Here’s a practical way to choose the right party wall surveyor (and avoid the common traps). I’ll keep it focused on what actually makes a difference to cost, speed, and neighbour relations.
1) Decide what you need: Agreed Surveyor vs two surveyors
Agreed Surveyor (one person for both owners) often works well when:
- the works are fairly standard (typical extension/loft),
- your neighbour is reasonable but wants protections,
- you want to reduce duplication and cost.
Two surveyors (one each) is usually better when:
- relations are already strained,
- the works are higher risk (basement/underpinning/complex steelwork),
- the neighbour wants their own representation.
A good surveyor will tell you honestly which route is sensible—not push the option that makes them more money.
2) Look for the right fit for your type of project
Match experience to the job:
- Rear/side extension & loft conversion: you want someone who regularly deals with beams into party walls, chimney removals, and excavation notices.
- Basement/underpinning: you want someone who does these often—monitoring, sequencing, temporary works expectations, and very robust Awards.
- Flats/maisonettes: you want someone used to multiple owners/leaseholders, party structures (floors/ceilings), and managing more than one adjoining owner.
Ask directly: “How many projects like mine have you done in the last 12 months?”
3) The questions to ask (copy/paste)
These will tell you quickly if they’re competent and proportional.
Process and timescales
- “Based on my drawings, which notices do I need and who must receive them?”
- “What’s your realistic timeline from notice to Award if the neighbour dissents?”
- “How do you handle non-response and keep the process moving?”
Quality and protection
- “How detailed is your Schedule of Condition—how long is the inspection and do you include photos?”
- “Will the Award include clear access procedures, working hours, and damage procedures?”
- “Do you tailor Awards to the project, or use a template?”
Fees and control
- “Are you fixed-fee or hourly? What exactly is included?”
- “What are the likely total fees if: (a) neighbour consents, (b) neighbour dissents with an agreed surveyor, (c) neighbour appoints their own surveyor?”
- “How do you ensure fees stay reasonable and proportionate?”
Communication style
- “Can you show me an example of an anonymised Award or typical wording you use with neighbours?”
- “How quickly do you normally respond to emails/calls?”
4) What “good” looks like in their answers
You’re listening for:
- Clear, specific answers tied to your type of work (not generic).
- A calm emphasis on risk management and neighbour relations, not aggression.
- Fee clarity and “what triggers extras.”
- A focus on doing the notice correctly first time.
5) Red flags
- “Don’t worry about notices, we’ll sort it later.” (Delays and injunction risk.)
- Very low fee that excludes the Schedule of Condition or post-works inspection.
- Slow replies while you’re trying to appoint them.
- Overly combative tone about neighbours (“we’ll put them in their place”)—that usually increases dissent and cost.
6) How to compare quotes properly
Ask every surveyor to quote on the same basis:
- Notice preparation/serving included?
- Schedule of Condition included?
- Award drafting/negotiation included?
- Post-works inspection included?
- Hourly rate for extras and what “extras” typically are?
Two quotes can look similar but include very different scope.
7) The quickest way to get the right recommendation
If you email mail@howorth.uk, include:
- your property type (terrace/semi/flat),
- what works you’re doing (extension/loft/basement),
- whether you’ve served notice yet,
- whether the neighbour has consented/dissented,
- and any drawings (even basic PDFs).
We can point you toward the most suitable route (agreed surveyor vs two surveyors), what you should budget for, and the key questions to ask before you appoint.
Email: mail@howorth.uk