Dilapidation Report: Assessing Structural Condition of Historic Inn

This dilapidation report provides a comprehensive assessment of the structural condition of the Former Chain of Ponds Inn, a historically significant site located on the Old New England Highway. The report meticulously examines Building A, focusing on external elevations including the eastern, northern, southern, and western sides, as well as the internal ground floor. Key issues identified include termite damage to timber columns, disconnected downpipes, cracked paving, severe cracks in walls, rising damp, broken windows, and damaged brickwork. The report also highlights the condition of the internal floors, ceilings, and walls, noting issues such as missing floorboards, water damage, termite damage, and dampness. An assessment of the electrical services is included, pointing out hazardous conditions due to removed power boxes and exposed cables. The report also documents past maintenance and repair efforts, such as stonework repairs and damp control measures. This detailed analysis serves to inform necessary restoration and preservation efforts for the Chain of Ponds Inn. Desklib provides more solved assignments for students.

Running head: DILAPIDATION REPORT 1
DILAPIDATION REPORT
Name of Student
Institution Affiliation

DILAPIDATION REPORT 2
Former Chain of Ponds Inn & Outbuildings Old New England Highway
History
The Chain of Ponds inn is situated in land which was granted to Henry ‘Boshy’ Nowland in
1842 by the colonial government. Being conveniently located at Chain of Pond on the Greek
North road, and having already been recognised as being suitable for spelling of both riders
and the horses. The Chain of Ponds was approximately half-away between muswellbrook and
Singleton.
Chain of Ponds is described as a former inn, rather than a hotel. This is because of its
situation under the nineteenth century common law. The title of Chain of Ponds gave the
public freedom to demand refreshment and lodging services. The wonnarua people are
considered to be the initial occupants of the area currently referred to as Liddell.
Heritage Recognition
Despite its condition, the Chain of Ponds was placed under the under a temporary
conservation order in 1981 which was later made permanent in 1982.The Heritage Council
allowed the work to arrest the further decline of the building in 1985.The work which was
completed in 1987, consisted mainly of the re-roofing of the three main buildings. Steel
columns, tie-rods and timber pit drops were used during the re-roofing process. During that
period-painting and re-rendering works were carried out, but that was counterproductive due
to the use of inappropriate materials.

DILAPIDATION REPORT 3
Figure 1: the site of Chain of Ponds
Fig 2: Liddell area

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Fig 3: Plan from the Heritage council
Fig 4: My Condition assessment will be based on Building A

DILAPIDATION REPORT 5
Plans and other architectural drawings of the Former Chain of Ponds Inn &
Outbuildings
Timber structure. Physical condition of building A
External elevations
The eastern elevation

DILAPIDATION REPORT 6
Fig : The eastern elevation
o Sandstone block building
o Four symmetrical placed double hung sash windows with the stone sills and stone
lintels.
o Dampness apparent near the lower northern window.
o The stonework has pointed and draughted finish
o New galvanised metal downpipes on the either ends of the building both of them are
intact (Office, 2017).
o One stone chimney in the centre of the elevation. Second course from top slightly
dislodged.

DILAPIDATION REPORT 7
Element: Verandah timber columns damaged by termites
Condition: The timber columns are greatly damaged by termites which reduces their
structural integrity.
Action for mitigation of immediate risk: the application of permethrin Dust and
Arsenic dust can be the most effective way to control the termites for a long time.

DILAPIDATION REPORT 8
Element: The downpipe connection
Condition: The downpipe connecting to the storm has been disconnected by recent
storm resulting to the disconnection to the storm drainage system
Action for mitigation of immediate risk: Joining of the disconnected down piper to
avoid water getting into contact with the wall that can create dampness and greater
damage to the wall.

DILAPIDATION REPORT 9
Element: paving
Condition: The paving are damaged and their nosing are cracked as shown in the figure
above.
Action for mitigation of immediate risk: The paving requires patching to mitigate the
further deterioration of the paving. It can be better if the defective pavement is removed and
replaced with the pavement without nosing.

DILAPIDATION REPORT 10
Element: The southern addition showing the entrance to the cellar
Condition: the condition of this addition is as follow;
 The stairs that are damp and there is grass that has grown of them showing
level of damage.
 There are severe cracks on the walls
 Completely damaged openings such as windows and doors

DILAPIDATION REPORT 11
 The dampness of the walls is very evident
 There is damage to the plaster of the exterior walls.
 Base of brickwork broken and cracking
Action for mitigation of immediate risk: Repair of the cracks to prevent the further
widening and widening which can compromise the structural integrity of the building
Norther Elevation
Fig: Norther Elevation
Norther Elevation ground level:
o There are two symmetrical placed double hung window with the glasses completely
broken and there is also a stone sill.
o An arched entry door centrally positioned with sidelights having completely broken
glasses.
o Smooth sandstone ashlar stonework, which is damaged by rising damp for full length
of the Verandah.
o The damp continues to progress higher past the third course, even though the rate has
been slowed.

DILAPIDATION REPORT 12
o Verandah timber columns which are painted and show termite damage. Stands on
the stone bases.
o Paving on the Verandah made of mid-Victorian stone (Department, 2015).
o The paver stone nosing are broken and cracked on the west and east ends.
o Downpipes connected to the storm water system.
Condition: Damage done to paving and stonework