Tim Greenwood and Associates are delighted to have been instructed to prepare a Schedule of Condition of a house in Sutton, Surrey.
Our Client is undertaking an extension to their property. These works were on hold due to the current lockdown restrictions. Since the restrictions have being eased, our Client is looking to commence the works in a couple of weeks.
Our Client’s property is a semi-detached house which they are extending to the rear. Their extension will be constructed adjacent their neighbour’s property. Our Client served notice in accordance with the Party Wall etc Act 1996 and their neighbour consented to the works.
The neighbour consent to the party wall notices means our Client is not required to prepare a party wall award. That said both parties want to protect themselves in the event any damage is caused during the works. To achieve this we are due to prepare a Schedule of Condition of the neighbours property before the works start.
The Schedule of Condition will include internal and external elements. This will cover areas which may be subject to risk of damage during the course of the works. The document will include descriptions of each element along with their condition. It will note any defects or damage present before the construction project next door begins. This will help our Client clearly identify any damage caused to their neighbours property. This will help our Client maintain their neighbourly relations and avoiding disputes arising between the neighbours if any damage occurs.
To undertake the inspection we will require access to the neighbours property. The recent slight easing of Government restrictions allows us to undertake this inspection. The Government guidelines, supported by the RICS, allows surveyors access to properties. Prior to any survey the risks in undertaking the inspection must be assessed. We assess the risks and implement appropriate measures to protect all parties. This includes the use of PPE and maintaining social distancing.
