One of the most common issues we encounter here at Simple Survey is the involvement of difficult or unhelpful party wall surveyors. While the party wall process should, in most cases, be relatively straightforward, matters can quickly become more time-consuming, expensive and frustrating where a surveyor takes an unnecessarily obstructive approach.
Over the years, we have identified a number of telltale signs that suggest a party wall surveyor may be making the process harder than it needs to be.
Slow Responses
Party wall matters are inherently more straightforward when surveyors engage promptly and work proactively towards resolution. Timely communication is one of the clearest indicators that a matter is being handled properly.
If you find that a party wall surveyor is slow to respond, or is failing to respond altogether, this is often an early sign that the matter is not being given the attention, respect or efficiency it requires. Delays at the outset can quickly lead to delays throughout the wider process, affecting service of notices, agreement of awards and ultimately the progress of the proposed works.
Where this is happening, it is sensible to raise the issue early and make the surveyor aware that their delay is affecting the matter. In some cases, this can be enough to prompt a more proactive and efficient approach going forward.
Overcomplicating Legal Issues
Another common warning sign is where a party wall surveyor begins to over-emphasise the legal complexity of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
While the legislation is, of course, statutory in nature and must be applied correctly, it is in reality a practical and workable piece of legislation designed to facilitate construction works while protecting the adjoining owner. When properly understood, the Act is generally straightforward in its operation.
Difficulties often arise where surveyors unnecessarily delve into case law, overanalyse routine issues, or take an overly rigid or unfacilitative stance at an early stage. This can be a strong indication that the matter may become more problematic than necessary as it progresses.
In our experience, the most effective party wall surveyors are those who understand the legislation thoroughly but apply it in a practical, measured and solution-focused way.
Excessive Fees
High fees are another common indicator that a party wall matter may not be being handled reasonably.
In many cases, a building owner will have agreed a fixed fee with their own surveyor at the outset. By contrast, an adjoining owner’s surveyor will often charge on an hourly basis, applying that rate to the time reasonably incurred up to and including agreement of the party wall award.
Where those fees are presented at an unreasonably high level, the building owner’s surveyor has both the ability and the duty under the Act to challenge and negotiate those fees down to the lowest reasonable level. This is an important safeguard within the process and should not be overlooked.
Building owners should not feel concerned if those fees cannot be agreed immediately. The Act contains an inbuilt mechanism for resolving such disputes through referral to the third surveyor, who can determine whether the fees are reasonable. That protection exists specifically to prevent building owners from being exposed to inflated and unjustified costs.
When the Focus Shifts Away from Resolution
Party wall matters are usually simplest when all involved remain focused on the core objective: serving notices properly, progressing discussions sensibly, and agreeing a fair and effective party wall award.
A warning sign of a difficult surveyor is where the emphasis shifts away from practical resolution and towards point-scoring, posturing, or unnecessarily demonstrating legal or technical knowledge. In those circumstances, the process can become bogged down in avoidable correspondence, inflated costs and delay.
At Simple Survey, we are very proud to take a different approach. Our focus is always on cutting through the noise and ensuring that the priority remains where it should be: getting party wall notices served and party wall awards agreed in a way that is cost-effective, time-efficient and smooth for all parties involved.
In our experience, the best route to resolution is to work constructively with the counterpart surveyor, rather than against them. This helps reduce disruption, limits unnecessary expense, and ensures that the building owner can progress their works as quickly as possible.
Experience Makes the Difference
Over the years, we have undertaken thousands of party wall instructions across England and Wales, ranging from straightforward loft conversions and rear extensions through to more complex basement works and structural alterations.
That experience has taught us that while the legislation may be the same, outcomes often depend heavily on the approach taken by the surveyors involved. A pragmatic, experienced and resolution-led surveyor can make the process feel straightforward. A difficult one can turn even the simplest matter into an unnecessary ordeal.
Through our experience, knowledge and low-cost approach, we are exceptionally well placed to assist clients with party wall matters of every type.
Low-Cost Fees Without Compromising Service
If you require a party wall notice to be served, our fees start from £35 plus VAT.
If you require a party wall award to be agreed, our fees start from £300 plus VAT.
These fees represent a saving of at least 65% compared with many other offerings in the market, something we are extremely proud to achieve while continuing to provide professional expertise, efficiency and close attention to detail.
Get in Touch
If you need cost-effective party wall advice delivered with professionalism, experience and efficiency, get in touch with Simple Survey today.
We are here to help ensure that your party wall matter is dealt with properly, smoothly and without unnecessary delay or expense.