What does a party wall surveyor do? Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 they are not your hired advocate: once appointed they hold a statutory role to resolve the “dispute” between owners impartially — deciding what work may proceed, how, when, and who pays what, all recorded in a party wall award.
The core tasks
- Checking or serving valid notices
- Recording a schedule of condition of the adjoining property before works
- Reviewing drawings, method statements and structural details
- Drafting and serving the award — working hours, protections, access, making good
- Inspecting during and after works and resolving damage claims
Agreed surveyor vs two surveyors
Owners can jointly appoint one agreed surveyor (faster, one fee, same impartial duty) or each appoint their own, with a third surveyor selected as tie-breaker. Agreed works well for straightforward lofts and extensions; separate surveyors suit basements, strained relations or complex structures. Either way the building owner normally pays all reasonable fees.
Who can be a party wall surveyor?
The Act says anyone who is not a party to the works — the title is unprotected, which is why credentials matter: see is my surveyor qualified?. Look for RICS or FPWS membership and live London party wall experience.
Talk to one before you decide
Five minutes with a surveyor usually settles whether you need one at all. Call 0204 579 8270 or ask us free.
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