by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
Sometimes—but you shouldn’t rely on it, and it depends on how they are approached. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, the Third Surveyor is appointed (selected) by the two surveyors when there are two surveyors acting—one for the building owner and one for the...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
Sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends mainly on what your lease says about alterations and consent. The key point is this: Your freeholder doesn’t automatically have to consent just because you want to improve your home. But if your lease contains a fully qualified...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
Yes — in a technical/legal sense under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, dissenting does create a “dispute.” But it’s not usually a “legal dispute” in the way most people mean (lawyers, court, shouting, etc.). In party wall terms, “dispute” is a trigger word that simply...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
Not in the way people usually mean it. A party wall surveyor is not an advocate like a solicitor. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, surveyors have a duty to act independently and impartially, even if you appoint and pay them. Their job is to manage risk, set fair...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
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...
