by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
Yes — you can withdraw a Party Wall Notice, but you can’t usually rely on the withdrawn notice to legitimise the same notifiable works.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...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
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...
by Howorth | Jan 26, 2026 | Articles
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...
