A Schedule of Condition (or SoC) is a factual record of the condition of a property. As part of our Professional Services, Chawton Hill prepare Schedules of Condition for both residential and commercial buildings.
A well-written Schedule of Condition is a detailed record of the condition of the property on a particular date. This provides a benchmark to assess any future changes to the property.
As our surveyors are both independent and experts in assessing the condition of a property, a Chawton Hill schedule of condition is vital should there be a claim or need to negotiate dilapidations.
Leases
For commercial or residential property leases, a Schedule of Condition is often required before the start of a new lease. This is referred to as an Incoming Schedule of Condition. As well as identifying any existing defects, it can also be used to establish responsibility for dilapidations and reinstatement, towards the end of a lease.
Construction
A Schedule of Condition can be prepared before the start of a construction project which involves adjacent properties, retained buildings or refurbishments. There are two key advantages in preparing a SoC in these circumstances. Firstly, existing issues may only be spotted by a neighbour once work commences. Secondly, the report can help establish a building contractor’s liability for damage to the adjoining owner’s properties.
Party Walls
For both commercial and residential properties, a Schedule of Condition can be prepared where the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies. This provides independent evidence of the condition of the neighbouring building before works begin. The party wall surveyors can then undertake a re-inspection of the building and determine whether any damage has occurred and also what repairs should be carried out.
Whilst we treat each building as a separate project, our Schedules of Condition usually include the following sections;
- The purpose of the schedule.
- Details of the location and extent of the property being assessed.
- A general description of the construction of the property.
- The time, date and weather conditions under which the inspection was made.
- Aspects of the property included in or excluded from the assessment.
- The purposes for which the schedule may be relied on.
- Definitions (for example, ‘slight’, ‘moderate’ and ‘severe’).
- A written schedule setting out the location and nature of each item inspected (inside and out) and its condition and any other remarks. This will describe the overall condition and may identify existing issues, such as cracks, staining, holes, decay, discolouration, leaks and other defects, disrepair or deterioration.
- Accompanying photographs.
- Specific tests that may have been carried out.
We have recently been engaged by South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust to undertake an Incoming Schedule of Condition on a commercial building near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. The warehouse we surveyed is to be used as a new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) store.
If you require a schedule of condition, then please contact us to discuss your building project and we will be happy to supply a quote.