Planning notifiable works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996? Newsflash: you’re going to need a party wall surveyor. Here’s a clear, no-nonsense explainer so you know exactly who you’re appointing and what to expect.
1) A statutory appointment — not “your” representative
Once appointed under Section 10 of the Act, a party wall surveyor isn’t your advocate. Their duty is to administer the Act impartially, resolve the statutory dispute, and produce a Party Wall Award that sets out what may be done, how, when, and on what protections. They must balance the rights of both owners and make a fair, legally robust determination. That neutrality protects you too—because a compliant, enforceable Award is what keeps your project safe and lawful.
2) You can’t fire them — so choose wisely
After a valid appointment, you cannot dismiss a party wall surveyor just because you don’t like a view or a timescale. Their appointment ends only in limited circumstances (e.g., death, incapacity, or if they formally declare themselves unable to act). This is by design: it prevents either owner from derailing the legal process. The takeaway? Appoint carefully. Get someone experienced, responsive, and truly impartial.
3) “Anyone can call themselves a party wall surveyor” — check credentials
The Act doesn’t require specific qualifications to act as a party wall surveyor. That means standards vary—sometimes a lot. Protect yourself by choosing a professional with real credentials, insurance, and building-pathology know-how. At Simple Survey, all surveyors are RICS-qualified building surveyors: we understand the law and the fabric of buildings, so Awards are both legally sound and practically buildable.
4) Who pays? The Building Owner
As the party doing the works, the Building Owner generally pays the reasonable fees of the surveyor(s) and the cost of the Award. The Act exists to facilitate your project while protecting the neighbour—who typically doesn’t benefit from your works—so costs usually sit with you. Clear scopes, good drawings, and a pragmatic surveyor keep those costs down.
What a good party wall surveyor does (in practice)
- Checks notifiability & serves valid Notices (right sections, right owners, right service method, right timing).
- Assesses risk & methods so the works can proceed safely (e.g., hand tools at the party wall, temporary works, access arrangements).
- Agrees a clear, enforceable Award that contractors can follow without guesswork.
- Manages changes and damage properly (further awards if the design shifts; quick, fair resolution if damage occurs).
Keep costs predictable with Simple Survey
- Party Wall Notice service: £25 per adjoining ownership (multi-notice bundles discounted)
- Act administration as Agreed Surveyor (single surveyor): typically £300 fixed-fee (depends on complexity and number of notices/owners)
- Two-surveyor route (we act for the Building Owner): fixed-fee proposals from £325 for our side (we work to keep your neighbour’s surveyor’s hourly fees reasonable and contained)
Fixed fees. No surprises. RICS-qualified expertise.
Ready to appoint—properly?
Email team@simplesurvey.co.uk with your address, a brief description of the works, and any drawings (provisional is fine). We’ll confirm what’s notifiable, set out the fastest compliant route to consent or Award, and issue fixed fees upfront. Make the right appointment the first time—and keep your project moving legally, safely, and economically.