Sample Dilapidation Report: See What a Real Report Looks Like (Sydney)
Wondering what you will receive when a qualified building surveyor completes a dilapidation report on your property? This page walks you through every section of a typical report, with example condition notes taken from real Sydney property inspections.
What to Expect in a Completed Dilapidation Report
A professional dilapidation report is a detailed record of your property's condition at a specific point in time, usually before nearby construction begins. It serves as baseline evidence that can be used to identify and prove any damage caused by construction activity.
Reports prepared by qualified building surveyors and structural engineers in Sydney typically range from 20 to 80+ pages, depending on the size and complexity of the property. Every room, external area, and structural element is documented with written descriptions and cross-referenced photographs.
The specialists we connect you with produce comprehensive reports that are accepted by councils, insurers, solicitors, and courts across NSW. Each report follows a consistent professional format that ensures no area is overlooked and all observations are clearly documented.
Sections of a Dilapidation Report
A typical dilapidation report from a Sydney specialist includes the following sections. Each section plays a specific role in creating a thorough property condition record.
Cover Page
The cover page identifies the property address, property owner, inspector credentials, date and time of inspection, weather conditions during the inspection, and the purpose of the report (typically pre-construction documentation). It also includes the inspector's qualifications, insurance details, and professional memberships.
Property Details and Scope
This section provides a general description of the property including its age, construction type (e.g. double-brick, timber frame, concrete slab), number of storeys, and overall layout. It also outlines the scope of the inspection, any areas that could not be accessed, and the reason for the report being commissioned.
Room-by-Room Documentation
The most detailed section of the report. Each room and area of the property is systematically documented with written descriptions of walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and fixtures. Every existing defect, crack, stain, or area of concern is noted with its location, size, and severity. Each observation is cross-referenced to numbered photographs.
Photographic Evidence
A comprehensive photo appendix containing numbered, high-resolution photographs of every area inspected. Photos include wide-angle context shots and close-ups of specific defects. Crack gauge rulers are used to document crack widths. Each photograph is cross-referenced to the corresponding written observation in the report.
Condition Assessment Summary
An overall assessment of the property's condition at the time of inspection, summarising the key findings from each area. This section provides a clear baseline that can be compared against a post-construction inspection to identify any changes or damage caused by nearby construction works.
Recommendations
Where relevant, the report may include recommendations for monitoring specific areas of concern, installing vibration monitors, or conducting a follow-up post-construction inspection. The recommendations section also notes any pre-existing issues that should be addressed independently of the nearby construction.
Example Condition Notes
Below are examples of the type of condition notes found in a professional dilapidation report. These are representative of the detail and precision that qualified specialists use when documenting property conditions in Sydney.
Living Room - East Wall
Minor“Hairline crack approximately 1.2mm wide running diagonally from the top-right corner of the window frame towards the ceiling cornice, extending approximately 450mm in length. Crack appears to be through the render only and does not indicate structural movement at this stage. No associated dampness or staining observed.”
Kitchen - Floor Tiles
Cosmetic“Two ceramic floor tiles adjacent to the rear door threshold show fine craze cracking across the glaze surface. Tiles are firmly bonded and level. No lippage or hollow sound when tapped. Craze cracking is cosmetic and consistent with age-related wear.”
External - Northern Boundary Fence
Moderate“Timber paling fence along the northern boundary is leaning approximately 8 degrees toward the neighbouring property. Three fence posts show signs of deterioration at ground level consistent with moisture damage. Fence is functional but in fair condition overall.”
Bathroom - Ceiling
Good“No visible cracks, staining, or water damage to the ceiling plasterboard. Paint surface is in good condition with no signs of peeling, bubbling, or mould. Exhaust fan operational. Ceiling condition rated as good.”
External - Front Driveway
Minor“Concrete driveway displays a single transverse crack approximately 2.5mm wide across the full width of the slab, located approximately 3 metres from the street boundary. Crack edges are level with no vertical displacement. Minor weed growth visible within the crack. Settlement crack consistent with typical concrete shrinkage.”
Note: These are illustrative examples only. Each report is unique to the property inspected. A qualified building surveyor will use precise technical language and measurements specific to the defects and conditions observed at your property.
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