INDEPENDENT ARTICLES, CLEAR INSIGHTS, STRAIGHTFORWARD ADVICE FOR INFORMED PROPERTY DECISIONS.
Does a Level 2 Survey include a valuation?
It can do, but it doesn’t always—it depends on which version you instruct. RICS recognises two Level 2 formats: RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey only) – condition report without a valuation. RICS Home Survey – Level 2 (survey and valuation) – the same condition...
Can The Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor Act As The Agreed Surveyor?
Yes — it’s possible, but only if both owners agree and the surveyor is willing and able to act impartially under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. An Agreed Surveyor is not “your surveyor” or “their surveyor.” Once appointed as the Agreed Surveyor, they must act...
Court vs Third Surveyor: What’s The Difference?
When a party wall matter becomes difficult, people often assume the next step is “court.” In reality, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 builds in its own dispute-resolution mechanism through the Third Surveyor, which is usually faster, cheaper, and more practical than...
Does a Level 2 Survey cover all areas of the property?
Not always. A Level 2 Survey is designed to cover the main elements of the property through a more extensive visual inspection, but it only goes as far as areas are physically accessible and safe to inspect on the day. RICS is clear that the inspection is intended to...
Can I Withdraw A Party Wall Notice But Still Do My Works?
Yes — you can withdraw a Party Wall Notice, but you can’t usually rely on the withdrawn notice to legitimise the same notifiable works. If your works are still the type covered by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you’ll normally need to serve a fresh notice (or otherwise...
Can I Share The Party Wall Costs With My Neighbour?
Yes—sometimes, but it depends on why the work is being done and who benefits. For most home improvement projects, the building owner usually pays, but there are scenarios where costs can be shared or reallocated. The general rule If you’re doing work mainly for your...
Can I agree a sales discount instead of the contractor completing the snags?
Yes — you can sometimes agree a price reduction (or financial allowance) instead of having the snags rectified. This happens most often when you’re buying a new-build or a property that’s recently been refurbished by a developer, and there are snags that are: likely...
How A Good Party Wall Surveyor Deals With A Damage Claim
Damage claims are one of the most stressful parts of neighbour-related building work—especially when a project is already underway and pressure is on to keep things moving. The good news is that the Party Wall process is designed to handle damage fairly and calmly. A...
Are snags common after construction works?
Yes — snags are extremely common after construction works, even when the contractor is reputable and the standard of workmanship is generally good. In fact, snagging is a normal part of how building projects finish: multiple trades overlap, materials settle, final fix...