Discover the Average Party Wall Surveyor Cost In 2024

Dealing with party wall by way of appointed surveyor

Planning a loft conversion or an extension? You'll likely need a party wall surveyor appointed. In 2024, the average hourly rate for these specialists is around £200. This guide breaks down costs and offers tips to manage your project effectively.

You need a party wall surveyor but don't know the cost of a party wall project between building owner and adjoining owner?

A party wall is a wall that separates two properties and forms part of a building. This is either known as the party wall or party structure (e.g. wall or perhaps a floor/ceiling separating neighbours).

The surveyors involved and dealing with party wall determine how the wall shared by two owners needs to be protected in respect of works that affect a party wall.

An appointed surveyor will usually verify the ownership of the wall first before dealing with the dispute by an award. In this way, a surveyor is hired to reach an agreement whilst limiting conflict, as many surveyors are trained to preserve the relationship with your neighbours.

Average Party Wall Surveyor Cost in 2024 for a Party Wall Award

Hiring a party wall expert in 2024 can cost different amounts. If you appoint a surveyor you might pay between £100 and £450 per hour, or around £1,000-2,000 for the whole job.

They do not need to be chartered surveyors from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). If they are, such party wall surveyors charge more, ordinarily. You can organise a professional surveyor from the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) to act as party wall surveyor whilst keeping the total party wall surveyor cost down.

Hourly rates range from £100 to £450

Party wall surveyor costs can really vary, with hourly rates starting at £100 and going up to £450. This wide range depends on several things. For example, where your building is located could make the cost go up or down.

Also, how complex your project is plays a big part in determining the fee. A more straightforward job will likely be at the lower end of the scale, while tasks that need more expertise and time could see you budgeting for more.

Paying around £200 per hour is what most people do for a party wall surveyor's time. This rate means you're getting someone who knows the Party Wall etc Act (1996) without breaking the bank. These professionals work under the legal framework of the Party Wall Act to help manage buildings and walls shared between neighbours.

They ensure everything is above board, preventing disputes before building works start. So, choosing wisely could mean improved negotiations with adjoining owners and avoiding any unnecessary legal proceedings or fees.

Average cost for a party wall award is around £1,500

After looking at how much local party wall surveyors might charge by the hour, we find that getting a party wall award usually costs about £1,500 in total (6-8 hours of time is the guideline without unforeseen issues). This is a typical party wall agreement cost if you're planning work close to or on a boundary of your neighbour's property.

This cost could change based on many things like where you live or how big your project is. But it’s good to know this amount so you can plan your budget better. If you’re doing something like adding an extension or working near a shared wall, getting this award helps keep peace with the neighbours and makes sure everyone agrees on the work being done. Party wall awards help alleviate the stress involved in party wall disputes.

Factors Affecting Party Wall Surveyor Costs

The cost of a party wall surveyor can change for many reasons. Factors like how big your house is, the details in your building plan, and where you live all play a part.

Size of the property

The size of your property plays a major role in how much you'll pay for party wall surveyors cost. Larger properties mean more work for surveyors. They have to check more walls and maybe even deal with flats or apartments within the same building. This means they spend more time on the job, which can push the cost up.

Quality and completeness of architectural designs

Good architectural designs make the whole party wall agreement process easier. Clear and detailed plans show what you will build. This helps party wall surveyors understand your project better. If architects do a great job, there’s less risk of issues with neighbours. They won’t worry much about damage to their property.

Party wall surveyor costs can again go up if designs are not complete or clear. Surveyors might need more time to figure out the details. This means higher fees for you. Also, if there's a party wall dispute, solving it could cost more too. A straightforward design is therefore key to keeping surveyor costs down.

Complexity of the project

Just as the quality and completeness of architectural designs play an important role, so does the complexity of the project. Simple tasks might not cost much. Yet, if your build is sizeable or unusual, party wall surveyor fees can increase quickly.

More complex builds often mean higher risks and more chances for disputes with neighbours over party walls.

This need for careful planning and risk management means dealing with potential damage to adjoining properties takes centre stage. Complex projects might require not just one but several party wall surveyors.

Boundary Dispute

Party wall surveyors are used but can't determine the position of a boundary as this is for the owners to agree. Often, they can't reach an agreement, in which case a boundary dispute surveyor should be instructed.

This is often the case with a garden wall and where you might be planning your excavation. The building owner's surveyor may disagree with the neighbour's surveyor in respect of where the boundary should be and this may increase each surveyor's fees, especially concerning two party wall surveyor costs.

Number of RICS Party Wall Surveyors Needed - One or Two Party Wall Surveyor Costs?

The number of surveyors you'll need can really push up the costs. If your project is big or complex, you might need more than one expert. Sometimes, both you and your neighbour will choose to have separate surveyors. More experts lead to higher fees.

In some cases, picking just one surveyor for both sides helps cut down on expenses. This is known as an Agreed Surveyor (rather than having separate party wall surveyors). It emeans a single point of contact which improves communication. Building owners find this approach simpler and more cost-effective.

Level of risk of damage to the Neighbouring property

The risk of harm to the next-door property changes how much money you might need to spend on a party wall surveyor. If your building work is big or complicated, this can make the chance of damage higher.

Good plans help lower the risk but expect to talk more with your neighbour if there's a lot at stake. You may need a party wall surveyor for each owner if the owners deem the works risky.

Living in certain places can make damage more likely too. For instance, crowded urban areas have less space between homes, increasing the odds of something going wrong during construction.

Premium services come into play here as well, which are all part and parcel of answering the question, “How much does a party wall agreement cost?”

Building Owner Security for Expenses May Add to the Cost of a Party Wall Project

As a building owner, the neighbour carrying out the works, you may be called upon to give Security for Expenses, which is where you pay an amount into Escrow just in case you fail to complete the works and they need to be made good in order to safeguard the adjoining owner's property.

Don't worry, though. If the project is completed according to plan, the monies are returned to you.

Need a Party wall survey and negotiation

As we talk about the risk of damage to the neighbouring property, it's clear that talks between parties can really affect your savings. Negotiations play a big part in sorting out party wall matters.

If you and your neighbour can't agree, costs might increase. You're trying to avoid harm to their dwelling while getting on with your project.

Sometimes, discussions are breaking down. You or your neighbour might want changes that affect how the work is done. This means more time spent talking things through and maybe bringing in extra help to find middle ground.

Extra help often means higher costs for everyone involved. Good fences make good neighbours, but good negotiations keep everyone happy.

Location - Party Wall Surveyor Near Me

Location can make a big difference in how much you pay for a party wall surveyor. Costs can go up or down depending on where your house is. In busy cities, prices might be higher because of the high demand and cost of living.

On the other hand, if you're in a less crowded area, you might find lower rates. This is something property owners should think about when planning construction work.

Plus, if it's hard for surveyors to reach your building because of traffic or parking issues, this could add extra costs too.

Party Wall Surveyor London - Ways of Dealing with a Project

Finding the right approach to handle a party wall job can save you time and avoid trouble. You could choose an Agreed Surveyor, or each appoint your own.

Either way, everyone gets fair treatment, making the whole process impartial. Keep reading to learn how this approach might be just what you need for your project.

Using the same party wall surveyor

Choosing the same party wall surveyor for you and your neighbour can cut costs. It means you both share one expert instead of hiring two.

This single expert then acts fairly for both sides, saving time and money. Plus, it makes communicating easier. Everything goes through one person, keeping things simple.

Using a shared surveyor promotes transparency and streamlines dispute resolution. This approach also taps into transparent communication—vital in avoiding misunderstandings or disputes about the building work going on next door.

Using different Party Wall Surveyors who come to a Party Wall Agreement

Moving from the idea of using one party wall surveyor, some people might opt for separate ones.

This method needs more teamwork but can work out well. The building owner and the neighbour each appoint their own surveyor. These experts then come together to agree on the project plans and any protective steps needed for both properties.

A party wall agreement is finally drafted and served, which settles the dispute and facilitates the project progression.

Though it could double the cost since two professionals are now involved, the level of due diligence increases and this may prevent legal claims.

The Third Surveyor

Sometimes, neighbours might not agree on the project details. This is where separate surveyors come into play. Each neighbour may appoint their own expert to ensure fairness.

But what if these two surveyors can't see eye to eye? A Third Surveyor is selected by the Two Surveyors to determine any party wall disputes which the surveyors themselves can not agree on. The Third Surveyor is like an adjudicator. So, in total, you could have two or even three surveyors dealing with a wall or structure.

A party wall surveyor would only refer matters to the Third Surveyor if they have exhausted negotiating with either party, including the owners or the neighbours surveyor. It may be difficult to keep costs down if this happens.

This setup protects everyone involved. It keeps the peace between neighbours as well as surveyors and makes sure the work continues without breaking any laws or causing damage.

Plus, this approach helps avoid nasty surprises like lawsuits for negligence or non-compliance.

So while it increases the total party wall cost, that Third impartial Surveyor could save time, money, and friendships in the long run.

Tips for Working with Party Wall Surveyors

Working with party wall surveyors needs clear communication and smart planning. Sometimes, the three surveyors involved can help you negotiate consent without needing a party wall agreement. However, you will need a party wall survey to begin with and serve notice as part of the formal notice and compliance with the Party Wall Etc Act 1996.

Answer Questions and Settle Party Wall Disputes with a Personal Touch

Solving issues on your own can cut down on time and costs. If you have plans that might affect a wall shared with your neighbour, talking things out together is helpful. This way, you avoid paying extra for party wall surveyor cost.

Explaining what you plan to do and answering any questions your neighbours have will help preserve relations. However, it is vital that you eventually adopt a formal approach by appointing a party wall surveyor to serve notice and follow the Act professionally, as it is a legal requirement.

Keep neighbours informed about “Party on the Wall”

Letting neighbours know what's happening next door is courteous and limits disputes arising.

Thereafter, you serve a party wall notice, making sure they're up-to-speed on any structural work that might affect their home.

Share details like when the construction will start and how long it might take. If you've hired a surveyor, giving your neighbour their contact info can help too.

This way, if there are any concerns or questions from their side, they know whom to reach out to directly. Open talks and sharing information makes the whole process easier for everyone involved—plus, it can save you some money along the way by avoiding misunderstandings and delays.

Share your Party Wall Surveyor's details with your Neighbour

Giving your neighbour the details of your surveyor is required. When both sides know whom to talk to, solving problems becomes more likely. By sharing contact information, you cut down on the back-and-forth between parties. You won't need as many meetings or phone calls to sort things out yourself. Technically, all communication needs to go through the party wall surveyor(s) anyway.

Invest in high-quality Designs for Surveyor Party Wall

Investing in good designs for your building project is conducive to the process. It saves time and money on party wall surveyor costs.

Good design which show how the work will not harm your neighbour's property is very beneficial. This eases the surveyor's job, making it quicker and cheaper for you.

Top designs mean fewer worries about damage to next door. Your party wall surveyor can then focus more on the essentials - like drawing up a fair party wall agreement.

So, what is the party wall agreement cost?

Party wall surveyor costs are on the rise in 2024. With hourly rates swinging from £100 to a hefty £450, picking the right approach matters for your budget. The sweet spot? Around £1,500 is the average price for a party wall agreement.

Cost drivers vary—from property size to how complex your build is and where it sits geographically. Keeping a good relationship with neighbours can also shave off unnecessary time arguing.

Pick wisely between different party wall surveyors based on their competency and not so much their hourly rate, as they may spend less time resolving the party wall dispute for you anyway, meaning more savings.

Learn more from our blog on Party Wall Surveyor Fees for Adjoining Owners.

Q: How much does a party wall surveyor typically cost?

A: The average cost of hiring a party wall surveyor can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the project, location, and the specific services required.

Q: What is a party wall notice and when is it required?

A: A party wall notice is a formal document served on the adjoining property owners informing them of the planned works that may affect the party wall. It is required under the Party Wall Act before undertaking certain types of construction work.

Q: What are the costs associated with hiring two party wall surveyors instead of a single surveyor?

A: When two separate party wall surveyors are involved, this can result in higher overall costs compared to appointing a single agreed surveyor to act for both parties.

Expect to pay anywhere from £700 to £1,000 per surveyor. Consider how many owners you have and how many party wall surveyors might be appointed.

Q: How do I appoint a surveyor for a party wall matter?

A: To appoint a surveyor for a party wall issue, you can either agree on a single surveyor or appoint your own surveyor by completing the Acknowledge Form accordingly. Then, you sign the Letter of Appointment (LoA). It is important to choose a qualified and experienced surveyor for obvious reasons.

Q: What is the Party Wall Act and how does it affect me?

A: The Party Wall Act is a legislation designed to help prevent and resolve disputes in relation to party walls and excavations near neighboring buildings. It sets out the procedures to be followed when carrying out certain types of construction work.

Q: Can I serve a party wall notice myself or do I need a professional to do it?

A: While you can serve a party wall notice yourself, it is recommended to seek the advice of a party wall surveyor or legal professional to ensure that the notice is correctly drafted and served in accordance with the legal requirements. Otherwise, the process needs to start again (de novo).

Q: Is it possible to find party wall surveyors who offer fixed fee services?

A: Yes, some party wall surveyors may offer fixed fee services for certain types of party wall matters. It is advisable to discuss the fee structure with the surveyor upfront to avoid any unexpected costs later on.