12 December 2022

Party Wall Schedule of Condition

If you’re planning on carrying out work on a party wall, then you should have a schedule of condition recorded before work starts. But what exactly is a schedule of condition, and why is it important?

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about a schedule of condition for party wall work, including what it is and why you need it.

What is a Party Wall Schedule of Condition?

A schedule of condition is a detailed report that documents the condition of a property or structure at a specific point in time. It’s used to provide an accurate record of the condition of a building or property before any work takes place, to protect both the neighbouring owner and the party undertaking the work.

Why is a Schedule of Condition Important for Party Wall Work?

If you’re planning on carrying out work that will affect a shared party wall, then you’ll need to comply with the Party Wall Act 1996. This Act provides a framework for preventing and resolving disputes between property owners and developers in relation to party walls.

Whilst a schedule of condition is not required under the terms of the Party Wall Act, case law has placed the onus on the Building Owner undertaking work to prove that any damage to a neighbouring property hadn’t been caused by the works.

A schedule of condition is therefore vital to ensure that any damage caused during the works can be accurately assessed and dealt with fairly.

Even if your neighbors have given consent to the work, you should still arrange for a schedule of condition to be created. This will help prevent disputes about the extent and cause of any damage that may occur after the work is finished.

How is a schedule of condition carried out?

The surveyor will carry out a thorough inspection of the property, taking detailed notes and photographs of the existing condition of the walls, ceilings, floors, and other relevant areas. They will also identify any existing defects or damage.

The Schedule of Condition is a statement of fact. It does not provide an opinion on the nature of any defect nor its cause. The inspection is non-intrusive/destructive and records only those defects that are immediately apparent at the time of inspection. The schedule will not identify any defects which may be latent at the time of inspection or which were covered up or otherwise not visible.

Once the Schedule is complete, it will be submitted to the relevant parties, including the Building Owner undertaking the party wall work. The report will then be used as a baseline for assessing any damage caused during the work. The completed schedule will include thumbnail photos of the property. If as an adjoining owner you have any privacy concerns relating to sharing images of your property, you should notify the surveyor before the start of the survey. It may be possible for images to be kept on file and not shared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is responsible for preparing a schedule of condition for party wall work?

A: The Building Owner (the party undertaking the work) is responsible for preparing a schedule of condition.

Q: How long does a party wall schedule of condition last?

A: A schedule of condition is valid for the duration of the party wall work and any subsequent dispute as to damage that may arise.

Q: What happens if damage is caused during work to a party wall?

A: If damage is caused during the party wall work, the schedule of condition will be used as a baseline for assessing the extent of the damage and any necessary repairs or compensation.

Q: Can I prepare a schedule of condition myself?

A: It’s not recommended that you prepare a schedule of condition yourself. It is intended to be an impartial record and requires experience to prepare concisely.

Q: How much does a Party Wall schedule of condition cost?

A: The cost of a schedule of condition will vary depending on the size and complexity of the property

For a quick online quote for Party Wall advice, send us the details of your project.

Conclusion : Party Wall Schedule of Condition

A party wall schedule of condition is an important document. It provides an accurate record of the condition of a property before any work takes place. If you’re planning on carrying out work on a party wall, then you should commission a schedule of condition to avoid potential disputes about damage that may occur.

To ensure that the schedule of condition is comprehensive and accurate, it’s important to hire a professional surveyor to conduct a thorough inspection, using clear and concise language, and taking detailed photographs to identify existing defects and damage, along with a detailed description of the property.

A schedule of condition is not legally required for party wall work, but it serves as an important record to help prevent potential disputes regarding damage. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that professionals prepare it.

Important : All of our surveyors have undergone DBS checks and wear photo ID on a lanyard. Please request their ID to verify their identity before allowing them access to your property.

Party Wall & Neighbourly Matters Services

Further Guidance when appointing a Party Wall Surveyor

If you are a Building Owner planning work to your property and need help to manage the Party Wall process, please get in touch.

If you are an Adjoining Owner and have received a notice we can advise on how you can best protect your property.

For information on how the Party Wall Act affects you see our Party Wall Fact Sheet.

You can also find further information in our Party Wall FAQs. This has been compiled from questions we often get asked about the Act.

You can also find guidance on choosing a Party Wall Surveyor in our recent news article.

There is some further information in the government’s explanatory booklet on the Party Wall process.

If you are unsure how the Party Wall Act affects your property and want some advice give us a call. Also see our recent article on whether you need a party wall award for a loft extension.

If you would rather we called you instead, please fill in our Contact form and we will be in touch.

For a quick online quote for Party Wall advice, send us the details of your project.

Local Party Wall Surveyors

To contact a Party Wall surveyor that’s local to you, see details of our teams in :