What does it include?
A Schedule of Condition normally records the visible condition of areas that may be affected by the proposed works.
Depending on the property and the agreed scope, the inspection may include:
- Walls, ceilings and floors.
- Existing cracks or movement-related defects.
- Decorative finishes.
- Relevant external areas.
- Photographic evidence of observed conditions.
The report describes the condition at the time of inspection.
Example Schedule of Condition entry (illustrative)
- Room
- Front bedroom
- Surface
- Party wall, plastered
- Condition
- Hairline crack above skirting
- Photo ref.
- Photograph number
Is a Schedule of Condition legally required?
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 does not make a Schedule of Condition compulsory in every case.
However, it is commonly included as part of the Party Wall Award process because it provides useful evidence of the property's pre-works condition.
It can also be arranged separately where the adjoining owner consents to the works and no Award is needed.
Does it cover the entire property?
Not necessarily.
A Party Wall Schedule of Condition usually concentrates on the areas relevant to the proposed works and the potential effects of construction.
It is not the same as a full structural survey or general residential building survey.
The inspection is normally visual and non-invasive.
What happens if damage is reported later?
The original record can be used for comparison.
It may help distinguish existing defects from subsequent changes.
However, the Schedule alone doesn't prove that construction caused damage.
The relevant facts and circumstances still need to be assessed.
Before and after works
The Schedule alone doesn't prove that construction caused damage.
When should it be completed?
Ideally before the relevant construction activities begin, while there is an opportunity to document the property's existing condition.
Where multiple adjoining properties are involved, the inspection arrangements and scope should be established for each property.
What should you do next?
We provide standalone residential Schedules of Condition and inspections undertaken as part of the Party Wall process.
Related guide: Damage from neighbouring building work
