Dilapidation Report

Boogga

Does anyone use a Dilapidation Report before you commence building? If so, how do you go about it? If not, why not?

__________________

"It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees"

Bob Kovacs

You're probably not getting a great response because most of the contractors here have no clue what a "dilapidation report" is. They aren't commonly used here in the US like they are in Oz, except on large projects where damage to adjacent structures might be possible due to blasting, sheetpiling, or excavation. When they are used, they're typically called "preconstruction condition surveys".

We often use a version of these just to assess the condition of curbs/walks, streets, landscaping, and even adjacent areas within the building we're working on- it avoids the old "my front door has started sticking ever since you built my new deck on the back of the house".

Bob

mdshunk

I have only seen dilapidation reports done on government rehab jobs, and I'm glad for it. People getting contractors to do work on their home for "free" (with government money) will try to screw you into fixing everything in the home on your nickel. A third party normally does a pretty detailed report on existing conditions before work commences.

handyhoppe

I never really gave this much thought , but will from now on. That is what I like about this site, it seems like every time I read the discussions on this site I learn something and/or get new ideas for our company.

dougchips

Interesting, when my mother lived in FL her neighbors tried to blame her pool company for the stucco siding issues. Their claim was that the construction of the pool casued their stucco to seperate from their house.

Ed the Roofer

Good idea for the report, and it should be signed by both parties to agree about the conditions prior to job start.

Another good idea is to take dated phots of any pre-existing damage on or around someones home.

3 years ago, when we finished a roof job and I removed my dumptruck from the driveway, the homeowner said the weight of the truck cracked the diveway.

I showed him dated photos from the 1st day we started and his response was that he didn't realize it was in such bad condition already. Gulp.

I also have added a detailed clause to all contracts regarding this type of damage and landscaping as well.

Ed

Boogga

We do these reports (Oooooh their called.......preconstruction condition surveys - learnt something new) every job we do such as a reno or remodling a house. Mainly becuase you come in and start banging about causing vibration etc which then gives people the opportunity to sue you for things that aren't your fault. We have a standard form which we fill out and take photos of the troubled spots. It covers you the builder and also covers the owner.

Every builder should do this on everyone of his/her jobs. It covers your backside.

__________________

"It's better to die on your feet than to live on your knees"