Dilapidation Inspections Melbourne
Protect Your Property Before Construction Begins
At Littlefire Building Inspections, we understand how disruptive construction work can be — not just to your peace and quiet, but to the integrity of your property. Whether it’s a major construction project next door or roadworks down the street, vibrations, excavation and heavy machinery can all impact the condition of surrounding homes and council assets.
A professional dilapidation inspection is a proactive way to document your property's existing condition before nearby works commence. This comprehensive inspection provides photographic and written evidence that can help avoid costly disputes down the track — giving you confidence and clarity, no matter how big the build.
What is a Dilapidation Report?
A dilapidation report is a detailed, time-stamped inspection of your property (or adjoining properties) that captures its pre-existing condition prior to nearby construction, excavation or demolition. Sometimes called a condition report, it includes a full inspection of internal and external areas, with clear written documentation, photographs and notations.
This report is especially important if your home is close to a large construction project, council works, pipe laying, or major renovations. It serves as a valuable record in case of damage such as cracking, ground movement, or water damage that may arise during the building process.
At Littlefire, we provide these inspections for:
Homeowners concerned about nearby construction
Builders and developers wanting to protect themselves from future claims
Councils or contractors needing pre-works documentation
Why is a Dilapidation Report Important?
Your home is likely one of your most valuable assets. When construction work takes place nearby, the risk of unintentional damage increases — and without an independent record of the property’s pre-works state, it can be difficult to prove liability if damage occurs.
A dilapidation report from Littlefire helps to:
Protect your property against future damage claims
Support insurance or legal disputes with written, visual evidence
Avoid neighbour conflicts by setting clear expectations from the start
Provide peace of mind during nearby construction or excavation works
Whether you're the homeowner or the builder, this inspection protects both parties and can help resolve potential issues before they escalate.
What’s Included in a Littlefire Dilapidation Inspection?
Our licensed inspectors carry out a thorough on-site assessment, capturing a comprehensive view of your property’s condition. We document both cosmetic and structural issues with high-resolution photography and a detailed inspection report.
Our reports typically include:
Internal wall cracks, ceiling movement, cornice gaps
External façade cracks, brickwork, render condition
Roof and guttering condition, visible water damage
Driveways, paths, fencing and paving
Retaining walls and landscaping
Council assets such as nature strips, footpaths and kerbs
Structural features likely to be affected by vibrations or ground movement
The final written report includes both visual and narrative records of any pre-existing damage, along with a timestamp to confirm the inspection occurred before construction commenced.
If there’s a construction project starting next door or within close proximity to your property, now is the time to book. Early documentation is key. You should arrange an inspection:
Before large-scale residential or commercial developments
Prior to major renovations or demolition of adjoining properties
When roadworks, tunnelling or pipe laying is scheduled nearby
Before council-led infrastructure upgrades or excavation work
If you're the developer or contractor and want to mitigate risk
In some cases, a dilapidation report is a formal requirement of local councils or part of the Development Approval process — especially for works that may disturb the ground or affect surrounding properties.
When Should You Get a Dilapidation Report?
Why Choose Littlefire Building Inspections?
We’re proud to be Melbourne locals who genuinely care about the work we do — and the people we work with. At Littlefire Building Inspections, you’ll get:
Independent, licensed and fully insured inspectors
Clear, jargon-free reports written for real people
Fast turnaround and professional service
Fair pricing with no hidden fees
Peace of mind that your home is protected
We believe building and pest inspection services should be as stress-free as possible. With Littlefire Building Inspections, you’ll know exactly what’s included and why it matters — and we’ll be here to answer any questions along the way.
Book a Dilapidation Inspection Today
Don’t wait until damage appears to take action. A dilapidation report is your first line of defence against construction-related claims — and a simple way to protect your most important asset.
Get a Quote or call us today to book your inspection.
Your neighbours might be building — but your peace of mind starts here.
Frequently asked questions
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All our inspectors are fully licensed, insured, and experienced in both residential construction and building inspections in Victoria.
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This property condition report is a detailed report that records the existing condition of a property before nearby construction or demolition begins. It helps protect both builders and neighbours by providing evidence to resolve any disputes about property damage during or after works.
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Both builders and homeowners can arrange a dilapidation inspection. If you’re a homeowner, it’s your way of protecting your property. If you’re a builder or project manager, it’s a responsible step to safeguard your team and reduce the risk of claims for damage that existed before you started.
At Littlefire, we work with:
Residential homeowners
Developers and project managers
Civil and construction contractors
Councils and legal advisors
Every inspection is carried out by a qualified, independent building inspector with deep knowledge of Melbourne’s construction and compliance requirements. We operate with transparency, care and attention to detail — ensuring every report holds weight in case of dispute.
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Our reports include:
High-quality photographs and video footage
Written notes detailing existing damage
Expert insights from a qualified building inspector
This comprehensive documentation gives you a clear snapshot of the property’s condition before work begins.
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Once our inspection is complete, we compile a high-quality inspection report that clearly outlines the condition of all inspected areas. The report is delivered via email in a timely manner, typically within 24–48 hours, and includes:
A detailed written report outlining all findings
High-resolution photographic evidence
Timestamped documentation of all visible issues
A clear layout for referencing specific areas of concern
A digital file you can share with your builder, neighbour, or council
Should you require a follow-up inspection after the construction work is complete, we can revisit the property and issue a post-works report for comparison. This before-and-after view is a powerful way to resolve any disputes around damage quickly and professionally.
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The cost of our property condition report varies depending on the size and complexity of the property. Generally, you can expect to pay a fee ranging from $490 to upwards of $1,000+.