The schedule of condition is actually ‘a start point’: a snap shot in time of the Adjoining Owners property. It is simply a visual inspection of the walls, floor and ceiling surfaces within a neighbouring property, which is then recorded.
The extent of areas looked at will usually be dependant on the Nature or Scope of the ‘notifiable’ works being undertaken. For example, if the ‘party wall works’ are only those involving a repair to the roof parapet of next door’s roof, then it is highly unlikely that the Basement of a four storey building would be scheduled.
Very common parts of the external building envelope, if visible, are most usually also ‘scheduled’. Sometimes where a property has a garden(s), the garden(s) are also ‘scheduled’.
Not really. The schedule provides a brief description of the condition that an element or area of the structure or property was in on the date of inspection. It is not intended to be a complete description of the components or hazards at the property or the quality or adequacy of the structure or property. The schedule may include reference to any defects, for example cracks to plaster surfaces.
It is usually the Building Owner’s Surveyor who schedules the condition of the relevant part of the Adjoining Owner’s property, but the Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor will also attend as witness.
Agreeing to the scope of Schedule of Condition with the Party Wall Surveyor(s) usually means you do not move furniture or roll back carpets. Visual inspections are not the only inspection that can be done sometimes a camera is sent up the chimney flue or drainage runs to see the condition of them before any works are carried out.
The first purpose is to provide a point of reference, in the event that building Works occur on or near to the Party Wall, cause some sort of damage to a neighbouring property.
After the works are completed, the surveyors should conduct a post-inspection in order to assess whether there is any damage by comparing the new state of the property to the original state as recorded in the Schedule of Condition. If damage has occurred, the party wall surveyors will need to agree on whether this is attributable to the works. If it is, then compensation will be awarded, usually in the form of an addendum.
The Schedule of Condition is there to protect a Building Owner from false claims for damages argued by the Adjoining Owner, but it also protects the Adjoining Owner by proving that damage has in fact occurred. Contact the team today for our panel of Essex and London Party Wall Surveyors to assist you.
