Party Wall Schedule of Condition
A party wall ‘schedule of condition’ is simply a snapshot in time of the Adjoining Owners property. It is a visual inspection of the walls, floor and ceiling surfaces in a neighbouring property. Often, visible parts of the external building envelope are also scheduled. Where a property has a garden, the gardens are sometimes scheduled in addition. The extent of the areas looked at will depend on the scope of the ‘notifiable’ works being carried out. For example, the basement of a four storey building is unlikely to be scheduled, if the ‘party wall works’ solely comprise repairs to a roof parapet next door.
The Party Wall Surveyor or surveyors involved will agree to the scope of the schedule of condition. Usually, there is no need to move furniture or lift carpets.
The schedule records the condition that an element of the structure or property is found in, on the date of inspection. It also records any defects, such as cracking to plaster surfaces.
As well as being a visual inspection, sometimes cameras are sent up chimney flues, or into drainage runs to assess their condition, before building work commences.
The purpose of the schedule of condition is two-fold. Firstly, it acts as a point of reference, in the event that building works cause damage to a neighbouring property. Secondly, it protects the instigator of the building works, from spurious claims of damage from third parties.
At Harding Chartered Surveyors, we’re a team of independent and impartial RICS surveyors that can carry out party wall matters. If you have any questions or need advice don’t hesitate to call us on 020 7736 2383.
