Are there risks to neighbouring properties during demolition or construction?

During building demolition or construction, it’s important to prepare a Schedule of Condition for any nearby properties that may be affected by the work.  Once the works are complete, the properties can be reinspected against the Schedule to see if they have been adversely affected.

Preparing a Schedule of Condition has two-fold advantages and can protect both parties.

Firstly, the nearby property owner will have proof if the demolition or building work has affected their property and therefore can have this rectified by the other party. Secondly, the contractor will have some protection against a false claim of damage from the nearby owner.

What is a Schedule of Condition?

The Schedule of Condition records the existing condition of the property. The Schedule can be in the form of descriptive text recording the condition of the various elements supported by photographs, or it can simply be a photographic schedule, where photos are taken throughout the area in question to capture any existing cracks, damage or disrepair.

The rule of thumb is, the larger or closer to the demolition or construction; the more detailed the Schedule of Condition should be.

It’s also best to have your Schedule prepared by a chartered or registered Building Surveyor who acts independently and has a wealth of experience surveying a wide variety of buildings. This means they know what they’re looking for because they understand the building and demolition process, the materials and common defects that may occur.

These same Schedules can also be used by landlords and tenants when entering into lease agreements for a property.  We recommend that a full schedule of condition report is undertaken and agreed by all parties. This should be undertaken at the lease commencement and also prior to any tenant fit out or alteration. The cost and benefit can often be shared by both parties and provides protection against long-winded and expensive disagreements at the end of the lease term.

Greymouth Hospital demolition works

As an example of where this has worked successfully, Hampton Jones has been working alongside Kirk Roberts (Consulting Engineers) and Fletchers (Contractor), on the redevelopment of Greymouth Hospital.  During the demolition phase of the old hospital accommodation building, Hampton Jones accurately captured and recorded the existing condition of the surrounding buildings and environment. The contractor now has a record of the existing condition of the retained buildings and will be able to decipher whether any of their demolition work, has affected the surrounding structures.