Reviewed by Restorex’s building restoration team
Understand the purpose of the exercise
Dilapidations may involve lease-end liability, landlord works, tenant budgeting, acquisition planning or review of an existing schedule. The legal position and interpretation of the lease belong with the appointed surveyor and legal advisers. The contractor’s contribution is practical evidence about condition, access, repair method, quantity and likely delivery cost.
Inspect the complete external envelope
Roofs, chimneys, façades, windows, leadwork and rainwater goods should be considered together. High-level drone evidence can support the survey, but close access or opening-up may be necessary where concealed construction affects scope or cost.
A useful schedule identifies exact locations, measurable work, assumptions, exclusions and priorities. Indicative costs should be clearly distinguished from fixed quotations.
Plan delivery before the deadline
Access licences, scaffolding, approvals, protected species, weather and occupied operations can all affect programme. Early contractor input helps test whether the proposed repair scope is buildable within the available period and which investigations must happen first.