When a neighbour dissents to a Party Wall Notice, the next big decision is how the dispute will be administered under the Party Wall etcetera Act 1996 and whether this will be by one Agreed Surveyor, or by two separate Party Wall Surveyors.
So what is an Agreed Surveyor?
An Agreed Surveyor is one surveyor jointly appointed by both the building owner and the adjoining owner.
This route is usually quicker and cheaper, as there is only one professional to coordinate, with one set of fees and one set of paperwork.
It means there is one set of eyes and all professional judgment on risk, protections and damage sits with that single surveyor, so choosing someone experienced and genuinely neutral is crucial.
Agreed Surveyor appointments tend to work best where relations are reasonably civil and the works are moderate in complexity for example typical lofts, small extensions or chimney breast removals.
Now let’s look at “two surveyors”?
Under the two‑surveyor route, the Building owner appoints their own surveyor, and the Adjoining owner does the same.
Those two surveyors must then select a third surveyor, who can be called upon if they cannot agree, or hit a difference in opinion in the Act’s interpretation or any form of other dispute. Third surveyor selection is unique to a two surveyor appointment and not applicable in an agreed surveyor appointment.
The key features of a two surveyor appointment are; more checks and balance as two professionals must agree the Party Wall Award.
The two surveyor route also means more cost and often more time, insofar as the building owner normally pays both surveyors’ reasonable fees.
They also tend to be better suited to higher‑risk or contentious projects – such as basements, heavy structural works, or where relations are already strained.
So, Which should you choose? In simple terms, an Agreed Surveyor offers a faster and more cost‑effective process, however, it relies heavily on trust in one surveyor.
Whereas, Two Surveyors offers a more robust and formal process, however it is slower and more expensive.
Whichever route you choose, make sure any surveyor you appoint is properly qualified, experienced in party wall work and clearly willing to act impartially.
If you need assistance with Party Wall Matters, give us a shout today.