Why do WA Property Owners need a Dilapidation Building Inspection?

Demolition, excavation and construction work can potentially cause damage to occur on properties adjacent to a demolition or construction sites. For example, excavation, compaction, heavy equipment operation and other associated activities can cause soil slippage, erosion or vibratory action which can have an adverse impact on adjacent buildings, fences, retaining walls, driveways, roadways and or landscaping. In the event that damage does occur, having a professional and independent dilapidation report which clearly and concisely articulates the condition of the property prior to the works can be critical in avoiding litigation.

Houspect WA Dilapidation Inspections can be undertaken on behalf of either:

• The owner or builder of the property where the demolition or construction work is being undertaken can commission dilapidation inspections to be undertaken on all neighbouring properties, where the owner or builder wants protection against unreasonable claims for damages caused by the works.
• The owner of a property which is adjacent to a property where demolition or construction is being undertaken wants additional protection against damage being caused to their property.

Organising a dilapidation inspection prior to and if required post-construction, by a qualified and experienced building inspector, is an important safeguard when construction is being undertaken in close proximity to neighbouring properties.

What are the benefits of Dilapidation inspections?

Adjacent properties can potentially sustain damage or defects during demolition and/or construction. A quality dilapidation report prepared by an independent professional building inspector can provide enormous value in determining a “before” condition and provides the ability to accurately assess condition change to a property post works, when an “after position” is required.

Dilapidation inspections can provide significant support in resolving damages claims where a claim is made as a result of demolition or construction works. Without an independent dilapidation report, proving or defending property damage can be very difficult.

What does the Report provide?

A Houspect dilapidation inspection report is a comprehensive, impartial document completed in accordance with Australian Standards.

Our qualified Building Inspectors carefully assess and survey the inspected property to document the current internal and external condition of the property prior to adjacent building construction or infrastructure works’ commencement. The report identifies any existing building defects, e.g. visible pre-existing damage, cracks, gaps or subsidence to the property – supported by digital photographic evidence.

What does our Dilapidation Inspection cover?

Our dilapidation inspection covers the essential areas on your property which could be negatively impacted by adjacent or neighbouring construction works. These include:

• Internal walls, cornices, ceilings, floors
• External walls, paving, flooring, eaves, windows, drives, crossovers, fences, retaining walls
• Outbuildings and pergolas, patios, gazebos etc.

About your Houspect Building Inspector

In WA, building inspections and building inspectors are unregulated. As a consequence it is important that you have total confidence in the quality, skills, experience and professionalism of your building inspector. At Houspect WA:

• Every one of our building inspectors is a WA Registered Builder in their own right. Their Builders Registration Number is recorded in every report.
• Every building inspector has a minimum of 20 years direct construction industry experience.
• Our building inspectors are fully insured with Professional Indemnity and Public Liability.
• Every inspection report produced by Houspect WA is subject to a minimum of two levels of quality assurance review prior to being released.
• Our state wide clients and building inspectors are supported by a dedicated and experienced customer service team based in our Balcatta operations centre. All calls, enquiries or bookings are addressed promptly and professionally by our dedicated customer service team during our business hours of 8.30 am to 5.00 pm.
• Our building inspectors are located across the entire Perth metropolitan area and in most major regional centres in WA.

Houspect WA or its Directors maintain a number of important professional memberships including:

• Master Builders Association of WA
• Housing Industry Association
• Strata Community Association of WA
• Australian Institute of Conveyances WA

During the 20 plus years of operating in WA, Houspect has produced in excess of 50,000 quality building inspections.

Buy, build and invest with confidence with Houspect WA.

For more information or to book a Dilapidation Inspection at your location, call Houspect on Phone 9240 8855, email us at info.wa@houspectwa.com.au or complete our online enquiry form.