Neighbours have asked for a 'schedule of condition' survey before work commences on our house, anyone else had this?

[sandyballs]

Just wondered what it involved, how much it cost, and whether it was usual practice for a straightforward extension that will not impact on them.

I think we had something similar when Thames Water dug up our road to build a storm drain.. it was a massive hole - the width of the road and 40ft deep, and it was right next to our flat so they came round and made a note of the position and size of absolutely every crack in the walls - there were quite a few because of buses thundering driving along the road. I didn't have to pay for it though, Thames water paid for it. I was told it was valid for something like 10 or 15 years and if I had any major subsidence problems I could refer back to that and an assessment would be made as to whether it was down to the works done or other reasons.

Well the new extension involves building on our patio which is adjacent to their patio, so not against a wall as such, although we have given them a party wall letter etc

I'm assuming they'll have to dig foundations, so the "schedule of condition" will assess the condition of your house before the work starts. I'm not an expert, but I can't imagine it's your responsibility to pay for it, I'm pretty sure the person carrying out the work has to sort it out and pay for it.

Depends how deep your excavations are going to be. If within 3 m of their house and deeper than their foundations that will be why they want it, I think. YOu might have to pay as well?