How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Charge?

How Much Does a Party Wall Surveyor Charge?

If you’re planning on carrying out building work that affects a party wall, a Party Wall Surveyor is a crucial part of the process. But one of the first things you’re likely to wonder is, “How much does a Party Wall Surveyor charge?“

Understanding the Charges: Surveyor Fees Explained

The costs of a Party Wall Surveyor vary depending on the complexity of the work, the location, and the experience of the surveyor. Let’s break down the typical costs involved:

• Serving Notices: The first step in the Party Wall process is serving a Party Wall Notice to your neighbours. At Surv Essex, we keep this part affordable, with fees starting from just £50 for serving a notice on one neighbour. This cost covers drafting the notice in line with the requirements of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and formally serving it to your adjoining owner.

• Acting as a Party Wall Surveyor: If the neighbour dissents to the work, then a Party Wall Award will be needed, which requires the appointment of a Party Wall Surveyor. Our fee to act as your surveyor starts at £550 per surveyor. This fee covers everything, including drafting the Party Wall Award, liaising with all involved parties, conducting a schedule of condition survey, and ensuring the project can move ahead with both owners protected.

• Additional Surveyor Fees (for Disputes): If each party appoints a separate surveyor, you will likely need to cover your own surveyor’s costs. These fees generally range from £800 to £1,500 per surveyor, depending on the complexity of the project and the nature of the disputes involved. Having an Agreed Surveyor—where both neighbours use the same surveyor—can be a great way to reduce costs and streamline the process.

What’s Included in the Surveyor’s Fee?

The fees mentioned above generally include several key services, which ensure the Party Wall process is handled thoroughly and correctly:

• Initial Consultation and Notice Serving: Preparing and serving the initial Party Wall Notices to adjoining owners.
• Condition Survey: Before any work begins, the surveyor will conduct a Schedule of Condition of the adjoining property. This ensures any existing issues are recorded in detail to avoid disputes later on.
• Party Wall Award: Drafting the Party Wall Award, a legally binding document that lays out the details of the works, the obligations of both parties, and how any disputes will be handled.
• Site Visits and Follow-Ups: Depending on the scale of the work, further site visits may be necessary to ensure all work complies with the agreed terms.

Factors That Affect the Cost

Several factors can affect how much a Party Wall Surveyor charges:

• Complexity of Work: The more complex the project, the higher the fees. Excavations, basement works, and loft conversions, for instance, often come with higher surveyor costs compared to a straightforward wall removal.
• Number of Adjoining Owners: If multiple properties share a party wall, you may need to serve multiple notices, which can increase the cost.
• Disputes: If there are disputes or if each neighbour chooses to appoint their own surveyor, the costs will be higher due to the additional surveyor fees.

To get a better understanding of what’s involved in the surveyor’s role, check out What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Do.

Why Are Party Wall Surveyor Fees Worth It?

You might be wondering if it’s worth paying these fees, but here’s why it’s a good investment:

• Protect Your Property: A Party Wall Award protects both you and your neighbours by ensuring that any damage caused during building work is properly managed and accounted for.
• Legal Requirement: The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is a legal obligation. Failing to serve proper notices or agree on an award could lead to delays, disputes, or even legal action, which could end up costing much more than the initial surveyor fees.
• Avoid Neighbour Disputes: Having a professional surveyor handle the process ensures that both sides are properly represented, reducing the risk of neighbour disputes during and after the building work.

How to Keep Costs Down

• Opt for an Agreed Surveyor: Whenever possible, try to use an Agreed Surveyor. This keeps costs down and ensures the process runs smoothly. At Surv Essex, we are experienced in acting as Agreed Surveyors, and we’re trusted across Essex and the South East for our fair, impartial service.
• Discuss the Work with Your Neighbours: Good relationships with your neighbours can make all the difference. Let them know your plans early, discuss any concerns, and ideally, come to an agreement to use the same surveyor. This approach keeps everyone happy and can save you a lot of money.

Want to Learn More?

If you want to learn more about appointing a Party Wall Surveyor and what’s involved in the costs, have a read through our dedicated guide on How to Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor.

If you’re ready to get started or need more information, reach out to Surv Essex today. We’re here to help you get through the Party Wall process smoothly, affordably, and on time.