1. Preparation and Access

• Confirm legal access: The building owner (via the Party Wall Surveyor) must have permission to enter the adjoining owner’s property to carry out the inspection.

• Arrange a convenient time: Notify the adjoining owner in advance and agree a suitable date and time.

• Bring equipment:

  • Digital camera or phone with good resolution

  • Torch

  • Clipboard or tablet for notes

  • Measuring tape

  • Floor plan (if available)

  • Voice recorder (optional)

2. Scope of Inspection

Inspect and record all areas potentially affected by the proposed works. Usually includes:

• External walls adjacent to the works

• Internal walls (particularly shared or nearby walls)

• Ceilings and floors adjoining the party wall

• External elements (e.g. patios, boundary walls)

• Fixtures and finishes likely to be affected (e.g. plaster cracks, decorations)

3. Recording the Condition

You can structure your SoC in a room-by-room or area-by-area format. For each location:

1. Identify the room or area (e.g., “Ground Floor – Rear Reception”)

2. Describe visible conditions, such as:

   • Type of finish (plaster, paint, wallpaper, etc.)

   • Cracks (note size, pattern, and exact location)

   • Dampness, staining, or settlement

   • General condition of floors, ceilings, and walls

3. Photograph everything:

   • Take wide shots to show context.

   • Take close-ups for any defects or cracks.

   • Label each photo with location and description.

4. Number photos sequentially and cross-reference them in your notes (e.g., “Photo 12 – Hairline crack above skirting board, west wall”).

4. Photographic and Written Record

• Store photos securely (digital folder, labelled by property and date).

• Compile notes into a formal Schedule of Condition report.

• Include:

  • Property address

  • Names of owners and surveyors

  • Date and time of inspection

  • Description of works proposed

  • Full written condition notes

  • Photographic appendix

5. Report Formatting

A professional SoC report typically includes:

• Front page: Project info, surveyor’s details, date.

• Introduction: Purpose of inspection and scope.

• Summary of condition: Overall assessment (e.g., “Property generally in good condition with minor decorative cracks.”)

• Detailed schedule: Table or list per room/area.

• Photographic appendix: Each photo numbered and captioned.

6. Signing and Agreement

• Both Party Wall Surveyors (or the Agreed Surveyor) sign off the SoC.

• It’s attached to the Party Wall Award.

• Copies are retained by both parties for reference if damage occurs during or after construction.

7. Post-Work Comparison

Once works are complete, the same surveyor (or surveyors) will re-inspect the property and compare it to the original Schedule of Condition to determine if any new damage has occurred.