Movement Monitoring vs Condition Survey: What's the Difference?
Movement monitoring and condition surveys serve different purposes. Here is when to use each.
Key Differences
| Aspect | Movement Monitoring | Condition Survey | | --- | --- | --- | | Purpose | Detect change over time | Record existing condition | | Timing | Ongoing (multiple visits) | Single point in time | | Output | Trend data, alerts | Report of current state | | Trigger levels | Yes | No | | Use case | Active construction nearby | Pre-works or dispute |
When to Use Movement Monitoring
| Situation | Monitoring Appropriate? | | --- | --- | | Adjacent basement excavation | Yes | | New build next to existing | Yes | | tunnelling works nearby | Yes | | Heritage building nearby | Yes | | Piling works adjacent | Yes |
When to Use a Condition Survey
| Situation | Condition Survey Appropriate? | | --- | --- | | Pre-works documentation | Yes | | Dispute with neighbour | Yes | | Party wall schedule of condition | Yes | | Insurance claim | Yes | | Sale or purchase | Yes |
What Each Survey Covers
Movement Monitoring
| Element | Description | | --- | --- | | Crack monitoring | Width change over time | | Level monitoring | Height change (settlement/heave) | | Tilt monitoring | Angular change | | Vibration levels | Construction-induced vibration | | Trigger level reporting | Alert/alarm/critical alerts |
Condition Survey
| Element | Description | | --- | --- | | Existing cracks | Width, location, pattern | | Damp | Evidence of moisture | | Structural condition | Visible defects | | Timber condition | Rot, beetle, structural timber | | Drainage | Visible defects |
2025 Costs (ex VAT)
| Service | Cost | | --- | --- | | Movement monitoring (per visit) | £295–£630 | | Movement monitoring (monthly programme) | £1,500–£3,000 | | Condition survey (residential) | £400–£1,000 | | Condition survey (commercial) | £1,000–£3,000+ |
When You Need Both
| Scenario | Both Surveys? | | --- | --- | | Basement next to listed building | Yes — condition survey (baseline) + monitoring (during works) | | New build near neighbour's property | Yes — condition survey (for dispute avoidance) + monitoring (during works) | | Party wall dispute | Condition survey for schedule of condition + monitoring if works are ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a condition survey replace monitoring?
No — a condition survey records condition at one point in time. Monitoring tracks change over time.
Q: Do I need both for party wall works?
Yes — a condition survey provides the schedule of condition. Monitoring provides protection during works.
Q: How long does monitoring continue?
Until construction is complete plus a defects period. Typically 12–36 months for basement projects.
Q: Can monitoring data be used in disputes?
Yes — monitoring data with trigger level alerts provides objective evidence of movement during construction.