Sample Dilapidation Report: See What a Real Report Looks Like
Preview a redacted sample of a real dilapidation report prepared for a Melbourne residential property. Understand the level of detail and professionalism you should expect.
What You Will See in This Sample Report
Many property owners are unsure what a dilapidation report actually looks like. Before commissioning one, it helps to see a real example so you know what to expect in terms of detail, structure, and professionalism. This sample has been redacted to remove identifying information, but the content and format reflect a genuine inspection conducted on a typical Melbourne brick veneer home.
Why Review a Sample Report?
Understanding what a professional report looks like helps you evaluate the quality of the report you receive. Not all dilapidation reports are created equal. Some inspectors provide little more than a handful of photographs with minimal commentary, while others deliver comprehensive documentation that would stand up in a VCAT tribunal or court proceeding.
A thorough report should include detailed written descriptions of every observable defect, a clear photographic schedule with numbered images cross-referenced to the text, and a professional summary. The sample below demonstrates the standard you should expect from a qualified inspector.
Key Elements of a Professional Report
Every professional dilapidation report should contain these essential components:
- Clear identification of the property, inspector, and purpose of the report
- Systematic coverage of all accessible areas, both internal and external
- Detailed defect descriptions including location, type, severity, and measurements where appropriate
- High-resolution photographs with numbering that matches the written schedule
- Floor plan or site plan showing the orientation of the property relative to the neighbouring construction
- Professional declaration signed by the inspector with their qualifications and insurance details
What Makes a Report Legally Robust?
If a dispute arises about construction-related damage, the dilapidation report may need to serve as evidence at VCAT or in court. Reports that are vague, incomplete, or prepared by unqualified individuals may not be accepted. A legally robust report includes precise descriptions, measurements of crack widths, photographic evidence from consistent angles, and a clear methodology section.
The inspectors we connect you with are experienced in preparing reports that meet the evidentiary requirements of Victorian legal proceedings. Their reports are designed to protect your interests if a dispute arises.
How This Sample Is Structured
The redacted sample below follows the structure of a real 35-page residential dilapidation report. It includes excerpts from the cover page, property identification section, external inspection schedule, internal inspection schedule, photographic pages, and the inspector declaration. Identifying details have been replaced with placeholder text.
Report Preview (Excerpt)
DILAPIDATION REPORT
Pre-Construction Condition Survey
Report No: DR-2024-[REDACTED]
Date of Inspection: [REDACTED] 2024
1. PROPERTY DETAILS
Address: [REDACTED] Street, [Inner Melbourne Suburb], VIC 3[XXX]
Property Type: Residential - Brick veneer, single storey
Year Built: Circa 1960
LGA: City of [REDACTED]
2. PURPOSE
This report records the condition of the above property prior to the commencement of construction works at the adjacent property ([REDACTED]). The neighbouring development involves demolition of an existing dwelling and construction of a three-storey apartment building with basement car parking, as approved under Planning Permit No. [REDACTED].
3. EXTERNAL INSPECTION (Excerpt)
Item E1 - Front Elevation (North-facing)
Hairline crack observed in brickwork mortar joint, approximately 300mm in length, located at window head level, left side of front window. Crack width measured at <0.5mm. Refer Photo 7.
Item E2 - East Side Wall
Vertical crack in render, approximately 150mm long, located 1200mm from ground level at the junction of the original dwelling and the rear extension. Crack width approximately 1.0mm. Refer Photo 12.
Item E3 - Driveway
Existing settlement crack in concrete driveway, running approximately 2 metres in an east-west direction. Crack width varies from 1mm to 3mm. Differential settlement of approximately 5mm observed at crack location. Refer Photos 15-16.
[Full report continues for 35 pages with 87 photographs]
Access the Full Sample Report
Enter your details to view the complete redacted sample report, including full photographic schedule, internal inspection results, and inspector methodology sections.
Ready for a professional report of this calibre? We connect you with qualified inspectors across Melbourne.