Building Condition Reports

Construction, excavation or renovation work in a built-up area can raise concerns about damage to neighbouring property, roads, footpaths and structures. If their existing condition has not been recorded before work starts, it may be difficult to establish whether a crack, mark or other issue was already present. Without building condition reports, or dilapidation reports, working out who is responsible becomes a guessing game.

My Certifier prepares building condition reports across the Illawarra, South Coast, Sydney and the Southern Highlands. The report creates a clear record or independent evidence of visible conditions before nearby work begins, helping protect the people carrying out the work from liability for damage they did not cause.

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What Is A Condition Report?

A condition report records the existing visible condition of a building, structure, road or footpath at a specific point in time. It is commonly arranged before construction or other work starts nearby.

A pre-construction condition report provides an independent baseline that the parties can refer to if a concern arises later. The report does not assume that damage will occur. It records what can be seen before work begins so later discussions can rely on documented information.

Condition Report Or Dilapidation Report

The terms condition report and dilapidation report are often used for the same type of service. Both describe a documented record of the existing condition of property or infrastructure before work takes place nearby.

The most useful name may depend on the project documents or the language used by the relevant parties. My Certifier can discuss the required scope and prepare the report for the property, structure, road or footpath concerned.

Who Needs A Pre-Construction Condition Report?

Our service suits anyone carrying out work in a built-up area where nearby activity could affect a neighbouring building, structure, road or footpath. Property owners, builders or other parties responsible for the proposed work can benefit from our report.

A neighbouring property condition report can be especially useful where work will occur close to an existing structure or public asset. It is particularly relevant for excavation, demolition, renovations close to a boundary, or any construction likely to cause vibration or ground movement nearby. Recording visible conditions before the work begins gives the parties a shared reference point and can reduce uncertainty if a claim is later made.

Common Situations That Call For A Condition Report

Certain types of work carry a higher risk of affecting what’s next door, and those are the projects where a condition report is worth arranging as standard practice, not an afterthought.

Excavation and demolition close to a boundary are common triggers, along with in-ground pool construction, driveway and retaining wall work, and any construction likely to cause vibration or ground movement near neighbouring land. 

Multi-unit and larger residential builds in built-up areas often call for a condition report as a matter of course, and some development consent conditions will specifically require one before work can begin. 

If you are unsure whether your project falls into this category, it is worth raising it with My Certifier before you start.

What Can Be Included In The Assessment?

The subject of the report depends on the project and the assets near the proposed work. A condition assessment may cover an existing building, another structure, a road or a footpath. The agreed scope determines which areas are visually inspected and recorded.

Before the inspection, tell My Certifier about the proposed work and the neighbouring assets that may be affected. This helps define a practical inspection area and ensures the report is focused on the relevant surroundings.

How The Condition Reporting Process Works

Start by contacting My Certifier before nearby work begins. Explain the proposed work, its location and the buildings or public assets that need to be recorded. Access should be arranged for every area included in the agreed scope.

My Certifier then carries out a visual inspection and documents the existing condition of the nominated building, structure, road or footpath. The final report is sent by email, giving you a dated record to retain with the project documents.

How Long Does A Dilapidation Report Take?

A condition report is usually completed within one week from engagement to delivery of the final report by email. Timing depends on the size of the inspection area, access, and the agreed scope. Arrange the report early enough for the inspection and final document to be completed before work starts.

Why Choose My Certifier

A condition report only holds up if it comes from someone independent and properly qualified.

My Certifier is led by Che Leonard, a Restricted Class 1 and 10 Building Certifier registered with NSW Fair Trading and a member of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, the Association of Accredited Certifiers and the Swimming Pool and Spa Association. 

As a Licensed Builder as well as an accredited certifier, Che brings a practical understanding of what causes damage during construction, alongside the documentation standards needed for a report to hold up if a disagreement arises later.

My Certifier communicates clearly, responds promptly and explains the reporting process in plain English.

Book A Condition Report Before Work Starts

Do not wait until construction is underway to create the baseline record. If your project is due to start near a neighbouring building, structure, road or footpath, you can arrange a condition report before work begins.

Contact My Certifier to discuss a condition report or dilapidation report in the Illawarra, South Coast, Sydney or the Southern Highlands. Provide our team with the project address, a summary of the proposed work and details of the neighbouring building, structure, road or footpath that may need inspection.

📞 Phone: 0417 593 496

✉️ Email: che@mycertifier.com.au