This will only be possible if you have a document outlining the condition of a property that proves that these defects were not present before the construction work commenced.

A Dilapidation Report is a comprehensive schedule documenting the visible structural condition of a property before planned construction, excavation or demolition work is undertaken close to the property for the purpose of comparison at a later date.

WHO NEEDS A DILAPIDATION REPORT?

Whether you’re planning on removing trees, relocating a wall, or shifting soil to make space for a pool, to make sure that you’re protected in case anything goes wrong you need a  Dilapidation Report

Dilapidation Reports are valuable as they protect your interests in a number of circumstances and in a number of ways.

They are used by:

• Property owners
• Councils
• Builders
• Demolition companies
• Owner Builders
• Excavation companies
• Architects and Designers
• Insurance companies

Examples of the need for a Dilapidation Report include a property owner concerned about the demolition of a nearby property and the effect it may have on their property and conversely a demolition contractor wanting to protect themselves for claims of damage that were not caused by their work, but existing damage in the condition of the home.

WHEN YOU NEED A DILAPIDATION REPORT

It is advisable to consider getting a Dilapidation Report when the following may be about to begin in close proximity to your property.

• Property construction
• Property demolition
• Property renovation
• Underground tunnelling or excavation
• Road or other infrastructure works

If however, it is you who are planning on doing any work as above, a Dilapidation Report 

will protect you in case your neighbour’s decision to blame any preexisting damages and report a dilapidation as a result of your building works.

WHY YOU NEED A DILAPIDATION REPORT? 

You will be protected from potential litigation from neighbours if they claim the condition of their property has been damaged as a result of your construction work.

You will have peace of mind that safety is being prioritised.

The report ensures that builders and contractors meet accepted standards backed up by building inspections.

You will save money by identifying issues during the building inspection before they become a potential disaster.

You will have peace of mind about your property and it’s condition and the chance to attend to repairs you may not have been aware of before they become a real problem.

WHAT DOES A DILAPIDATION SURVEY INCLUDE

Dilapidation Reports survey the condition of a property assessing existing damage just as a building inspector would with a new build.

The dilapidation report provides measurements, photos and diagrams that set a baseline state of a property before construction work commences. They are normally signed by both the owner of the property and the and contractor that is about to start work.

All visual defects in the form of cracks, settlement, movement, water seepage, spalling concrete, distortion, subsidence and other building and infrastructure defects are recorded in photographs of the condition of the structure together with notes.

In a dilapidation inspection the areas inspected are:

• Driveways
• Street guttering
• Footpaths
• Nature strips
• Yards
• Fences
• Neighbouring houses and
• Any other relevant areas

The inspection generally takes less than one hour.

HOW JIM’S CAN HELP

When you engage a Jim’s Building Inspector for dilapidation reports a client is guaranteed quality, commitment, support and expertise.

Jim’s Building Inspections is located throughout New Zealand. To be connected to your local Inspector or if you have any further questions give us a call.

Get A Free Quote or CALL US ON  0800 454 654

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