dilapidation reports & Inspections

Building Dilapidation Reports & Inspections Melbourne

Protect Your Property Before Construction Begins With A Dilapidation Inspection

When nearby construction, demolition, excavation, or infrastructure works are planned, your property may be at risk of cracking, movement, or other damage. A dilapidation report (also called a dilapidation inspection) records the existing condition of your property before work begins, providing a clear benchmark if damage occurs later.

At Elevate Building Inspections, we provide professional dilapidation reports across Melbourne and the north-eastern suburbs, throughout Doncaster, Templestowe, Doreen, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Bundoora, Macleod, Montmorency, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Epping, Ivanhoe, Reservoir, Croydon, and surrounding suburbs.

Contact Elevate Building Inspections today to schedule your dilapidation report and protect your property with expert, independent advice in Melbourne. Whether you’re a homeowner, property manager, or builder, our team delivers detailed reports, high-resolution photographic evidence, and actionable insights to give you complete peace of mind.

What is a Building Dilapidation Report?

A building dilapidation report is an independent, detailed record of a property’s current condition. It includes:

A comprehensive site inspection of internal and external areas
Documentation of existing cracks, structural defects, or wear
High-resolution photographs for evidence
Clear reporting that can be used for legal or insurance purposes

These building dilapidation reports are essential for both property owners and construction companies, ensuring that all parties are protected in the event of disputes.

Dilapidation reports are often required by councils, construction companies, or insurance providers. They are vital for legal and insurance purposes, as they provide unbiased documentation in case damage occurs during construction or excavation activities.

Why You Need a Dilapidation Report

Many property owners underestimate the potential risks of nearby construction. Even small-scale developments can cause vibrations, shifts, or stress on neighbouring structures. Without a dilapidation report, proving pre-existing damage or claiming for repair costs can become complicated and costly.

By obtaining a professional dilapidation report, you can:

Protect your property investment.
Avoid disputes with neighbours or builders.
Ensure you have documented evidence for insurance claims.
Identify existing structural issues early.
Plan preventative maintenance or repairs if needed.

A dilapidation report acts as a safeguard, giving property owners peace of mind that any damage occurring during construction or excavation is accurately attributed.

What’s Included in a Building Dilapidation Report?

Our standard dilapidation inspection scope includes all accessible areas of the property. Specific coverage typically includes:

External Areas: external walls, fences, boundary walls, driveways, retaining walls, paving, landscaping elements
Internal Areas: walls, ceilings, floors, door and window frames, finishes, internal structural elements visible
Roof & Drainage: roof surfaces, gutters, downpipes, flashings, drainage runs (as visible)
Outbuildings & Ancillaries: garages, sheds, pergolas, carports, boundary works, retaining walls within the property
Site Features: footpaths, pavements, garden beds, retaining walls, landscape features adjacent to structures

Each dilapidation report we deliver includes:

A detailed written record of observed conditions
High quality and context-labelled photographs (often with reference scales or markers)
Diagrams or sketches (if needed) to illustrate critical areas
Notes on observations, including severity, likely causes, and if further specialist investigation is needed
An “exceptions list” (i.e. items requiring follow-up or closer scrutiny)

When Should a Dilapidation Report Be Conducted?

It’s advisable to arrange a dilapidation inspection before any construction, excavation, or demolition activities begin. This proactive approach ensures that any existing damage is documented, establishing a clear baseline for the property’s condition.

Why Choose Elevate Building Inspections For A Dilapidation report in Melbourne?

Not all dilapidation inspectors are the same. When it comes to protecting one of your most important investments, you need a team you can trust.

Here’s why homeowners, buyers, and investors across Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs choose us:

Licensed building inspectors with years of experience
Independent, unbiased assessments — we work for you, not the seller or agent.
Fast turnaround on reports, ensuring you don’t face unnecessary delays in decision-making
Practical recommendations, not just problems — we explain what issues mean and how they can be managed
Local knowledge, with extensive experience across Doncaster, Templestowe, Doreen, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Greensborough, Bundoora, Macleod, Montmorency, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Ivanhoe, and surrounding suburbs.

At Elevate, we offer competitive, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. We also offer building inspections, dilapidation reports, comprehensive 137B owner builder defects reports, building and pest inspections, new home and handover inspections, asbestos surveys, timber pest inspections, pre-purchase building inspections and tax depreciation schedules. Contact us for a tailored quote that suits your project.

Get Peace Of Mind Knowing Award Winning Building Professionals Are Carrying Out Your Inspections

Get In Touch For A Dilapidation Inspection in Melbourne

Dilapidation Reports in Melbourne - Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers about dilapidation report & inspections

What is the purpose of a dilapidation report?

It documents the existing condition of a property before nearby construction begins, protecting both property owners and builders against damage disputes.

Is a dilapidation report legally binding?

While not a contract, the report provides independent, professional evidence that can be relied upon in legal or insurance disputes.

Who pays for a dilapidation inspection?

Typically, the builder or contractor undertaking the works arranges and pays for the inspection. However, property owners can also commission their own report for peace of mind.

Are your inspectors licensed and insured?

Yes. All our inspectors are fully qualified, licensed, and covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance for your peace of mind.

When should a dilapidation report be carried out?

It should be completed before construction, excavation, demolition, or roadworks begin to accurately document the property’s pre-existing condition.

What happens if damage is found after construction?

The dilapidation report provides clear evidence of the property’s original condition. This allows you to resolve disputes fairly and determine if the damage is linked to nearby works.

Do you service my suburb?

We cover Melbourne’s north-eastern suburbs including Doncaster, Templestowe, Eltham, Diamond Creek, Bulleen, Greensborough, Bundoora, Macleod, Montmorency, Heidelberg, Rosanna, Ivanhoe, and surrounding areas.

Are your inspectors independent?

Absolutely. We provide unbiased reports — we don’t work for real estate agents or vendors. Our only obligation is to you, the buyer.

Satisfied Customers

"Ryan provided an excellent pre-property inspection service. He was very thorough and professional, arrived promptly, and is a great communicator. He made himself available to assist me every step of the way. I really appreciated his attention to detail and clear guidance. I would happily recommend his services to anyone looking for a reliable and trustworthy inspector."

"Marc was excellent from the moment the enquiry was made. He responded promptly and professionally and managed the process with the agent to make it stress free. The inspection was carried out in a very short timeframe and resulted in an amazingly comprehensive and thorough report within a few hours of the inspection. I would highly recommend"

"Ryan went above & beyond for my first time buying a house. The house inspection was well organised & frictionless, I didn’t have to organise anything & report was very professional. Helped me negotiate a slightly better price for my first buy, will be using him again soon. His building background & ballpark estimates were especially helpful outside of the report in gauging what the costs were gonna be for the existing issues at the property."

A subsidiary of

www.elevatebuilding.com.au

Our team brings together expertise, industry knowledge, and a keen eye for detail in every inspection. With over 40 years of combined experience and a strong “client-first” approach, we deliver reports that are detailed, thorough, and built to be relied upon.

Melbourne, Vic

CDB-U 60327

MBAV 527519

DIP CPC 50210

DIP CPC 50308

CPPUP-M3008

CPPUP-M3010