Risks of dilapidation from neighbouring construction sites

Building Dilapidation

A dilapidation report is an important document for a body corporate when there is a new building in a neighbouring lot. It provides a detailed record of the condition of the existing buildings and structures before construction begins, which can be used as evidence in the event of disputes or claims related to the construction work. Additionally, it can help to identify potential issues that may arise during construction, such as subsidence or vibrations, and allow for appropriate measures to be taken to mitigate these risks.

In Australia, dilapidation reports have become increasingly important in recent years due to the growing number of construction projects taking place in urban areas. This is particularly true in the case of high-rise buildings, where the potential for damage to neighbouring buildings is significant. The high-rise buildings bring with it many challenges, one of them is the risk of damage to neighbouring buildings due to the close proximity of the structure.

There have been several notable cases in Australia where dilapidation reports have played a crucial role in resolving disputes or claims related to construction work. For example, in a high-profile case in Sydney, a dilapidation report was used as evidence in a legal dispute between a body corporate and a construction company over damage to an existing building caused by nearby construction work. The report provided detailed documentation of the pre-existing condition of the building, which helped to establish that the damage was caused by the construction work and not pre-existing issues. This helped to resolve the dispute and the body corporate was able to claim compensation for the damages caused.

Another example is a case in Melbourne where a body corporate commissioned a dilapidation report before construction of a neighbouring high-rise building began. The report identified potential issues such as vibrations and subsidence and the body corporate was able to take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks. This prevented any significant damage to the existing buildings and avoided any legal disputes. This highlights the importance of commissioning a dilapidation report even before the start of construction, as it helps to identify potential issues and take necessary actions to mitigate them.

In addition to resolving disputes, dilapidation reports can also be used to prevent disputes from arising in the first place. By identifying potential issues before construction begins, the body corporate can take steps to address them and mitigate any risks to the existing buildings. This helps to avoid any legal disputes and protects the interests of the building’s owners.

It’s important to note that dilapidation reports are not only important for high-rise buildings but also for other types of construction. Any construction work that is going to take place in close proximity to an existing building, can cause damage to the existing building. Therefore, it’s important to commission a dilapidation report even for small-scale constructions.

In conclusion, dilapidation reports are becoming increasingly important in Australia as the number of construction projects in urban areas increases. They provide a detailed record of the condition of existing buildings and structures before construction begins, which can be used as evidence in the event of disputes or claims related to construction work. Additionally, they help to identify potential issues that may arise during construction and enable the body corporate to take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks, preventing legal disputes and protecting the interests of the building’s owners. It’s important for the body corporate of the existing buildings to commission a dilapidation report even before the start of the construction, to mitigate any risks and avoid legal disputes.

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