Document property condition before works
"Our neighbor claimed our excavation cracked their entire foundation. We had no evidence it was pre-existing. A dilapidation report signed before we broke ground would have been our defense."
Without a pre-construction dilapidation survey, your neighbour's 30-year-old cracks become your legal liability the moment you break ground.
- Time-stamped, high-resolution photographic record of all neighbouring property conditions before works begin
- Reports signed by an independent licensed certifier — legally defensible in disputes, courts, and before council
- Covers all structures within the risk zone: brickwork, internal plaster, fences, driveways, and retaining walls
- Satisfies DA consent conditions requiring pre-construction dilapidation surveys for excavation and demolition
Scope of Works
What we document
We look for pre-existing damage that neighbors might later blame on your construction vibrations.
External Brickwork
We map out existing cracks in masonry that could be worsened by heavy machinery vibrations.
Ready to book your inspection?
Get a same-day quote from a licensed NSW certifier. We'll be in touch within 2 hours.
How dilapidation reporting works
A purely objective recording of current pre-existing damage.
Pre-Construction Setup
You:
Provide details of your construction zone and adjoining properties.
We:
We notify neighbors and arrange access to their properties.
Visual Documentation
You:
Focus on preparing your site for excavation or demolition.
We:
We document every existing crack, settlement, and defect on the neighboring properties with high-res photos.
Final Formal Report
You:
Keep the report safely on file during your build.
We:
We provide a legally sound, time-stamped report signed off by an independent certifier.
Where We Provide This Service
No.1 Building Services provides fast, unrestricted certification across the following regions. Explore our interactive coverage map.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes. It may be required by a DA consent condition, especially for demolition, excavation or boundary works.
We record the refusal and document visible conditions from accessible areas where possible.
Get in touch
Request a quote
We'll review your project details and get back to you within 24 hours.
Unrestricted certifiers
Your project is reviewed directly by NSW-accredited certifiers - no middlemen.