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Defect & dilapidation

Defect & Dilapidation Reports

When something's gone wrong, you need an independent voice. Qualified inspector, photographic evidence, defensible written report.

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When something’s gone wrong with a build, or when someone else’s works might affect yours, you need an independent voice with the right qualifications.

Defect inspections

You’ve moved in. Something’s not right. The wall’s cracking, the slab’s sloped, the bathroom waterproofing failed, the render’s blowing. The builder says it’s “settlement” or “normal” or “not their problem.”

That’s where we come in. An independent qualified inspector attends, documents what’s actually happening, gives you a written report with photographs and severity ratings, and you have something defensible to take into the conversation with the builder, the body corporate, the insurer, or the tribunal.

What we look at:

  • Specific concerns you’ve raised
  • Related areas that might have the same root cause
  • Documentation of current state (so it can be tracked if it worsens)
  • Likely cause where reasonable to assess
  • Recommended rectification approach

Dilapidation reports

A neighbour’s about to build, excavate or demolish. You’re worried their works might crack your wall, shift your slab, damage your boundary fence. The smart move is a dilapidation report BEFORE works begin — independent documented baseline of your property’s current condition, so if damage occurs, you can prove it.

Dilapidation reports are routine on:

  • Subdivision developments next to your property
  • Multi-storey construction within 50m
  • Demolition (especially if shared boundary walls)
  • Basement excavation or significant earthworks
  • Council infrastructure work (rare but worth covering)

Ideally, you have one done before works start, and a second one after works complete — the comparison is unambiguous.

What you get

  • 2-hour inspection of the relevant areas (full property for dilapidation; targeted for defect)
  • PDF report within 48 hours: photographic, dated, GPS-verified, plain-English
  • Inspector qualifications statement at the front
  • Reference standard cited (AS 4349 series, NCC, relevant subclauses)
  • Severity rating for each finding
  • Comparison to baseline if you’ve previously had us do an inspection at the property

What it costs

Defect inspection$400-$700
Dilapidation report (single visit)$400-$600
Pre + post dilapidation pair$750-$1,100 (saves ~$100 vs separate bookings)
Witness statement at NCAT/tribunal hearingHourly, by arrangement — book early

Most reports we deliver get the issue resolved at the conversation stage, not in front of a tribunal. The report’s purpose is to make the conversation impossible to avoid.

Get a quote → or ring us and explain the situation.

Testimonials

What clients say

FAQ

Defect & Dilapidation Reports — common questions

What's the difference between defect and dilapidation? +
Defect = something built or installed wrong (your concern with the builder). Dilapidation = pre-existing condition before someone else's works (your concern when neighbour is about to build / excavate / demolish, and you want a record of YOUR property's current state to defend later claims). Same inspector, similar process, different purpose.
Will the report be defensible? +
Yes. Our reports are written to be referenced in builder negotiations, NCAT / SAT / VCAT proceedings, insurance claims, and pre-build neighbour agreements. Photographs are dated, GPS-verified where possible, and the inspector's qualifications are stated up front.
When should I get a dilapidation report? +
Before any neighbouring work that could affect your property — major excavation, demolition, multi-storey construction, basement digs. Get the report BEFORE works start. Costs around $400-$600 for a typical residential property and saves enormous trouble if something does crack later.
How long after I notice a defect should I get an inspection? +
As soon as practical. Defect reports lose evidentiary weight if there's been time to "tidy up" or if seasonal changes have masked the issue. If you notice cracking, water damage, structural movement — book within 30 days.
Can the report be used in court? +
It can be tendered as evidence; whether it's accepted depends on the matter and the court. Most defect disputes don't reach court because the report is convincing enough at the negotiation stage. We've never had a report rejected in any forum.
How much does it cost? +
Defect inspections are typically $400-$700 depending on the issue's complexity. Dilapidation reports are typically $400-$600. Both include a comprehensive photo report and the inspector's qualifications.
Get a quote

Book your inspection

Tell us the property address + the inspection type. We'll come back within 4 business hours with a fixed-price quote and the next available slot.

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