Should Someone Appoint and Agreed Surveyor?
In some cases, it may be advantageous for both the building owner and adjoining owner(s) to appoint an agreed surveyor. An agreed surveyor is an individual surveyor who is independent of the two parties and acts in the best interests of all parties to resolve the party wall dispute. Below are things to consider when contemplating appointing an agreed surveyor.
- Cost-savings: Appointing an agreed surveyor can potentially be cheaper than retaining separate surveyors for the adjoining owner and building owner. Having both the neighbouring owner and the building owner share costs for a Singh surveyor can also provide cost savings for each party as they share the cost of the surveyor.
- Efficient process: If the agreed surveyor is involved, the process can be more efficient without having to engage several surveyors representing different parties. The agreed surveyor can also speed up the time it takes to resolve disputes or speed up the party wall process.
- Independent: An agreed surveyor must act in a trustworthy independent way considering the needs and aims of all party and parties involved. Independent surveyors can provide mutual ground while processing parties’ emails, questions, and details of the party wall dispute whilst working to resolve the dispute or any train of thought being considered through the process.
- Shared experience: By using an agreed surveyor, the parties share each other’s experience and knowledge on party walls. The agreed surveyor will advise you, interpret the Party Wall Act provisions, and ensure compliance to the law.
That said, an agreed surveyor is not suitable or needed in all cases involving party walls. In some cases, there will be so much conflicting evidence or there are so different interests between the building owner and adjoining owner(s) that it may be better for each party to get their own surveyor to represent only their interests.
In general, your use of agreed surveyor or separate surveyors will depend on the circumstances, how complex the project is, and whether all the parties are willing to work together. In making a decision, you need to take into considerations reasonable adjustments, before deciding to go together or separately. It is always best to refer to a party wall specialist or obtain legal advice to understand the best course of action for you and your party wall dispute.
Please get in touch with us for a free consultation. Our well-versed and professional staff will determine whether the suggested work is covered by the Party Wall Act based on your drawings, which you can share with us via email or call. We offer you our best, customised, and risk-free advice. We are also pleased to provide our professional services to Greater London and the surrounding areas.
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📞 0203 576 0786 / 0777 3360033
📧 info@partywallssurveyors.co.uk
