A dilapidation report in Perth is a documented condition report prepared for a property before nearby construction, demolition, or civil works commence. It records the existing state of a building, including any pre-existing cracks, movement, or defects, so there is an accurate baseline to refer back to if damage is claimed during or after the works. If you have received a notice from a neighbouring developer, your local council, or a builder advising that construction is about to begin near your property, a dilapidation report protects your interests.
Bestwest Building prepares dilapidation reports for residential and commercial properties across Perth. Our dilapidation report service gives you a clear, photograph-supported record that can be relied upon in any subsequent dispute.
| Dilapidation Report: Key Facts at a Glance |
Documents the pre-existing condition of your property before nearby construction begins |
Includes full-resolution photographs of all existing defects, cracks, and areas of concern |
Protects property owners if a neighbour or developer causes damage during construction |
Required or requested by councils, developers, and builders for many Perth construction projects |
Covers both residential and commercial properties |
Prepared by Bestwest Building’s extensive team of highly experienced registered builders |
Get an instant personalised quote at bestwestbuilding.com.au |
What Is a Dilapidation Report?
A dilapidation report is a formal, written record of the visible condition of a property at a specific point in time. It captures photographs and written descriptions of every existing crack, defect, settlement mark, or area of concern that is present before construction activities begin on or near the site.
The purpose is straightforward: to establish a clear, undisputed record of your property’s condition before the neighbouring works start. If cracking, movement, or other damage appears during or after construction, the dilapidation report is the reference point. It shows what was there before, and what is new.
Without a dilapidation report, disputes over damage can become protracted and difficult to resolve. With one, the evidence speaks for itself.
Who Needs a Dilapidation Report in Perth?
Dilapidation reports are most commonly required or recommended in these situations:
Neighbouring residential construction: If a new home, extension, or significant renovation is being built next door, your property may be affected by excavation, vibration, or changes to drainage. A dilapidation report records your property’s condition before works begin.
Subdivision development: Subdivision projects in established Perth suburbs often involve significant earthworks close to existing homes. A dilapidation report protects adjoining owners.
Council road or infrastructure works: Local government road upgrades, footpath replacements, or underground service installations can cause vibration and ground movement. Councils sometimes commission dilapidation surveys of adjoining properties as part of their project management process.
Commercial development near your property: Commercial building projects, particularly those involving deep excavation or piling, can have a significant effect on neighbouring structures. If a development application near your property has been approved, a dilapidation report is worth commissioning before works start.
Protecting your own investment property: Property investors and business owners with commercial premises adjacent to development activity can use a building dilapidation report to document the condition before any works proceed.
What Does a Dilapidation Report Include?
A Bestwest Building dilapidation report provides a comprehensive condition record of all visible and accessible areas of the property. The report typically covers:
External walls and facades: All visible external wall surfaces, including existing cracking, render damage, brick movement, and surface deterioration.
Internal walls, ceilings, and floors: A systematic walk-through of all rooms, recording existing cracks, plaster damage, floor movement, and any other defects present.
Site features: Driveways, paths, steps, retaining walls, fencing, and outbuildings, all photographed and described.
Roof and gutters (visual): Visible external roof condition and guttering, noted where accessible.
All observations are supported by full-resolution photographs. The report is a point-in-time document: it records what is present on the day of inspection, not what may develop later.
Bestwest Building dilapidation reports are prepared under AS4349.1 by registered builders. This matters, because a report prepared by a qualified and independent professional carries significantly more weight in any subsequent dispute or insurance claim.
How Is a Dilapidation Survey Different from a Building Inspection?
A pre-purchase building inspection is carried out when you are buying a property, typically after you sign the contract and before settlement. It identifies defects and safety hazards so you can make an informed decision about the purchase.
A dilapidation survey is different. It is not about buying or selling. It is about protecting an existing property before construction activity begins nearby. The audience is the property owner whose home or business may be at risk from adjacent works, not a buyer assessing whether to proceed with a purchase.
Both services involve the same rigorous visual inspection and photographic documentation approach. The purpose, timing, and legal context are what differ.
Do You Need a Dilapidation Report in Perth?
In many cases, you do not have a choice: the developer, builder, or council commissioning the nearby works will request or require a dilapidation report as a condition of their project. This is standard practice on larger construction projects across Perth.
In other cases, commissioning a dilapidation report is a proactive decision you make as a property owner. If significant works are planned near your home or investment property and no one has offered to commission a report, it is worth arranging one independently. The cost of a dilapidation survey is modest compared with the cost of disputing a claim for damage without the supporting evidence.
Bestwest Building recommends commissioning a dilapidation report as early as possible, before any site preparation or demolition activity begins. Once works are underway, any new defects become harder to separate from pre-existing conditions.
How to Book a Dilapidation Report with Bestwest Building
Bestwest Building’s extensive team of highly experienced registered builders has completed 50,000+ inspections across Perth and South West WA. Get a free instant quote at bestwestbuilding.com.au, or call us on (08) 9444 9562. We also offer commercial building inspections for business owners and investors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dilapidation Reports in Perth
What is a dilapidation report and what does it include?
A dilapidation report is a formal, photograph-supported condition record of a property prepared before nearby construction, demolition, or civil works begin. It documents all visible defects, cracks, and areas of concern present at the time of inspection. If damage is later claimed to have been caused by the nearby works, the report provides an objective baseline for comparison. In Perth, Bestwest Building dilapidation reports are prepared under AS4349.1 by registered builders.
Who needs a dilapidation report in Perth, and when?
Any property owner whose home or investment property adjoins planned construction, subdivision, or civil works may need a dilapidation report. This includes residential owners next to new home builds or extensions, commercial property owners near development sites, and any owner who has received a notice from a developer, builder, or local council about upcoming works. The report should be commissioned before any site preparation or demolition activity begins.
How much does a dilapidation report cost in Perth?
The cost of a dilapidation report varies depending on property size, location, and the scope of areas to be documented. Get a personalised free instant quote at bestwestbuilding.com.au, or call (08) 9444 9562.
Is a dilapidation report the same as a building inspection?
No. A pre-purchase building inspection is carried out when you are buying a property and assesses defects to support a purchase decision. A dilapidation survey is carried out before nearby construction begins, to record the existing condition of your property and protect you if damage is later claimed. They are different services for different purposes.
How long does a dilapidation inspection take?
The time required depends on the size of the property and the number of areas to be documented. Most residential properties can be completed in one to two hours. A full-resolution photographic report is delivered following the inspection.
