Schedule of Condition Surveys
A clear, dated photographic and written record of a property's condition, taken before nearby building work starts — so nobody's left guessing if a crack shows up later.
An agreed record of how things looked before work began
A Schedule of Condition is a detailed record — written notes plus photographs — of a property's existing condition, produced before construction work begins nearby. It is not a judgement on who is right or wrong; it is simply evidence of what was already there.
It protects the building owner from inflated or unfounded damage claims, and it protects the adjoining owner by giving them real evidence if genuine damage does occur.
Most schedules are never needed for a dispute — but the projects without one are the ones that end up in "he said, she said" arguments months later.
Sensible for party wall work — useful beyond it
Works directly to a party wall
Cutting pockets, chasing masonry, inserting beams, removing chimney breasts or carrying out other work directly to a party wall can cause vibration, cracking or local disturbance. A pre-works record helps distinguish new damage from existing defects.
Excavation, piling or demolition
Excavation close to neighbouring foundations can cause ground movement or loss of support. Some piling methods can cause vibration or ground displacement, while demolition can cause impact, vibration and local movement.
Old or fragile boundary walls
Where a boundary or party wall is already cracked, leaning, weathered or otherwise vulnerable, a Schedule of Condition records its condition before nearby works begin.
Protection against false claims of damage
A dated, independent record makes it far easier to defend disputes where a neighbour attributes pre-existing damage to your works.
Usually commissioned and paid for by the building owner, and often forms one of the conditions set out in a party wall award.
Four simple steps to a clear record
The whole process is designed to be low-disruption and fast, with both owners kept in the loop.
Sample report layout — illustrative only
Arrange access
We contact the adjoining owner directly to arrange a convenient time — typically 30 to 60 minutes, with minimal disruption to their day.
The survey
Room-by-room and external photographs and notes covering existing cracks, damp, uneven floors, and general cosmetic condition.
The report
A dated, indexed document combining the photographs and notes, issued to both parties so there is one agreed version of the facts.
On file
Held by us and referred back to only if a condition query comes up during or after the works. Most are never needed — but the peace of mind is immediate.
Schedule of Condition FAQs
Starting work soon? Book a schedule of condition before you begin.
A short visit now can save months of dispute later. Tell us a little about your project and a surveyor will contact you back to discuss whether a schedule is the right next step.