Cracks & damage
Visible cracking, impact damage, staining, defective finishes and other existing defects are described and photographed.
Condition & evidence schedule
Need a clear record of the property's condition before something changes?
A dated written and photographic schedule creates a practical baseline of visible condition before repairs, nearby works, access, reinstatement or another event that may later make comparison important.
Dated condition
Photographic evidence
Clear location references
A baseline before change
Record. Locate. Date.
- Existing cracks, damage and visible defects
- Room, elevation or element references
- Representative photographs with written notes
- Defined scope and inspection limitations
Evidence at a point in time
The value is in having an objective baseline
Once repairs, construction or reinstatement begin, it can become difficult to show which cracks, marks or defects were already present. A condition schedule records the visible state of the agreed areas before that change takes place.
The service is factual rather than adversarial. It does not need to assume that damage will occur or that a dispute will follow. Its purpose is simply to preserve clear evidence of the starting condition.
Focused recording
What the schedule can record
The coverage is agreed in advance so the record is proportionate to the intended use.
Surfaces & finishes
Walls, ceilings, floors, joinery, external elevations and other agreed elements can be recorded where relevant.
Location & extent
Findings are tied to rooms, elevations or building elements so the evidence can be understood later.
Inspection limits
Areas not visible, inaccessible or outside the agreed scope are identified so the schedule is not mistaken for a full building survey.
When it is useful
A condition record may be appropriate before:
- major repairs, refurbishment or reinstatement;
- neighbouring or adjoining building works where a baseline is useful;
- access by contractors or other parties to sensitive areas;
- removal of finishes or opening-up that will alter the visible condition;
- repair of disputed or recurring defects; or
- a later follow-up inspection where before-and-after comparison may be needed.
What you receive
A structured baseline that can be understood later
Photographs
Representative images of the agreed areas and visible condition.
Location references
Rooms, elevations or elements are identified so images are not detached from context.
Written schedule
Material observations are described in clear language with the scope stated.
Dated record
The inspection date provides a defined point in time for any future comparison.
Different from a full survey
Purpose-specific evidence rather than general condition advice
The schedule is intentionally narrower than a Level 2 or Level 3 survey. That focus is what makes it useful as a baseline.
Condition schedule
- records agreed areas at a point in time;
- emphasises photographs and visible defects;
- supports future comparison;
- can be limited to relevant rooms or elevations;
- does not try to report on the whole property.
Home survey
- considers the property more broadly;
- assesses condition and defects for a buyer;
- covers multiple building elements;
- includes broader advice and risks;
- serves a different purchase-related purpose.
Common questions
Condition & evidence schedules
What is a Condition & Evidence Schedule?
It is a dated written and photographic record of visible condition within an agreed area or property. It is designed to show what was present at the inspection date before repairs, nearby works, access or another material change.
Is this the same as a Party Wall Schedule of Condition?
Not necessarily. A Party Wall schedule is normally prepared within the Party Wall etc. Act process. SurveyAll can prepare an independent factual condition record, but this service is not presented as a Party Wall Award or a substitute for an appointed Party Wall surveyor where the Act applies.
Can you record existing cracks before works begin?
Yes. Existing cracking, staining, damage, finishes and other visible conditions can be photographed, described and located so there is a clear baseline record.
Can you return after the works to compare the condition?
A follow-up inspection can be agreed separately. The usefulness of any comparison depends on access, the original scope, the quality of the baseline record and the nature of the later changes.
Does the schedule decide who caused damage?
No. It records visible condition. Questions of causation, liability or legal responsibility may require further technical or legal assessment.
Independent evidence
Condition recording across London and South East London
SurveyAll can scope a focused condition record around the property, works and areas that matter, subject to access and the intended use of the evidence.