Yes—sometimes you can, and when it works, it can reduce duplication, cost, and delay. However, switching from the “two surveyors” route to an Agreed Surveyor isn’t automatic, and you generally can’t do it unilaterally once separate appointments have been made. Whether a switch is possible depends on timing, cooperation, and what work has already been carried out under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
This article explains when a switch is realistic, what needs to happen, and the practical pros and cons.
Understanding the two routes
Two surveyors (one per owner)
This route applies when each owner appoints their own party wall surveyor. The two surveyors then work together to agree a Party Wall Award, and they select a Third Surveyor in case they cannot agree on a point.
This approach is often used where:
- works are complex or higher risk,
- there is limited trust between neighbours,
- either party wants separate professional representation.
Agreed Surveyor (one surveyor for both owners)
An Agreed Surveyor is a single surveyor jointly appointed by both owners. They must act impartially under the Act. The Agreed Surveyor prepares the Schedule of Condition (where needed) and issues the Party Wall Award if required.
This approach often suits:
- straightforward domestic works,
- cooperative neighbours,
- situations where both parties want a cost-effective, efficient process.
Can you switch after two surveyors are appointed?
Potentially, yes—if everyone agrees. The key point is that an Agreed Surveyor appointment requires joint agreement. Once two surveyors are in place, you generally need:
- agreement from both owners, and
- practical agreement between the two surveyors about how to close out the existing appointments and handle costs to date.
If either owner is uncomfortable with one-surveyor acting for both, switching may not be realistic.
When switching is most realistic
1) Early in the process
Switching is most likely to succeed when:
- surveyors have only recently been appointed,
- there has been limited correspondence,
- no Schedule of Condition has been completed,
- no draft Award has been circulated.
At this stage, there is less sunk time and fewer cost complications.
2) Where trust and communication improve
Sometimes two surveyors are appointed because a neighbour feels uncertain or anxious. After:
- a clear explanation of the works,
- drawings being shared,
- a calm conversation,
- reassurance about damage handling and access,
the neighbour may feel comfortable moving to an Agreed Surveyor to streamline the process.
3) When the works are relatively standard
A switch is more likely where the project is typical and low-to-moderate risk, such as:
- standard rear extensions,
- loft conversions with beam pockets,
- chimney breast alterations (depending on scope),
- moderate excavation with clear foundation details.
Where the work is higher risk (basement, underpinning, complex excavation), the adjoining owner may reasonably prefer keeping their own surveyor.
When switching is unlikely (or not advisable)
1) The Award is already well advanced
If the two surveyors have already:
- completed the Schedule of Condition,
- reviewed structural details,
- negotiated wording,
- produced a near-final Award,
then switching usually won’t save time or cost—and may create additional admin.
2) A neighbour wants independent representation
Even if you believe one surveyor would be cheaper and faster, your neighbour may prefer:
- their own surveyor for reassurance, or
- a separate voice in technical decisions.
That preference is common and not automatically unreasonable.
3) The project is high risk or technically complex
Basements, underpinning, major excavation, and complicated structural sequencing often justify the “two surveyors” approach because there’s more to scrutinise and more potential for disagreement.
What happens to fees if you switch?
Even if you successfully move to an Agreed Surveyor, you should expect that:
- work already done still needs to be paid for, and
- fees incurred up to the point of switching may remain your responsibility as building owner in many typical cases.
For example, if the adjoining owner’s surveyor has already carried out reviews, letters, inspections, or draft work, those costs won’t simply disappear. A sensible switch is usually about reducing future duplication—rather than eliminating fees already spent.
A good process is to ask for:
- a clear statement of fees to date from both surveyors, and
- confirmation of what work is included going forward by the Agreed Surveyor.
A practical step-by-step approach to switching
Step 1: Check if it will genuinely save time or money
If the Award is nearly complete, it may be best to finish under the current route rather than reset the structure.
Step 2: Speak to your neighbour first (calmly and transparently)
Explain that an Agreed Surveyor can:
- reduce duplicated time,
- simplify communication,
- keep the process proportionate.
But be careful with tone—this should feel like an option, not pressure.
Step 3: Propose a specific Agreed Surveyor
You’ll need to agree on who the Agreed Surveyor would be. In practice, this could be:
- one of the two appointed surveyors (only if both owners agree), or
- a new mutually acceptable surveyor.
Step 4: Confirm the switch in writing
Both owners should confirm:
- they agree to discontinue the two-surveyor route, and
- they jointly appoint the named Agreed Surveyor.
The surveyors should also confirm practical closure steps and handover.
Step 5: Settle costs to date and agree scope going forward
Ask for:
- itemised fees to date,
- what the Agreed Surveyor’s fee basis is (fixed/hourly),
- what is included (Schedule of Condition, Award, post-inspection, damage procedures).
Is switching worth it?
It can be, particularly when:
- the matter is early stage,
- the neighbour is cooperative,
- the works are straightforward,
- you want to reduce duplicated correspondence and visits.
But where the project is complex or trust is low, staying with two surveyors may be the safer route.
Want advice on whether switching is realistic in your case?
Email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212 with:
- your project type (extension/loft/basement),
- whether the Schedule of Condition has been completed,
- whether a draft Award has been issued,
- and how your neighbour is responding.
We’ll tell you whether a switch to an Agreed Surveyor is likely to save time and money—or whether it’s better to continue with the current setup.