In many situations, yes—asking for a Schedule of Condition report is a sensible, practical step. It is one of the simplest ways to protect your property (and your relationship with your neighbour) when building works are planned nearby. The request is not “aggressive” or unreasonable; it is a professional way of creating clarity before disruption begins.
That said, whether you should ask—and how firmly—depends on the type of works, the risk level, and how well you and your neighbour are communicating. This article explains when a Schedule of Condition is worth requesting, what to ask for, and how to approach it tactfully.
1) What you gain by asking for a Schedule of Condition
A Schedule of Condition report is a written and photographic baseline record of your property’s visible condition at a specific date. Its benefits are practical:
A) Clear “before” evidence
If cracking, staining, or damage is later alleged, you have a reference point to identify what was already present and what has changed.
B) Faster, calmer resolution if concerns arise
Where there is an agreed baseline, issues tend to be resolved by inspection and comparison rather than argument and assumption.
C) Fairness for both sides
It protects you from genuine new damage being dismissed as “historic,” and it protects your neighbour from historic defects being wrongly attributed to their works. That fairness reduces conflict.
2) When it is strongly recommended to ask
You should seriously consider requesting a Schedule of Condition if your neighbour’s project includes:
Excavation or foundation works
Ground movement risk increases with excavation, especially near older properties, shallow foundations, or made ground.
Demolition and heavy breaking out
Vibration can draw attention to existing defects and, occasionally, create new ones.
Structural alterations near your side
Steel installation, load transfer changes, cutting into walls, chimney removal, and similar works can create concern.
Basement works, underpinning, or piling
Higher risk again—these are the scenarios where a baseline record is most valuable.
Scaffolding or access near your property
Even if the structural risk is low, external finishes, gutters, paving, garden walls, and roofs can be affected by access works.
Where your property already has cracks
If you have existing cracking or older finishes, a Schedule of Condition is particularly important because it prevents later disputes over “what was already there.”
3) When it may be optional (but still helpful)
A Schedule of Condition can still be worthwhile even for lower-risk works, such as:
- internal refurbishments next door,
- a modest rear extension at a distance,
- light-touch works with minimal vibration.
In these cases, a “photo-led” schedule (photos with clear captions and basic notes) may be proportionate. The key is that the baseline record should still be structured and usable later.
4) How to ask without inflaming the situation
The way you ask matters. The most effective approach is to frame it as mutual protection, not an accusation.
A good tone is:
- cooperative,
- practical,
- focused on avoiding misunderstandings.
For example:
- “I think it would be sensible for both of us to have a Schedule of Condition before the noisy stages start, just so we’ve got a clear baseline in case anything changes.”
This positions the schedule as normal good practice.
5) What exactly should you ask for?
If you are asking your neighbour to arrange a Schedule of Condition, be specific. You can request:
A) A professional report (recommended)
- written descriptions plus referenced photos,
- room-by-room internally (at least rooms closest to the works),
- relevant external areas (elevations, paving, garden walls, etc.),
- clear recording of cracks and notable defects,
- a copy issued to you after the inspection.
B) Appropriate scope (so it’s not intrusive)
You do not need a surveyor photographing every cupboard. A sensible scope is typically:
- rooms adjacent to the works,
- elevations facing the works,
- any external features at risk (patios, walls, retaining structures).
C) A post-work check-off (for clean close-out)
If the works are higher-risk, it is reasonable to request a post-work check-off inspection once the critical stages are complete. That provides closure, even if no damage is found.
6) Who should prepare it?
For the document to carry weight, it should be prepared by someone who is:
- independent,
- methodical,
- experienced in defect recording,
- and able to produce a structured, professional report.
Contractor phone photos are better than nothing, but they are rarely as effective as a proper schedule because they often lack structure, location referencing, and consistency.
7) What if your neighbour refuses?
A refusal does not mean you have no protection. If your neighbour will not arrange a Schedule of Condition, you can still protect yourself by:
A) Commissioning your own Schedule of Condition
You are entitled to commission your own baseline report for your property. It may not be “agreed” by the neighbour, but it is still far stronger than relying on memory and can be persuasive evidence if a dispute arises.
B) Creating your own structured record (as a minimum)
If you cannot commission a report, create a structured record:
- date-stamped photos by room/elevation,
- wide shots and close-ups,
- notes of existing defects and locations.
This is not a perfect substitute, but it is far better than nothing.
C) Keep communication written and calm
If concerns arise, written records and early notification matter. Avoid letting frustration build until the issue becomes confrontational.
8) A simple decision guide
You should ask for a Schedule of Condition if:
- the works involve excavation, demolition, structural changes, underpinning, or basement work
- you already have cracks or fragile finishes
- access/scaffolding will be close to your property
- you want a calm, evidence-based way to handle issues if they arise
It may be optional if:
- works are minor and well away from your property
- there is minimal vibration or structural change
- you and your neighbour have excellent communication and trust
Even then, a modest schedule can still be worthwhile as inexpensive peace of mind.
In summary
Asking your neighbour for a Schedule of Condition is usually a reasonable and prudent request, especially where works are structural, involve excavation, or are close to your home. It is not about anticipating conflict—it is about creating clarity and fairness so that if anything does change, it can be dealt with quickly and proportionately.
Need help requesting or arranging a Schedule of Condition?
If you would like support assessing whether a Schedule of Condition is appropriate for your situation—or you want a professional report prepared—email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. We can advise on proportionate scope and help you put the right protection in place without unnecessary friction.