A Schedule of Condition is a visual inspection that will see a Party Wall Surveyor going room to room within an adjoining owner’s property assessing the overall condition.
Commonly, when conducting a Schedule of Condition reports, Party Wall Surveyors will break them down into 3 categories or columns.
Element:The differing elements of your property into their base parts. For example, ceilings, walls (Front wall, rear, left, right, flank, party) Floor, Windows and Doors.
Description: A description of the particular element. For example, a plastered board, skimmed and painted ceiling.
Condition: A description of the condition which will outline any defects to the particular area i.e. any discoloration, staining, cracking, etc.
During the Schedule of Condition inspection, the Surveyor is also going to take photographs throughout, ensuring that there is a thorough photographic record of the condition of the property.
There’s no set criteria for the number of photographs taken, however it is not uncommon for the Surveyor to capture hundreds of photographs during the course of their inspection.
WHEN WOULD YOU NEED A SCHEDULE OF CONDITION REPORT?
Schedule of Condition Reports of an adjoining owner’s property have become an adoptive part of Party Wall procedures.
This pre works assessment ensures that there is a thorough record of the condition of the neighbouring properties before the subject construction works are carried out.
The main benefit of the report ensures that during the planned works, if damage occurs to the neighbouring properties, this would be easily identifiable.
Schedule of Condition Reports have the mutual benefit to both building owner and adjoining owner and offer protection against actual damage, while equally offering protection against incorrect damage claim.