This article explores how party wall surveyors play a key role in reducing disputes, maintaining neighbourly harmony, and ensuring compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. We aim to provide a balanced perspective.
The profession has faced criticism, much of it self-inflicted. To restore public trust, the industry must engage in honest self-reflection, address poor practices, and actively promote its best standards.
What Party Wall Surveyors Get Right
1. Professional Organisations Raise Standards
While some critics see professional bodies as exclusive clubs offering nothing more than fancy titles, these organisations are crucial in raising industry standards. The Party Wall Act regulates surveyor conduct, but professional codes of conduct provide an extra layer of accountability. These bodies frequently host events featuring solicitors, judges, and experts, ensuring continuous learning and industry development.
2. Conflict Prevention Over Escalation
Many surveyors focus on avoiding disputes rather than exacerbating them. Whether it’s mediating between surveyors or encouraging early settlements over damage claims, surveyors often prioritise the public interest over profit. Early consultations can help resolve potential issues, making it more likely that neighbours will consent to works when the Party Wall Act is properly adhered to.
3. Volunteering Without Pay
Despite common criticism of fees, many surveyors generously offer free advice to help people navigate the Party Wall Act, avoid disputes, and clarify complicated matters. This often goes unnoticed, but few industries can boast so many professionals volunteering their time to help others through challenging situations.
4. Fee Reductions for Fairness
In some cases, a building owner’s surveyor will suggest that the neighbour’s surveyor act as the agreed surveyor to save costs. If both parties agree, the surveyor may waive their fee. This spirit of compromise shows that surveyors often prioritise fairness over their fees.
5. A Strong Sense of Community
Though competitive, the party wall surveying industry thrives on collaboration. Surveyors frequently engage in intellectual debates, but they always strive to resolve issues fairly and effectively. Collaboration, rather than conflict, is the dominant approach.
6. Continuous Self-Improvement
Surveyors take great pride in their work and are constantly seeking ways to improve. Internal criticisms of the Act are often motivated by a desire for growth, not negativity. This ongoing self-reflection helps the profession strengthen itself, while also celebrating its successes.
7. Duty of Care and Empathy
Surveyors often work with vulnerable residents and show extraordinary empathy, something not always seen in other industries. They conduct welfare checks, report unsafe structures, and implement safeguards to protect elderly or anxious residents from crime, noise, dust, and vibrations. During condition assessments, surveyors often identify wider issues like damp or mould, raising awareness of health concerns.
Conclusion: Rebuilding Trust Through Action
There is much to be proud of within the party wall surveying profession — achievements that deserve to be communicated more widely. Raising awareness of the positive contributions made by surveyors can help rebuild public trust. Instead of focusing on walls, let’s focus on building bridges. It’s time for the profession to present itself with honesty and positivity. While self-praise may fall on deaf ears, genuine, balanced communication can help close the gap between those administering the Act and those it affects.
📩 Need help with a party wall issue?
Contact our team at team@simplesurvey.co.uk for expert advice and support. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.