Appointing a Party Wall Surveyor is often the moment the Party Wall process starts to feel “real”—especially if a neighbour has dissented or hasn’t responded to a notice. Done properly, appointing the right surveyor keeps costs proportionate, reduces delay, and helps your project move forward with clear safeguards.
This guide walks you through the process step by step.
Step 1: Confirm that the Party Wall Act applies
Before you appoint anyone, make sure your works are actually notifiable under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. Common triggers include:
- cutting into a party wall (e.g., steel beams),
- removing chimney breasts attached to the party wall,
- raising, underpinning or rebuilding a party wall,
- building at the boundary,
- excavating near a neighbour’s foundations within the Act’s rules.
If you’re unsure, it’s worth getting a quick professional view before spending money.
Step 2: Serve the correct Party Wall Notice
Appointment normally follows a dissent (or non-response), so the notice stage comes first. Ensure your notice:
- goes to all correct adjoining owners (not just the occupier),
- clearly describes the works,
- includes plans where possible,
- includes a proposed start date,
- is served properly with proof of delivery.
A lot of disputes and delays come from incorrect notices—getting this right avoids having to start again.
Step 3: Wait for the neighbour’s response (14 days)
Your neighbour has 14 days to respond. They can:
- consent (no surveyor required unless you choose one),
- dissent (surveyors are needed),
- not respond (treated as a dissent).
If there’s dissent, surveyor appointment becomes the next step.
Step 4: Decide on the surveyor route (Agreed Surveyor vs two surveyors)
You typically have two options:
Option A — Agreed Surveyor (one surveyor for both owners)
Both parties appoint one impartial surveyor. This is often:
- faster,
- cheaper,
- simpler,
especially for standard domestic works.
Option B — Two surveyors (one each)
Each party appoints their own surveyor. This can be preferable when:
- works are complex or higher risk (basements, underpinning),
- multiple adjoining owners are involved,
- relations are strained,
- either party wants separate representation.
If two surveyors are appointed, they must select a Third Surveyor at the outset as a tie-breaker if they cannot agree.
Step 5: Choose a surveyor with the right experience
Not all surveyors do party wall work regularly. Look for:
- proven experience with your project type (extension/loft/basement),
- strong communication style (calm, clear, responsive),
- transparency on fees (what’s included, what triggers extras),
- willingness to show anonymised examples of Awards / schedules of condition,
- membership/chartered background where appropriate.
Avoid anyone who promises they can “force” your neighbour to agree—good surveyors manage risk and process, not confrontation.
Step 6: Get a clear written fee proposal
Before appointment, ask for a written breakdown confirming:
- fixed fee or hourly rate (and increments),
- what’s included (notices, inspections, Schedule of Condition, Award, post-works inspection),
- what may be charged as extras (additional inspections, prolonged negotiation, revisions),
- VAT status and payment terms.
If the neighbour is likely to appoint their own surveyor, ask what the typical overall cost range is—because you may end up paying reasonable fees on both sides in many cases.
Step 7: Formally appoint the surveyor in writing
Appointment should be in writing—email is commonly used—confirming:
- your name and property address,
- the nature of works,
- that you appoint them as your Party Wall Surveyor under the Act,
- whether you propose them as the Agreed Surveyor (if appropriate),
- and that they can act impartially.
In two-surveyor cases, your neighbour will appoint theirs separately. Your surveyor may then request the neighbour’s surveyor’s details so the process can begin.
Step 8: Provide the surveyor with the documents they need
To move quickly, supply a complete pack:
- existing and proposed drawings,
- structural calculations / beam details,
- foundation depth and excavation details,
- method statement if needed,
- a programme and intended start date,
- any previous correspondence with the neighbour.
Incomplete information is one of the biggest reasons Awards take longer than expected.
Step 9: Arrange the Schedule of Condition inspection
Surveyors will usually carry out a Schedule of Condition of the adjoining owner’s property before work starts. This is a written and photographic record that helps prevent damage disputes later.
You can support the process by:
- ensuring access is arranged smoothly,
- giving reasonable notice for the visit,
- keeping the scope focused on relevant areas.
Step 10: The surveyor(s) agree and serve the Party Wall Award
If required, the surveyor(s) will prepare and serve the Party Wall Award, setting out:
- what works are permitted,
- working hours and safeguards,
- access procedures,
- monitoring and inspections (if needed),
- how damage will be handled.
Once served, the Award is legally binding and gives both parties a clear framework to proceed.
Step 11: Keep your contractor aligned to the Award
A common cause of post-Award problems is builders not following conditions. Make sure your contractor has the Award and understands:
- working hours,
- protection measures,
- access procedures,
- what must not be done without further agreement.
If the scope changes, tell the surveyor early—don’t improvise on site.
Need help appointing the right surveyor?
If you want help choosing the most suitable route (Agreed Surveyor vs two surveyors) or selecting a surveyor with the right experience for your works, email mail@howorth.uk or call 07794 400 212. Share your property type, the planned works, and where you are in the process—and we’ll guide you through the quickest, compliant way forward.