Scott Schedule

A Scott schedule is a special form of pleading that was originally devised by George Alexander Scott, an Official Referee, for use in building disputes. Over the years this has gradually been adapted, in various forms, to other types of litigation.

The idea of a Scott schedule is that it is a travelling document, which passes between the parties to enable one side to set out their arguments and then the other side to respond. It is important that a proper response is included, rather than just "denied" or "not admitted". If the case then goes to Court the final column(s) in the schedule is used by the judge to set out the decision reached on each item.

We offer a basic schedule for you to use, along with variations for both defects and delays arguments, and should point out that it is important that you change the column headings to suit the circumstances of your particular case. The general format should be followed, but the idea is to use the schedule to help set out the issues, not restrict matters too much.

The Word version of the schedule is in Word 97-2003 format to try and make it accessible to as many people as possible. If you do not have adobe acrobat standard or above you will not be able to use the .pdf version properly. The schedules are as follows:

If you are unhappy downloading the files off the internet then an example document for you to copy and paste, although it will not work as well, is as follows:

Property name:

Parties - Client: Builder:

(a) Basic Version

Serial No.	Item	Claimant		Defendant		Judge’s columns
		Valuation	Price	Valuation	Price	Valuation/comments	Price
1.	[This should set out the item being claimed – ideally with reference to the date of the instruction and then the issue - e.g. Letter of xx/xx/xx – re-plastering of rear wall]	[In this column you set out how you value the work – for example, 3 hours at £50 per hour; materials £20]	[In the previous example this would be £170]	[This is where the client should insert their response ...]	[and here the amount they propose]

(b)Defects Schedule

Serial No.	Description of defect	Claimant			Defendant		Judge’s columns
		Term of contract and specification breached	Remedial work done/required	Cost of remedial work	Replies/comments on breach of contract	Replies/comments on remedial work and cost	Comments	Price
1.

(c)Delays Schedule

Serial No.	Delaying event	Claimant			Defendant	Judge’s columns
		Effect of the event	Total delay	Description of disruption	Comments	Comments	Price
1.

Further Information: Construction Disputes; Builder's Guide; Property Owner Guide; Contract Essentials; Late Payment

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