Have you ever heard of dilapidation surveys? Also known as dilapidation or condition reports, these surveys are an essential step that should be taken before commencing projects such as construction or major works on a property or building. There is a variety of important, and legal, reasons to have a dilapidation survey carried out.
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What Is A Dilapidation Survey?
A dilapidation survey is an assessment and reporting on a property, including its existing buildings and structures, identifying issues, defects, and potential problems with regards to carrying out a specific planned construction project.
The assessment of structures can include cracking on driveways and paths plus the condition of fencing. Visible condition issues on neighbouring sites that may be affected by works or may affect the project can also be taken into account when reporting.
Why Would I Have A Dilapidation Survey?
Whilst a dilapidation survey is about finding defects in a property that may affect a project, it comes down to legalities and accountability.
This comprehensive report includes photographic evidence of each identified issue, providing proof of condition before construction or commencement of the project. A dilapidation report is useful in situations such as where someone might use heavy machinery. If you have photos and a report of pre-existing conditions, you are legally protected against bogus claims.
Reasons that you might have a dilapidation survey carried out includes:
- Demolition of an existing building or structure;
- Renovation or restoration of an existing building or structure;
- Earthworks and works with heavy machinery;
- Construction of a new building or structure; and
- Before leasing out a property.
Who Carries Out A Dilapidation Survey?
A professional, qualified building inspector must carry out dilapidation Surveys. You want to ensure that who you choose has excellent knowledge and experience in construction.
The more your building inspector knows the better chance you’ll catch all the issues and receive quality advice about the problems and how they might affect your construction works.
What If I Don’t Get A Dilapidation Survey?
That’s totally up to you; however, best practice would be to get one.
You can take your own photos and write a list of defects yourself; however, they will be inadmissible in legal proceedings because they are not considered legal documents. A dilapidation or condition report from a qualified building inspector, on the other hand, IS a legal document.
Additionally, it would help if you asked yourself these questions:
- Do I have the knowledge to catch and understand every issue?
- Do I have the professional tools required to carry out an inspection?
- Can I afford the legal fees and costs surrounding a potentially bogus claim?
You are doing yourself a disservice if you carry out the inspection yourself and miss something important.
At the end of the day, you want to make sure you’re covered in case damage is caused on-site or on a neighbouring property during the construction process. Something as simple as a neighbour claiming a crack has formed in their driveway due to use of heavy machinery can become a legal and financial nightmare.
You want to be sure that any damage reported was not pre-existing and you want to be sure that you’re armed with professional knowledge to avoid exacerbating any issues.
You can report complaints about damage caused by construction works to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
I Have Decided I Need A Dilapidation Survey: What Now?
If you’re about to commence major construction or earthworks, seek reputable building inspection services for comprehensive dilapidation surveys.
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