Building inspector documenting property condition

Dilapidation Reports
Melbourne

Protect yourself before construction starts. Comprehensive independent condition surveys for builders, developers, and property owners across Victoria.

Why Get a Dilapidation Report?

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Reduce Your Risk

Avoid future disputes by clearly recording the existing condition of neighbouring properties prior to construction commencing.

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Avoid Costly Repairs

A dilapidation report is a small upfront cost that can save you thousands in disputed repair bills.

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Work with Your Neighbours

Undertaking a dilapidation report demonstrates to your neighbours that you're thinking about their property too.

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Complete Peace of Mind

Get peace of mind that your business is protected against any unfair liability claims or disputes arising from construction.

Independent Property Condition Surveys

You shouldn't have to pay for damage that was already there.

When your construction project commences, it's natural that your neighbours may feel concerned about any damage to their home. But if they file a claim after construction, and you can't prove the damage was pre-existing, the repair costs will likely fall on you.

BSS Group inspect neighbouring properties and produce a comprehensive dilapidation report — a thorough assessment including detailed photographs of any pre-existing damage. We manage the entire process, from organising property access through to answering any follow-up questions.

With nearly 50 years of experience, each of our inspectors has a minimum of 10 years in the industry, hand-picked for their professionalism and attention to detail.

BSS Group inspector on site

See How It Works

Watch our team walk through the dilapidation report process from start to finish.

Our Dilapidation Report Process

A clear, managed process from first contact through to your completed report.

1

Contact & Free Quote

Get in touch for a free same-day quote. We'll prepare a detailed quote including a scope of works for your approval.

2

Provide Neighbour Details

Once approved, provide neighbouring property details so we can contact them directly to book a time. If you don't have their details, we'll post out individualised access request letters with a unique portal code for online booking.

3

Arranging Access

We make multiple contact attempts — all logged on our system. We work around the property owner's schedule and send a text message reminder the afternoon before the inspection date.

4

Project Tracking

For larger projects with multiple properties, we provide weekly booking updates. You can also monitor progress via your personalised client portal.

5

Property Inspection

An experienced BSS Group inspector conducts a thorough inspection of the interior, exterior, and surrounding areas — including garages, boundary fences, pools, and sheds.

6

Report Preparation

All reports are edited and reviewed by a senior team member before issue to ensure accuracy and completeness.

7

Report Issuing

Your report is ready within 48 hours of the inspection and can be delivered by email, post, or downloaded directly from the client portal.

8

Post-Construction Reports

If an issue arises during or after construction, we can attend site and compare against the initial report — our detailed documentation makes it straightforward to identify any new damage caused by construction works.

What does a survey include?

A dilapidation survey covers a thorough inspection of a property's interior, exterior, and surrounds. Our inspectors take clear, accurate photographs documenting any existing damage — no personal items are photographed, only building fabric.

A inspection typically takes 45–60 minutes and the owner, occupier, or their representative must be present to provide access.

  • Cracks in internal and external walls
  • Cracks around fixtures and fittings
  • Water damage and moisture ingress
  • Ground movement indicators
  • Paving, fencing, and retaining walls
  • Basement car parks and other on-site infrastructure
  • Public assets including roads, footpaths, kerbs, and crossovers
Sample BSS Group Dilapidation Report cover page
Example Report

See What You'll Receive

Our dilapidation reports are thorough, clearly written, and delivered within 48 hours of inspection. Download a sample to see exactly what's included before you commit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should consider a dilapidation report?

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Anyone undertaking construction work near neighbouring properties. As a builder, you may be required to complete one as part of Protection Works under the Building Act 1993. As a property owner, if construction is planned near your home you should consider engaging BSS Group to document your property's condition before works begin.

When should the report be conducted?

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Before construction commences. This ensures our inspectors can capture clear evidence of the property's integrity before any potential damage occurs. The sooner the better — once works begin it's too late to establish a pre-construction baseline.

What happens if I don't get a dilapidation report?

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Without a dilapidation report you cannot conclusively prove what damage already existed and what was caused by construction. If a neighbour makes a claim, the repair costs will likely be borne by you — even if the damage was pre-existing. A report protects all parties by providing a clear before-and-after account.

Why engage BSS Group?

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BSS Group has been providing dilapidation reports for nearly 50 years and is trusted by Victoria's leading government bodies and developers. Every inspector has a minimum of 10 years' industry experience and is selected for their professionalism, attention to detail, and respect for property owners.

What Our Clients Say

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"BSS Group (particularly Anthea and Kim from the Dilapidation Team) have been outstanding. Both properties either side of ours were provided with detailed dilapidation reports so we can get our renovation done with confidence that our neighbours are protected."

Jo C.
Dilapidation Report — Melbourne
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"I engaged BSS to undertake a dilapidation report on my home and they provided a service that was nothing short of wonderful — punctual, polite, communicated effectively and produced a fantastically detailed report."

Belinda O.
Residential Dilapidation Report
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"I've used BSS Group for dilapidation surveys for many years and have always been impressed by their communication skills, professionalism and attention to detail. I would highly recommend them."

Mat — Mat Elkan Design
Commercial Dilapidation Reports

Get your dilapidation report before it's too late.

Don't wait until construction has commenced. Contact BSS Group today for a free same-day quote.