Planning construction near a shared wall or boundary? You’re likely to come across the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — a legal framework designed to protect both you and your neighbour. Know More About Us
One common point of confusion is this: do you really need one or two Party Wall Surveyors? This question can influence not only how long your project takes, but also how much it costs and how well it goes.
What Does a Party Wall Surveyor Brighton Actually Do?
A Party Wall Surveyor isn’t hired to take sides. Their job is to handle matters related to party walls and ensure both owners — the one doing the work and the one next door — are treated fairly under the law.
Whether you’re putting in an extension or digging near your neighbour’s foundation, Party Wall Surveyors work to make sure that all work is done safely and in line with legal requirements. Understanding Legal Help for Party Wall Cases
When Does the Party Wall Act Become Relevant?
The moment your plans involve building along a shared line, changing the structure of a party wall, or excavating within certain distances of another property, the Act becomes relevant. You’ll need to serve your neighbour a formal Party Wall Notice.
If they’re okay with it, things move ahead smoothly. But if they object — even for minor reasons — this is when the need for Party Wall Surveyors becomes real.See What Our Party Wall Surveyors Offer
Is It Possible to Use Just One Surveyor for Both Sides?
Yes, and it often works well. If both you and your neighbour agree, a single impartial surveyor can be appointed — known as the “Agreed Surveyor.” This person handles everything from start to finish and issues what’s called a Party Wall Award.
It’s legally binding and outlines how and when the work can proceed. It saves time, reduces cost, and keeps the process streamlined — as long as everyone is on the same page.
When Are Two Separate Surveyors Required?
The moment your neighbour says they’d prefer their own representative, two Party Wall Surveyors are brought into the picture — one for each side. This usually happens when there’s a lack of trust, a disagreement, or simply a desire for personal oversight.
Both surveyors will communicate, inspect the site if needed, and eventually agree on the Party Wall Award together.
What’s the Role of the Third Surveyor?
Believe it or not, a third surveyor exists in the background — even if you never meet them. If two appointed Party Wall Surveyors Brighton can’t come to an agreement, the third expert steps in to make a final decision. This rarely happens, but it’s a safeguard built into the process to stop any deadlocks or delays.
How Do Two Surveyors Affect Time and Cost?
Two surveyors usually mean higher fees and longer timelines. Each surveyor charges independently, and in most cases, the building owner covers both sets of fees. Check Party Wall Costs Here
It can still be worth it if the situation is delicate or if clear communication between neighbours just isn’t happening. In such cases, two Party Wall Surveyors can make sure everything stays fair and legally sound.
How Should You Decide Between One or Two Surveyors?
Before jumping to appointing two separate Party Wall Surveyors, take a moment to assess your relationship with the neighbour. Ask yourself:
- Have we communicated openly about the project?
- Is the work relatively simple or quite complex?
- Has the neighbour expressed any concerns or hesitation?
- Am I looking to keep costs down?
If trust exists, agreeing on one surveyor could make the process faster and less stressful. But if there’s tension, it might be safer to go with two. Read About Party Wall Act Confusions Here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I serve as my own Party Wall Surveyor?
No, you cannot. A Party Wall Surveyor must be impartial and cannot be one of the involved owners.
Q: Who pays for the Party Wall Surveyors?
Typically, the building owner pays for all surveyor fees, even if two are appointed. This is standard, especially if the work benefits only them.
Q: What if the neighbour ignores the notice?
If they do not respond within 10 days, you can appoint a second surveyor on their behalf — legally.
Q: Do both owners have to agree to one surveyor?
Yes. An Agreed Surveyor can only act if both sides accept them.
Q: How long does the process take with two surveyors?
It can take 4 to 6 weeks or longer, depending on how complex the situation is and how fast the surveyors respond.
Final Thoughts
The decision to appoint one or two Party Wall Surveyors Brighton is more than a checkbox — it’s a strategic move that can affect your project’s timeline, legal clarity, and budget. While a single Agreed Surveyor often speeds things up, two surveyors may be necessary in situations where trust is low or disputes are likely.
Either way, make sure you choose experienced professionals who know how to navigate the Party Wall process with skill and fairness.