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The Party Wall Surveyor

What is the Role of the Party Wall Surveyor?

A Party Wall Surveyor’s role is to remain completely independent and impartial, even if they’re appointed by just one of the parties. Their job isn’t to take sides, it’s to ensure that the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is followed correctly and fairly by everyone involved.

The process typically includes reviewing the proposed works, inspecting the neighbouring property to create a Schedule of Condition, and issuing a Party Wall Award. This legally binding document sets out how and when the work should be carried out, outlines access arrangements, working hours, and provides a clear framework for resolving any disputes.

A good Party Wall Surveyor helps the building owner move forward lawfully and responsibly, while ensuring that the adjoining owner is protected from unnecessary disruption or damage. If any issues arise during or after the works, the surveyor steps in to determine the cause and decide whether compensation is due.

Ultimately, the Party Wall Surveyor is appointed under statute, not as a representative of either side, and must always act with professionalism, neutrality, and a clear focus on legal compliance.

So what is involved in the process?

Once notice has been served by the building owner’s surveyor, either two Party Wall Surveyors (one appointed by each owner) or a single Agreed Surveyor (typically the building owner’s surveyor, if both parties consent) will proceed to prepare a document known as a Party Wall Award. This legal document, sometimes referred to as a Party Wall Agreement, outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the building owner and the adjoining owner in relation to the proposed works.

The Party Wall Award includes essential provisions such as permitted working hours, access rights over the adjoining owner’s land to carry out the works, and specific safeguards to protect both properties during construction.

As part of the process, the appointed surveyor(s) will also carry out a Schedule of Condition of the adjoining owner’s property. This detailed photographic and written record forms a key part of the Party Wall Award and provides an important baseline in case of any claims of damage during or after the works.

Can I get a new surveyor if I am not happy with the one I appointed?

This is a very common question, and the answer under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is: no, not usually.

Once a Party Wall Surveyor has been formally appointed under the Act—either by you as the building owner or by the adjoining owner—that appointment is final and cannot be rescinded unless the surveyor is incapable of acting. This is because the surveyor’s duty is not to the person who appointed them, but to the Act itself. Their role is to act impartially, ensuring that the process is fair and that both owners are protected.

Even if you feel the surveyor is not acting in your interest, it’s important to remember that their role is not to take sides, but to apply the law correctly and resolve matters objectively.

If there is a serious issue—such as negligence, a conflict of interest, or a complete failure to act—you should raise your concerns in writing and, if necessary, seek legal advice. But simply disagreeing with a decision or being unhappy with the process is not grounds for replacing a surveyor once appointed.

What about the fees for the work?

Finally, we come to fees, under all normal circumstances these are paid by the building owner. It is difficult to talk in figures as they vary widely from job to job and surveyor to surveyor. Surveyors appointed by the building owner will normally quote a fixed fee whereas the adjoining owner’s surveyor will charge by the hour with contingencies for additional visits – the final figure is agreed and entered in the award just before it is served.

Fees charged range from £700 for a simple job rising to £2,000 plus for an award covering more complex works such as a basement conversion or loft conversion. For commercial works these will be much higher as the works is usually much more complex.

In summary, what do part do Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors play?

What Is a Party Wall Survey and Why It Matters

A party wall survey is a legal safeguard for homeowners planning to carry out building works near or on a shared wall or boundary. At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, we help clients across Greater Manchester, London, and beyond comply with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, protecting both the building owner and the adjoining neighbour.

When building works are proposed, a Party Wall Surveyor is appointed to act impartially and ensure the process is fair and compliant. Their role includes reviewing the plans, inspecting the adjoining property, and issuing a legally binding Party Wall Award. This document sets out the rights and responsibilities of each owner, including how and when the work should be done, access arrangements, and a detailed Schedule of Condition to record the state of the neighbouring property before work begins.

If damage occurs or disputes arise, Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors step in to assess the situation and, where needed, award compensation giving both parties peace of mind. Our goal is to ensure that construction projects move forward smoothly, lawfully, and with minimal risk of conflict or costly surprises.

How long does the whole process take?

The party wall process typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and how quickly each party responds. Here’s a general breakdown:

  1. Serving Notice – Once the building owner serves the party wall notice, the adjoining owner has 14 days to respond.

  2. Response Time – If the adjoining owner consents, the process can end quickly. If they dissent (or don’t respond), surveyors are appointed.

  3. Surveyor Appointment & Inspection – Appointing surveyors and arranging inspections usually takes 1 to 2 weeks.

  4. Drafting & Agreeing the Award – After inspections, the Party Wall Award is prepared. This can take another 1 to 3 weeks, depending on negotiations and technical details.

At Dunham Hale Chartered Surveyors, we aim to complete the entire process efficiently, usually within 4 to 6 weeks, while ensuring every legal requirement is met and both parties are fairly protected.

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