Smart Steps to Take Before Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor: A Homeowner’s Preparation Guide

When planning construction or renovation work on your property, especially if it involves shared or adjoining walls, understanding the Party Wall Act 1996 is essential. The Act protects both you and your neighbours by outlining legal procedures for building works that might affect shared structures. At the heart of this process is the party wall surveyor, a professional who ensures all parties’ rights are respected.

However, before you hire a surveyor, it’s important to prepare yourself with the right knowledge and groundwork. Being proactive can help you save time, reduce disputes, and make the process much smoother. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key steps to take before appointing a party wall surveyor, from understanding your obligations to selecting the right expert.

Understand What the Party Wall Act Covers

Before hiring a surveyor, familiarize yourself with what the Party Wall Act 1996 actually governs. The Act applies to certain types of building work that might affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure between two properties.

Common examples include:

• Building or extending walls along a boundary

• Cutting into a party wall for beams or structural supports

• Excavating near a neighbouring building (within 3 or 6 metres)

• Demolishing and rebuilding a shared wall

Knowing whether your project falls under the Act helps you determine whether a party wall notice is required and consequently, whether a surveyor’s appointment will be needed.

Identify If You Need a Party Wall Notice

Not every home improvement project requires a notice. For instance, cosmetic changes like plastering or painting shared walls don’t usually fall under the Party Wall Act. However, structural alterations often do.

To check, you can:

• Consult with your architect or builder; they often know when notices are necessary.

• Use guidance from the UK Government’s website to compare your work type.

If your project qualifies, you’ll need to serve a Party Wall Notice to your neighbours at least two months before the work starts.

Talk to Your Neighbours Early

Open communication is key. Many party wall disputes arise because neighbours feel surprised or uninformed. Before hiring a surveyor, talk to your neighbours about your plans in a friendly, transparent manner.

Explain what you’re doing, how long it will take, and the precautions you’re taking to avoid damage. If they’re reassured, they may consent to the work, saving you from having to hire multiple surveyors (one for each party).

A positive relationship from the start can make the entire process faster and less stressful.

Review Your Building Plans Thoroughly

Before appointing a surveyor, make sure your architectural and structural drawings are complete. The surveyor will need these to assess the potential impact on adjoining properties.

Ensure your plans include:

• The scope of the work

• Structural details (such as foundations and beams)

• Site boundaries and measurements

Having detailed plans ready ensures the surveyor can act quickly and accurately once appointed.

Check Your Budget

Hiring a party wall surveyor is a legal requirement once your neighbour dissents (does not consent) to the notice, and as the building owner, you usually bear the cost.

Typical costs include:

• Party Wall Notice preparation (if handled by a professional)

• Surveyor’s fees – typically ranging from £700 to £1,500 per surveyor

• Schedule of Condition report – documenting the neighbour’s property before work begins

If your neighbour appoints their own surveyor, you’ll generally be responsible for their fees too. Therefore, it’s wise to factor these expenses into your renovation budget early on.

Research Qualified Surveyors

When choosing a party wall surveyor, qualifications and experience matter. A knowledgeable professional ensures compliance with the Act while protecting your interests.

Look for surveyors who:

• Are members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) or RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)

• Have proven experience with similar property types

• Offer transparent pricing and clear communication

Check reviews, request references, and compare at least two or three professionals before making your decision.

Understand the Surveyor’s Role

Knowing what your surveyor will do helps you set realistic expectations. A party wall surveyor’s main responsibilities include:

• Reviewing your building plans and the neighbour’s property condition

• Preparing or responding to a Party Wall Notice

• Drafting the Party Wall Award, which legally sets out how work should proceed

• Inspecting any damage claims during or after the project

They act impartially, even if you’re the one who appointed them. Their goal is to ensure fairness and compliance, not to side with one party.

Prepare the Necessary Documentation

Having the right paperwork ready will help your surveyor start work efficiently. Key documents include:

• Title deeds or property ownership proof

• Site plans and construction drawings

• Details of your appointed contractor or architect

• Any existing agreements or correspondence with neighbours

Organizing these in advance avoids delays and allows your surveyor to issue notices promptly.

Anticipate Common Neighbour Concerns

Before hiring a surveyor, think from your neighbour’s perspective. Common concerns include:

• Potential property damage

• Noise, dust, and access issues

• Work duration and safety

Addressing these concerns early with accurate information and empathy can encourage cooperation and potentially prevent disputes.

You can also invite your neighbour to meet your chosen surveyor to build trust and transparency.

Know the Timeline

The Party Wall process takes time, and you should factor this into your construction schedule.

Typical timeline:

• Serving notice: At least 1-2 months before work begins

• Neighbour response: Up to 14 days

• Surveyor appointments and Party Wall Award: 2–8 weeks, depending on complexity

Hiring your surveyor early ensures your project isn’t delayed by legal procedures.

Consider Appointing an Agreed Surveyor

If your neighbour consents, you can both appoint a single Agreed Surveyor. This option reduces costs and simplifies the process, as only one professional handles the entire agreement.

However, both parties must trust this surveyor to act impartially. It’s an excellent solution when relations between neighbours are friendly and cooperative.

Be Ready for a Schedule of Condition Survey

Before work starts, your surveyor will prepare a Schedule of Condition Report, a photographic and written record of your neighbour’s property condition.

This document is vital for avoiding false damage claims later. Make sure you or your contractor coordinates with your neighbour to allow the surveyor access for inspection.

Maintain Open Communication During the Process

Once your surveyor is appointed, maintain regular communication with them and your neighbours. Promptly share updates about work timelines or changes. Transparency not only fosters goodwill but also helps your surveyor handle any issues efficiently.

Hiring a party wall surveyor is an important step in protecting your property and maintaining good neighbourly relations during construction. However, your preparation beforehand plays an equally crucial role.

By understanding your obligations, communicating early, budgeting wisely, and selecting the right surveyor, you set the stage for a smooth, dispute-free process. Remember, proactive preparation is the key to transforming a potentially stressful legal requirement into a well-managed, professional experience that safeguards everyone’s interests.

With the right groundwork, your project can move forward confidently and legally from the very start.

For more information you can call Express Party Wall Surveyor at 020 3633 0823 or contact us