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A Party Wall Schedule of Condition is a detailed report that documents the existing condition of an adjoining owner’s party wall or property in those areas likely to be affected by notifiable works before any construction or renovation work is carried out to the adjoining property. This document is typically prepared by a surveyor and includes a written report supported by photographs.
Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, if you're planning to carry out work on a wall, floor, or structure shared with a neighbour, you must serve a Party Wall Notice. A Schedule of Condition, although not a legal requirement, is often used in this context to establish the current state of the shared structures before any work begins. This helps protect both parties in case any damage occurs during the construction process. If damage is later discovered, a Schedule of Condition can help to assist in establishing whether it was pre-existing or can be reasonably considered to have been caused by the notifiable works.
By documenting the current state of the wall, floor, or structure in detail, the Schedule of Condition helps to identify those areas where notifiable works are being carried out and helps all parties avoid misunderstandings about responsibility for any future damage.
In short, the Party Wall Schedule of Condition is a precautionary measure that helps protect both the building owner and the adjoining property owner, ensuring that any damage caused by construction work can be clearly identified and resolved.
A Party Wall Schedule of Condition is a detailed report that documents the existing condition of a neighbouring property before any construction work begins. It includes written descriptions and photographs of walls, ceilings, floors, and other relevant areas. This record serves as a benchmark to assess any potential damage resulting from the proposed works. Typically, it records what can be seen – there is no ‘opening up’ of structures and does not reflect the structural integrity of a structure.
Although preparing a Schedule of Condition is not legally required under the Party Wall etc Act 1996, it is considered best practice. It protects both the building owner and the adjoining owner by providing an impartial record of the property's condition prior to construction. In cases of dispute over alleged damage, this document can be used as a reliable reference and in many scenarios, crucial evidence.
The building owner undertaking the construction work is typically responsible for arranging and covering the cost of the Schedule of Condition. This process is usually facilitated by the appointed party wall surveyor, who conducts the inspection and prepares the report. If an adjoining owner appoints their own party wall surveyor to help settle the dispute, they would usually be in attendance and the report would be completed collaboratively.
A comprehensive Schedule of Condition report should contain:
This thorough documentation ensures clarity and serves as a reference point if any disputes arise regarding the property's condition post-construction.
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