Dilapidation Reports in Construction
Introduction
The dilapidation report refers to the document that is the result of an inspection conducted in order to record the current condition of a property and to identify what needs to be done to rectify it.
During construction work and afterward, the asset's condition is assessed before and after the construction work has been completed.
Dilapidation reports: features and benefits
It is crucial that the dilapidation report be documented in detail so that a full and verifiable record can be created of any unforeseen or unintentional damage that was caused as a result of the construction work.
It is also at this time that any possible patent or latent defects are pointed out during the inspection, as well as any that may arise in the future.
Even if there are no complaints or damages caused during construction, a dilapidation report should be carried out. A standard and systematic format for dilapidation reports are used to ensure consistent project records are maintained and to support any claims for compensation.
In order to create an accurate dilapidation report, it is important to mention the following details:
- Map of the area
- Examined items
- A full and proper description of the area
- The proper date of the Dilapidation Inspection
- Engineer doing the survey's signature
- Citing all pre-existing defects
- The Videos and the photos of the inspection
Other Factors
The complexity of the building structure should be taken into account when constructing a dilapidation report including photos, videos, and signatures as proof of the pre-construction and construction condition of the structure.
Typically, a building consultant or a professional structural engineer is commissioned to carry out a dilapidation survey or prepare a report on the damage caused by dilapidation. In order to avoid bias, these criteria will be followed in future claims.
To create a quality dilapidation report, the building consultant must be aware of the high-risk areas of various types of construction, and the possibilities of future damage, have foresight in order to minimize risk, and prepare a report that is clear and concise.
During the course of a dilapidation survey, an inspector looks at the following specific details:
- Cracks on tiles
- Cracks in the inside and exterior walls
- Cracks on paver or concrete
- Cracks in exterior brickwork
- Roof coverings that are missing, cracked, or leaking
- Indications of ground movement or settlement
Dilapidation reports and their importance
In the construction industry, dilapidation reports are a single source of information about collateral damages resulting from construction work.
There is a potential for certain construction works to damage nearby structures if they happen to take place on a large construction site. Obtaining a pre-construction dilapidation report can enable the owner to claim any damages caused by nearby construction work that occurs post construction to the building.
As a supporting document for your claim, you may use a dilapidation report which is a document that contains information about non-satisfactory work done during the construction period and whose after effects are discovered after a number of years to support your claim.
A dilapidation report can be a useful tool for claiming latent defects that are present in a structure. The term latent defect refers to a defect that is hidden and is not discovered before the defect liability period of a structure has expired.
Other Importance
As a supporting document for your claim, you may use a dilapidation report which is a document that contains information about non satisfactory work done during the construction period and whose after effects are discovered after a number of years to support your claim.
A dilapidation report may not be required by all laws, but it can help protect you from a lawsuit if a property owner claims that someone has damaged their structure or property due to construction or demolition
We recommend you contact a local building authority or a builder in order to be informed more about the dilapidation report and the rules that apply to it
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