When carrying out home improvements near a shared boundary, it’s common to be required to appoint a Party Wall Surveyor under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. However, it’s not unusual for homeowners to be surprised by the fact that their neighbour’s surveyor charges significantly more than theirs.
Why does this happen? Is it reasonable? And what can you do to manage the costs?
In this article, we explore the key reasons for the differences in party wall surveyor fees and offer tips on keeping costs under control during your project.
1. Differences in Experience and Qualifications
Surveyors’ fees often reflect their level of experience, qualifications, and reputation. Your neighbour may have chosen a highly experienced and well-regarded surveyor, perhaps one with a premium hourly rate due to their chartered status or long-standing reputation. Meanwhile, you may have selected a less experienced or local surveyor who charges more competitive rates.
More experienced surveyors often complete the job more efficiently, but their hourly rates tend to be higher, which could contribute to a larger overall fee.
2. Fixed Price vs Hourly Charges
While some surveyors provide a fixed price for standard party wall work, others bill on an hourly basis. If your neighbour’s surveyor charges hourly, the time spent on tasks like phone calls, travel, site inspections, and document reviews can add up quickly—especially if any complications arise during the process.
Hourly rates often lead to higher costs in cases that require more time or involvement.
3. Complexity of the Project
The complexity of the proposed work can have a significant impact on the surveyor’s fees. Simple renovations like home extensions may not require much more than standard assessments, but more complicated projects like basement excavations or loft conversions near intricate boundaries may require additional inspections, expert reports, or deeper involvement in negotiations.
If your neighbour’s property has unique features, shared utilities, or other complex factors, their surveyor’s workload—and fees—will naturally rise.
4. Time Taken to Finalise the Award
The Party Wall Award is a formal document that outlines the scope of the work, schedules, and safeguards to protect both parties. If your neighbour raises objections, requests amendments, or responds slowly, the surveyor may spend more time finalising the Award. This additional time spent negotiating or revising the document will increase the fees.
5. Additional Monitoring or Surveys
For certain types of work, especially those with higher risks, surveyors may recommend the use of monitoring equipment, such as crack gauges, or suggest condition surveys before and after the work is completed. Environmental checks or more thorough assessments may also be required. While these additional services raise the cost, they help provide protection against potential damage claims, which can be valuable in the long run.
6. Prioritising the Neighbour’s Interests
While a Party Wall Surveyor is required to act impartially, the neighbour’s surveyor often prioritises safeguarding your neighbour’s interests. This may include adding extra working hour restrictions, demanding detailed method statements from the builder, or requesting additional insurance measures. All of this requires more time and documentation, which ultimately leads to higher fees.
7. Involvement of Legal Advice or Disputes
If a dispute arises or if your neighbour consults with solicitors, this can increase the surveyor’s workload considerably. Handling communications with legal professionals, revising Awards, or attending mediations adds to the surveyor’s time spent on the case, contributing to higher charges.
8. No Regulated Fee Structure
Unlike some professions, Party Wall Surveyors do not have set fee limits or standard pricing, so fees can vary significantly from one surveyor to the next. Some charge premium rates for their services, particularly if the work is complex or in high demand. Though it’s good practice for surveyors to provide written quotes in advance, there is no legal obligation for their fees to match across different parties.
9. You May Be Responsible for Both Surveyors’ Fees
Under the Party Wall Act, the building owner is typically responsible for paying both their own surveyor’s fees and their neighbour’s surveyor’s fees. This means that, even if you opt for a more cost-effective surveyor, you may still end up covering the fees of your neighbour’s more expensive surveyor if they appoint one.
Tips for Managing Surveyor Costs
- Talk to your neighbour early: Start the process by discussing the possibility of appointing a single ‘agreed surveyor’. This can save costs and simplify the process.
- Request clear quotes: Ensure you receive written, transparent fee estimates from both surveyors before making a final decision.
- Choose experienced professionals: While it may cost more upfront, an experienced surveyor can help ensure the project runs smoothly and avoid costly delays or disputes.
- Maintain open communication: Keep the lines of communication with your neighbour and surveyor open to address any concerns promptly. This can help prevent disagreements that might add to the cost.
In Summary
While it can be frustrating to see your neighbour’s Party Wall Surveyor charge more than yours, this difference usually stems from factors like varying expertise, project complexity, billing methods, and travel expenses. With a clearer understanding of these factors and good communication with your neighbour, you can manage surveyor fees effectively and ensure that your project proceeds without unexpected costs or conflicts.
For any advice or assistance regarding your Party Wall requirements, reach out to team@simplesurvey.co.uk for expert guidance!