How to Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor

Step 1: Determine If You Need a Party Wall Surveyor

Not every project requires a Party Wall Surveyor. If your planned work involves excavation, altering a shared wall, or building along the boundary line with a neighbour, you’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice. This means it’s likely you will need a surveyor if the neighbouring owner raises concerns. Find out more about when you need a surveyor in our guide on When is a Party Wall Surveyor Required.

Step 2: Serve a Party Wall Notice

Before appointing a surveyor, you must first serve a Party Wall Notice to all affected neighbours. The notice should include the details of your proposed work, along with the potential impact on the party wall. At Surv Essex, we can help serve these notices, with fees starting as low as £50. Learn more about notices and the process here.

Step 3: Response from Your Neighbours

Once the notice is served, the neighbour has 14 days to respond. There are three possible responses:

1. Consent – No need for a surveyor, and work can proceed.
2. Dissent and Agree on One Surveyor – You can appoint an Agreed Surveyor for both parties.
3. Dissent and Appoint Their Own Surveyor – In this case, both sides will need to appoint separate surveyors.

If your neighbour dissents, you will need to appoint a surveyor, either jointly (an Agreed Surveyor) or independently. This ensures both parties’ interests are protected.

Step 4: Choosing a Surveyor

You’ll need a qualified Party Wall Surveyor with experience in handling such matters. You have a couple of options here:

• Appoint an Agreed Surveyor: An Agreed Surveyor can act impartially for both you and your neighbour, which helps minimise costs and speed up the process.
• Separate Surveyors: If each owner appoints their own surveyor, they will work together to resolve any issues, though costs are usually higher with this option.

Surv Essex can act as an Agreed Surveyor or provide individual services to act solely for you. Find out more about what we do on our Party Wall Surveyor Page.

Step 5: Confirm the Appointment in Writing

Once you’ve chosen a surveyor, it’s important to formalise this by confirming the appointment in writing. This document will usually outline:

• The Scope of the Surveyor’s Duties: This includes producing the Party Wall Award and ensuring work is carried out according to the agreement.
• Costs: Make sure you have a clear idea of how much the surveyor will charge. At Surv Essex, our surveyor fees are £550, which cover the full range of services, from drafting the award to liaising with the adjoining owner.

Step 6: Drafting the Party Wall Award

After the surveyor is appointed, they will assess the proposed work and prepare a Party Wall Award. This award outlines the work to be done, when it will be done, and any measures needed to protect the adjoining property. It provides peace of mind for both parties that their properties are protected, and that each has the surveyor’s impartial oversight.

Choosing Between an Agreed Surveyor or Separate Surveyors

An Agreed Surveyor can often save time, money, and minimise stress. However, each party also has the right to appoint their own surveyor, especially if there are specific concerns or a lack of trust between neighbours.

If you want more information on the benefits of an Agreed Surveyor, check out our detailed post on Can a Party Wall Surveyor Act for Both Parties.

Additional Considerations When Appointing a Surveyor

• Experience: Look for a surveyor who has plenty of experience in Party Wall matters. The process can be legally complex, and you’ll need someone who can navigate it effectively.
• Local Knowledge: Surveyors with local knowledge are always beneficial. At Surv Essex, we have extensive experience across Essex, London, and the South East, ensuring we understand local councils and their specific requirements.

What If There’s a Dispute Over the Appointment?

If your neighbour refuses to agree on a surveyor, you are entitled to apply to your local county court to appoint one on their behalf. While this situation is rare, it can happen, and it’s always good to have a backup plan in case of disagreements.

Why Appoint Surv Essex as Your Party Wall Surveyor?

At Surv Essex, we offer:

• Fixed Fees: Serving notices starts at just £50, and our surveyor fees are £550 for comprehensive services.
• Experienced Team: Our surveyors have over a decade of experience in handling Party Wall agreements of all sizes, from small extensions to major loft conversions.
• Hassle-Free Service: We handle everything from serving notices to drawing up the Party Wall Award. We’re here to make the process smooth and simple, leaving you free to focus on your project.

Ready to get started or need more information on the Party Wall process? Contact us today through our Contact Page to get the advice you need.