Schedule of Condition
Schedule of Condition - What are they and why they are needed
A Schedule of Condition (can sometimes be referred to as a ‘survey’) is a document which records the condition of a property – typically the neighbouring property to some proposed works. The Schedule of Condition is usually undertaken before any works to a neighbouring site commence, and the primary purpose is to capture the condition of the property, which will then aid or suppress a potential claim of damage from neighbouring construction works.
A Schedule of Condition is an extremely usual tool for both the developer undertaking works, and the neighbour who is adjacent to the works.
*not a surveyor from Meon Surveyors
However, photographs tell a thousand words and they aid schedule of conditions and possible dispute over damages
A Schedule of Condition will typically include detailed descriptions and photographs of the property, noting any existing damages, defects or issues that may be present. This document serves as a baseline for the current condition of the property in reference to the construction process. If any damage has been identified during or after the construction works have been completed, we can look at the schedule of conditions to confirm or deny the proposed damages.
A Schedule of Condition shall be undertaken by a Party Wall Surveyor / surveyor and will inspect any part of the property which may be impacted from the adjacent works. This may be both externally and internally.
Meon Surveyors - how we work
At Meon Surveyors, we provide an option to our reply form for our party wall notices – this will give the neighbour an option to consent to the notifiable works subject to a schedule of condition being undertaken before works commence. We favour this approach as all legalities will have been duly undertaken (which a party wall notice being served), but a record is clearly established for future use, if ever needed.
Overall, we, at Meon Surveyors would stress the importance of a Schedule of Condition before any works have commenced so you protect the current conditions of your property in case any damage occurs during or after the works are being undertaken.