Blogs
The Importance Of A Schedule Of Condition Report
Thursday 21st November 2024
Carl O'Boyle BSc MRICS FCIOB MFPWS
Party Wall Schedule of Condition
When it comes to Party Wall matters, a Schedule of Condition Report is an invaluable tool, providing a clear, documented snapshot of a property’s condition before any building works begin. While not legally required, it is highly recommended - essentially drawing a "line in the sand" to protect both the building owner and the adjoining owner in case of disputes regarding damage during construction.
A well-prepared Schedule of Condition can be the difference between a smooth project and a potentially costly dispute. So why is it so important, and how can it help you avoid complications?
What Is a Schedule of Condition?
A Schedule of Condition is a detailed, factual report that outlines the existing state of a property, particularly the parts of the property that could be affected by nearby building work. In Party Wall matters, this report typically focuses on the areas of the neighbour’s property adjacent to the proposed works.
Though not a legal requirement, this report plays a crucial role in identifying any pre-existing damage or defects, such as cracks or damp, before the building works commence. By documenting these conditions in detail, a Schedule of Condition helps establish what damage, if any, was already present. It also provides a benchmark for determining whether any damage that occurs during the works was caused by the building project.
Key Features of a Party Wall Schedule of Condition
A thorough Schedule of Condition Report should include:
• A Detailed Description of the Property’s Condition: The report should assess whether the adjoining property is in good, fair, or poor condition. This classification helps provide context for any potential changes or damage.
• Crack Assessment: If cracks are present, they should be carefully documented, noting their direction (vertical, horizontal, or inclined), whether they taper, and their exact length and width. This detailed record helps assess any changes post-work.
• Plaster Integrity: The report should also examine whether the plaster on the shared wall (the Party Wall) is intact or "blown" - that is, whether it has detached from the surface behind it, which could indicate an existing issue that might be worsened by the building works.
Dealing with Obstructions and Access Limitations
During site visits to carry out a Schedule of Condition, surveyors often encounter obstacles that prevent full access to the Party Wall. For example, large furniture, built-in wardrobes, or floor-to-ceiling bookshelves may obstruct the wall. In these cases, it’s not practical for the Surveyor to remove these items, so it’s crucial that this limitation is clearly noted in the Schedule of Condition report.
At Tayross Associates, we go the extra mile by ensuring that any obstructions are clearly documented, and we use numbered photographs to visually support the condition report. This helps to create an easily accessible, well-organised record that can be referred to if any disputes arise later.
A Schedule of Condition backed up by high-quality, annotated photographs can significantly streamline the dispute resolution process. By providing clear evidence of the property’s pre-work condition, Surveyors and property owners can more easily resolve any issues that come up during or after the building works.
What Happens If the Neighbour Refuses Access?
Occasionally, the adjoining owner may refuse to allow a surveyor to carry out a Schedule of Condition. In these situations, we always attempt to perform an external Schedule of Condition from the building owner’s side of the property. If this is not possible, we cannot hold the building owner liable for damage unless it is obvious to the Surveyor that the damage resulted directly from the works.
In our experience, when access is denied and damage does occur, it can be much harder to resolve the issue without the Schedule of Condition to serve as proof of the property’s initial state. This highlights the importance of ensuring that all parties are cooperative in documenting the pre-existing condition of the property.
Tayross Associates
A well-prepared Schedule of Condition can save time, money, and stress during Party Wall projects. At Tayross Associates, we provide detailed, clear, and professional Schedule of Condition reports, supported by high-quality photographs that ensure clarity and fairness.
If you’re a Building Owner planning Party Wall works, or if you need a commercial Schedule of Condition for any property, get in touch with us today. Our experienced surveyors are ready to help protect your interests and ensure your project runs smoothly.
