Dilapidation Surveys
A dilapidation survey is an independent, dated record of the existing condition of a building, structure or asset before nearby construction, excavation or demolition begins. Landair Surveys carries out dilapidation and existing conditions surveys across Victoria and New South Wales, giving builders, developers, engineers and property owners clear evidence to manage risk and resolve any dispute over construction related damage.
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What a dilapidation survey is, and when you need one
Before work starts on a site, the condition of neighbouring buildings, boundary structures, roads and other assets is documented in detail. If cracking, movement or damage is later claimed, the survey provides an objective, timestamped baseline to compare against, protecting all parties. A dilapidation survey is often required by a council permit, a construction contract or an insurer, and is commonly repeated after works finish so before and after conditions can be compared.
Landair captures this record with photography, measurements and, where a precise permanent record is needed, 3D laser scanning. The result is a clear report that stands up if questions arise months or years down the track.
What a Landair dilapidation survey includes
Pre construction condition record
A thorough survey of existing cracking, movement, finishes and defects across the structures at risk, documented before any work begins.
Photographic and measured documentation
High resolution photography and measurements, clearly referenced and dated, so every observation can be located and verified later.
3D laser scanning where precision matters
For heritage, complex or high value assets, a millimetre accurate point cloud captures the exact existing condition as a permanent digital record.
Who needs a dilapidation survey
Builders and developers
Protect against unfounded damage claims from neighbours and demonstrate due diligence to councils and insurers.
Engineers and contractors
Establish a baseline before excavation, piling, tunnelling or demolition near existing structures.
Councils and property owners
Document the condition of public assets or your own property adjacent to a development before works start.
Dilapidation survey FAQs
It is an independent record of the existing condition of a building, structure or asset, captured before nearby construction, excavation or demolition. It documents existing cracks, movement and defects so that any later damage can be objectively assessed against the baseline.
Typically before work begins on or next to a site, and often again once works are complete. It is commonly required by a council permit, a construction contract or an insurer, and is good practice whenever construction happens close to structures that could be affected.
The two overlap. An existing conditions survey records what is currently on a site to inform design and planning, while a dilapidation survey focuses on documenting condition and defects to manage risk and disputes. Landair delivers both, and often combines them.
Where a precise, permanent record is valuable, such as heritage buildings or complex assets, we capture the condition with 3D laser scanning to produce a millimetre accurate point cloud alongside the photographic report.
Landair carries out dilapidation and existing conditions surveys across Victoria and New South Wales from our Melbourne and Sydney offices. Send us your site details and we will provide a quote.