Dilapidation report

When you need this form

Before excavation, demolition or heavy works start next door, the neighbouring property's condition needs to be on the record. The same applies when you take on management of a building sitting beside an active site. Existing cracks, movement and surface damage get mapped and photographed while everyone still agrees on what they are. Without that baseline, every later crack becomes an argument you are likely to lose.

This is the one form most likely to be read by a lawyer or an insurer. A dated photo with GPS attached to a specific wall carries weight that a scanned Word document does not. Signed acknowledgement from the owner or occupier at the time of inspection closes the loop, so nobody can claim the survey happened after the damage.

What good looks like

• Every elevation and room walked, including boundary fences, paths and driveways.
• Existing cracks measured and mapped, not described as "minor damage".
• Photos framed twice: context shot, then close up with a scale.
• Inspection date, inspector and GPS location captured automatically.
• Owner or occupier acknowledgement signed on site at completion.