Pre-construction property condition assessments with HD photography. Protect yourself against disputes and litigation before nearby construction begins.
A dilapidation report is a detailed, dated record of a property’s existing condition, prepared before nearby construction, excavation, or demolition work begins. It provides an objective photographic baseline so that if the construction causes any new damage to adjacent properties, there is clear evidence of what was there before.
Dilapidation reports are commonly prepared for existing buildings on properties adjoining a construction site, or for buildings on the same property where construction works might have an adverse impact. They are a critical risk mitigation measure for both property owners and developers.
Dilapidation reports are sometimes required by council as a condition of development consent, particularly for projects involving significant excavation, demolition, or construction near neighbouring properties. Even when not legally required, they are strongly recommended as best practice. Common scenarios include:
• New home construction adjacent to existing properties
• Excavation works, retaining walls, or basement construction
• Demolition of an existing structure
• Road or infrastructure works near residential or commercial buildings
• Any project where vibration or ground movement could affect nearby structures
Not only will you become aware of existing defects on your own and neighbouring properties, but you’ll also avoid costly disputes with neighbours and council down the track. A dilapidation report becomes an agreed record of property condition — invaluable if a damages claim is made against you.
East Coast Building Consultants inspect all areas of the property, including:
• Internal and external walls, ceilings, and floors
• Driveways, paths, and street guttering
• Fences, retaining walls, and boundary structures
• Footpaths, nature strips, and yards
• Neighbouring houses or buildings within the affected zone
• Any specific areas of concern identified by the property owner
Each report includes:
• High-definition photography documenting every existing defect
• Detailed written descriptions of each issue’s location, type, and severity
• Full report delivered in PDF format
• Video documentation available on request
We provide dilapidation reports for residential and commercial properties from Tweed Heads to Grafton. With over 20 years of experience on the North Coast of New South Wales, our team knows the local building landscape, soil conditions, and council requirements intimately.
Council areas covered: Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, and Clarence Valley.
Talk to our team of A3 accredited certifiers about your building certification, inspection, or dilapidation report needs.
Byron Bay Office: 37/5 Easy Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481
Lismore Office: 5/70 Woodlark Street, Lismore NSW 2480
Phone: (02) 6680 8705
A dilapidation report is a detailed, dated record of a property’s existing condition — including photos and written descriptions of any existing damage — prepared before nearby construction begins. It serves as an objective baseline to measure whether construction works cause any new damage to adjacent properties.
It depends on the project. Many Northern Rivers councils require dilapidation reports as a condition of development consent, particularly for projects involving excavation, demolition, or construction near neighbouring properties. Even when not legally required, they are considered best practice and can protect you against costly disputes.
Costs depend on the number of properties to be inspected and the size of each property. Contact us for a free quote — we provide clear, upfront pricing. Reports for a single neighbouring residential property are typically straightforward; larger developments with multiple adjoining properties will cost more.
Typically the party undertaking the construction work pays for the dilapidation report. It’s in the developer’s or builder’s interest to have a documented baseline of surrounding property conditions before work begins, to protect against future claims.
We provide dilapidation reports for residential and commercial properties across the Northern Rivers from Tweed Heads to Grafton, covering the council areas of Ballina, Byron, Tweed, Lismore, Richmond Valley, Kyogle, and Clarence Valley.
