In this blog, Icon Surveyors will openly discuss everything about costs associated with party wall matters and the same with party wall surveyors. So, just stay tuned with us till we get finished with this party wall surveyor cost guide…
So, let’s start with the basic party wall terminologies.
What is a Party Wall?
A wall that separates the two properties is commonly termed a “party wall” under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. You are required to tell your neighbours of your plans before starting to build or perform any alteration on or near the party wall, according to the Party Wall Act etc. 1996. Before beginning any construction, you and your neighbour should prepare a party wall agreement. This ensures that the intended work is completed as planned and that your premises are carefully considered.
Party Wall Act Notice
Usually, if your neighbour is thinking about doing any work, they would first acknowledge you in regards to the proposed work. Consider how the work may affect you and your property so that you can seek legal counsel if you have any concerns with that.
The proposed work, its extent, and the precise time it will be completed must be disclosed to neighbours in writing via notice. Such an officially written document is referred to as a Party Wall Notice. And this notice must be served in advance, two months before a building owner begin with the work. You might need to be served notice at least one month in advance if your neighbour plans a work close to your property. Then on behalf of the adjoining owner, the party wall surveyor will respond with consent or dissent within 14 days. You can always approach to party wall dispute if you cannot reach an agreement within that time frame.
How much does a Party Wall Surveyor Cost?
Fortunately, any surveyor who regularly performs party wall survey work can easily attest to the reasonableness of his hourly rate. Simply look up the schedule of the proposed work. The expert’s fees are excessively expensive if he primarily serves the resident. This is too expensive and has to be lowered if you can’t receive a fair portion of a building owner’s appointment who submits a competitive bid using the same hourly rate that applies to the appointment of the adjoining owner. Every surveyor should make an effort to divide equally.
Factors Affecting Party Wall Surveyor Costs
According to section 11 (Expenses) of the legislation, the owner of the building who will perform the same task later must cover the neighbour as the neighbour has previously constructed, installed, or supported a partition at his own expense. It declares that, as a result, owners ultimately split the expense of a shared building.
The legislation mandates that consumption and current building expenses be used as the basis for estimations of party wall surveyor cost. In essence, the building’s owner is required to reimburse the neighbour for 50% of the cost of the work from which he benefits. The payment amount will be decided upon by the assessor or agreed upon by the owners and established for the Party Wall Awards.
Single Surveyor vs Two Party Wall Surveyor Costs
There are three approaches to the project if the partition is incorporated into the building plan.
The building’s owner and the owner of the nearby parcel of land are committed to employing the same party wall surveyor.
The next property employs a different surveyor than the builder hires, but the two have come to an understanding.
A third impartial surveyor “third surveyor” is engaged in making the final determination after two independent surveyors clashed.
The price of a surveyor with a robust wall will be significantly lower if the owners of two neighbouring buildings can agree on one surveyor.
The entire cost of the party wall surveying service might double or treble if they engage independent surveyors or if a third surveyor is required.
Single Party Wall Surveyor’s Cost
The average total cost for the single-party wall surveyor method might range from £900 to £2,700. The type of project greatly affects the cost:
Loft conversion – £900 to £1,200
Extension – £1,200 to £1,500
New build – £1,500 to £1,800
Basement – £1,800 to £2,700
Two Party Wall Surveyors’ Cost
The cost from the above prices doubles to between £1,800 and £5,400 if both you and your neighbour opt to engage independent party wall surveyors.
Loft conversion – £1,800 to £2,400
Extension – £2,400 to £3,000
New build – £3,000 to £3,600
Basement – £3,600 to £5,400
Top Tips to Avoid and Settle the Party Wall Disputes
- Discuss the matter with your neighbour with mutual understanding.
- Visit the neighbours impacted by your job and explain your concern in person before delivering it.
- Make sure they are aware of their availability if they have a similar worry. You are more likely to obtain a favorable response when you receive the notification if you are upfront, cordial, and courteous.
- Please be as descriptive as you can.
- Give your neighbours the names and numbers of party wall surveyors and architects so they may be contacted if you have any issues with your design or timetable.
- If you need to set up a party wall award, it might also be helpful if your neighbours believe your appraiser.
Conclusion
Surveyors are crucial to the efficient operation of the party wall dispute. Therefore, seek out an RICS certified party wall surveyor with knowledge of party wall concerns. While offering professional guidance, experts set up alerts, pricing schemes, and party wall award distribution. It is advisable to choose a trustworthy party wall surveyor to prevent delays and excessive expenses.
