Alright, let’s keep this simple.

If your neighbour is building, excavating, demolishing or doing deep civil works — you should seriously consider getting a dilapidation report in Perth done before they start.

And if you’re the one building? You absolutely need one.

Russell McCarthy from WA Building Inspections explains it best:

“A large portion of what we do, particularly for civil and commercial, is dilapidation reports. Let me explain.”

What Is a Dilapidation Report?

A dilapidation report (also called a pre-construction condition report) is a detailed, photographic and written record of a property’s condition before nearby construction begins.

Russell explains:

“The compactors, civil machinery, all of this could cause damage to nearby properties and as a result damage those properties.”

When excavation, piling, compaction or deep civil works occur, vibration can travel through soil and affect:

• Established homes

• New builds

• Boundary walls

• Driveways

• Concrete slabs

• Retaining walls

• Fencing

• Ceilings and internal finishes

As Russell states clearly:

“All these properties surrounding these deep works can suffer damage via vibration, things like that.”

No property is immune — even newly built homes.

 

Why Dilapidation Reports Matter in Civil & Commercial Projects

In Perth, we’re seeing increasing:

• Subdivisions

• Basement excavations

• Multi-storey developments

• Commercial civil works

• Infrastructure upgrades

With deep works comes vibration risk.

WA Building Inspections Perth captures detailed condition records before works begin so that if a claim arises later, there is clear evidence.

“We capture all the damage so that if there’s a claim by owners… we have a before and after catalog.”

That “before and after catalog” is the key.

 

 

Real Client Experience: When a Dilapidation Report Protected a Homeowner

We’ve had clients in Perth where neighbouring civil works caused visible cracking to internal walls and minor movement to paving.

Because the homeowner had a before dilapidation report completed, and then engaged us again for an after report, we were able to:

• Compare documented crack widths

• Confirm new cracking had occurred

• Provide timestamped photographic evidence

• Support their claim with professional documentation

As a result, the damage was successfully claimed and rectified by the builder’s insurer.

Without that documentation, it would have been extremely difficult to prove the cracking was new.

This is exactly why Russell says:

“Even though we’re talking about new construction as well, no property is not at risk of damage caused by vibration.”

 

 

If Your Neighbour Is Building – You Should Get Your Own Report

Many homeowners assume only builders need dilapidation reports.

That’s incorrect.

If your neighbour is:

• Excavating

• Installing deep footings

• Using compactors

• Conducting civil works

• Demolishing

You should consider a before and after dilapidation survey in Perth.

Why?

Because if damage appears later, proving causation without documented evidence becomes a legal grey area.

A professionally prepared report gives you:

✔ Independent documentation
✔ Timestamped photographic evidence
✔ Professional defect assessment
✔ Evidence to support insurance or legal claims
✔ Leverage in dispute resolution

 

 

Why Use a Registered Builder for Dilapidation Reports?

Not all inspection companies understand structural behaviour.

WA Building Inspections Perth reports are conducted under the direction of Russell McCarthy – Registered Builder BP104751.

This matters because:

• Builders understand soil movement

• Builders understand structural behaviour

• Builders understand construction sequencing

• Builders can differentiate cosmetic vs structural cracking

That level of experience strengthens report credibility if a dispute escalates.

This is part of why a significant portion of WA Building Inspections’ work involves civil and commercial dilapidation reporting.

 

 

What Is Included in a Dilapidation Report?

A professional dilapidation survey typically includes:

• Internal wall and ceiling inspections

• External elevations

• Slab condition

• Driveways and paving

• Retaining walls

• Fencing

• Boundary walls

• Photographic catalogue

• Detailed written defect descriptions

As Russell summarises:

“We have a before and after catalog. That’s what the dilapidations report are about.”

 

 

Who Needs a Dilapidation Report in Perth?

You should strongly consider one if:

You Are:

• A builder undertaking works near boundaries

• A developer performing deep excavation

• A civil contractor using compactors

• A commercial project manager

Or If:

• Your neighbour is undertaking major construction

• You live next to deep civil works

• Heavy machinery is operating nearby

• You want legal protection before vibration works begin

 

 

Dilapidation Surveys Perth – Avoid Disputes Before They Start

Construction vibration damage disputes can escalate quickly.

A relatively small investment in a professional dilapidation report can prevent:

• Legal conflict

• Insurance disputes

• Builder-owner tension

• Unjust damage claims

• Costly litigation

Russell’s advice is simple:

“If you need more information about that, give us a call for dilapidation surveys.”

 

 

My Final Thoughts

WA Building Inspections Perth provides independent dilapidation surveys across:

• Perth metro

• Rockingham to Mandurah

• Midland

• Civil and commercial project sites

If construction is starting near your property, don’t wait until damage appears.

Document your property properly — before and after.