Dilapidations Works
We carry out dilapidations works for a fixed price, priced against your schedule line by line.
- Fixed-price quotes within 48 hours of a site visit
- Works priced line by line against your schedule of dilapidations
- £10m public liability, SafeContractor accredited teams
Accreditations & certifications
What Do Dilapidations Works Cover?
Dilapidations works cover the full scope of repair, redecoration and reinstatement required to return a commercial property to the condition stipulated in the lease. The exact requirements are dictated by the landlord's schedule of dilapidations.
Typical works include:
- Structural repairs and making good
- Redecoration (walls, ceilings, floors)
- Carpet tile and flooring replacement
- Suspended ceiling removal or replacement
- Partition removal and making good
- M&E strip and disconnection
- Lighting and trunking removal
- Sanitary ware replacement
- External works and yard reinstatement
- Photographic sign-off pack
How Are Dilapidations Works Priced?
Dilapidations works are priced by assessing the specific remedies requested in the schedule of dilapidations and calculating the real-world cost to execute them. We review the schedule line by line, visit the site, and provide a fixed quote that covers the exact scope of works required.
This approach ensures you only pay for what the lease actually demands, not the inflated estimates often found in an initial claim. If a required item is an office strip out element, we price it accordingly.
Why Do the Works Rather Than Settle in Cash?
Doing the works yourself before the lease ends typically costs 20% to 40% less than paying the landlord's costed claim. The landlord's surveyor prices the schedule to protect the asset, not to save you money.
When you commission tenant dilapidations works directly, you control the procurement process. You hire a contractor to execute the repairs at market rates, effectively bypassing the surveyor's premium and ending the negotiation.
Who Instructs Dilapidations Works Contractors?
Dilapidations contractors are instructed by commercial tenants looking to limit their exit liabilities, landlords needing an empty unit returned to lettable condition, and building surveyors managing the process for their clients.
How Long Do Dilapidations Works Take?
Most commercial dilapidations works take between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on the property size and the complexity of the schedule. We always agree on a clear programme of works upfront, working backwards from your lease expiry date.
Choosing dedicated dilapidations contractors means dealing with teams experienced in working to hard deadlines.
Been served a schedule?
Get a fixed price for the works. We price line by line against your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the dilapidations works process?
The process begins with a site visit to review the schedule. We then provide a fixed-price quote within 48 hours. Upon instruction, we carry out the works to your lease expiry date and provide a photographic sign-off pack upon completion.
How much do dilapidations works cost per sq ft?
Costs typically range from £8 to £20 per sq ft for standard offices, depending on the scope of the schedule and the specification required. A detailed schedule allows us to price works precisely.
Can we start works before lease end?
Yes, starting early allows you to hand the unit back fully compliant on your expiry date, preventing any claim for lost rent or mesne profits from the landlord.
What if additional items are found on site?
Because we price line by line against the agreed schedule, any additional items require your sign-off before we proceed. There are no hidden costs.
How it works
Site visit
We visit the property and walk the schedule with you. No charge.
Fixed quote in 48 hours
You receive a written fixed price, priced line by line against your schedule.
Works completed to schedule
Our teams strip, remove, make good and reinstate to the agreed spec. We work to your expiry date.
Photographic sign-off pack
We provide a full photographic record of completed works. Your landlord gets evidence; you get closure.