A Schedule of Condition, often referred to as a SOC in the building surveying industry, is a detailed record of the exact condition of a building or property at a specific point in time. This document is typically required for commercial property leasing contracts or other legal and contractual purposes. Our Schedule of Condition Surveyors specialize in creating these records exclusively for commercial properties, ensuring that every detail is accurately captured for future reference.

A Schedule of Condition provides a comprehensive snapshot of a commercial property’s condition, which can be referenced at any point in the future. This is particularly useful for identifying any changes or alterations to the property’s condition over time. Our Schedule of Condition Surveyors ensure that this report serves as credible evidence for legal and contractual purposes, protecting your interests in lease agreements or construction projects.

While a Schedule of Condition can technically be prepared by various individuals such as tenants, landlords, or contractors, it is crucial to have it prepared by professional Schedule of Condition Surveyors. Our experienced and accredited surveyors guarantee that the report is both accurate and legally valid, especially in cases of disputes, claims, or negotiations. To enhance the report’s credibility, it’s advisable to have all involved parties agree on its accuracy, ensuring a fair assessment of the property’s condition.

There are several types of Schedules of Condition, each serving a specific purpose:

• Schedule of Condition for Commercial Leases: Used to document the condition of a commercial property before a lease is signed, ensuring that existing defects and potential repair costs are acknowledged by all parties. Our Schedule of Condition Surveyors provide detailed reports that are crucial for lease negotiations and assigning responsibilities for dilapidations.
• Schedule of Condition for Construction: Commissioned before construction work begins, this schedule protects against claims from adjoining properties by documenting the pre-existing condition of surrounding buildings. It also safeguards the contractor’s employer from any damage caused by construction activities.
• Schedule of Condition for Party Walls: Required when construction work involves neighbouring walls, this schedule records the condition of adjacent properties under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Our Schedule of Condition Surveyors ensure that any damage due to construction is accurately documented and addressed.

A Schedule of Condition typically includes the following:

• The purpose of the report.
• The location and extent of the property being inspected.
• A general overview of the building’s construction.
• Date, time, and weather conditions during the inspection.
• A written schedule detailing the condition of each inspected item, including existing defects.
• Which parts of the property are included in the report.
• The intended uses of the report.
• Drawings of the building.
• Definitions for condition descriptors.
• Any tests conducted by the Schedule of Condition Surveyors.
• Photographs and videos of the property’s condition.

The time required to produce a Schedule of Condition varies depending on the property’s size, complexity, and the level of detail required. Typically, it takes at least one week to ten days to complete a report for a standard commercial building. For larger or more complex buildings, the process may take longer, especially if specialized access equipment is needed. Our Schedule of Condition Surveyors work diligently to capture all necessary details and prepare an accurate report within the agreed timeframe.

The scope of a Schedule of Condition is often limited by factors such as time, access restrictions, and the client’s budget. Our Schedule of Condition Surveyors work with you to tailor the inspection to your specific needs, ensuring that the most critical areas are thoroughly assessed. However, certain areas, like building foundations or high-level roofs, may not be inspected unless necessary and agreed upon in advance. It’s important to discuss these limitations with your surveyor to ensure the final report meets your expectations and requirements.