Overview
An advising engineer can help surveyors understand structural risk, but their role is often misunderstood. Used well, they add value. Used badly, they add cost without improving protection.
What is an advising engineer?
An advising engineer is not a party wall surveyor and does not make statutory decisions under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Their role is advisory. They assist the surveyors by reviewing structural proposals and commenting on risks relevant to the notifiable works.
What should they do?
A competent advising engineer should:
- understand the party wall context;
- review relevant structural drawings and calculations;
- focus on risk to the adjoining property;
- identify missing or unclear information;
- assist with technically sensible award clauses;
- keep advice concise and proportionate.
What should they not do?
They should not:
- redesign the building owner's scheme;
- act as project engineer;
- monitor the works unless separately instructed for a defined purpose;
- enforce the award;
- become involved in legal arguments or fee disputes;
- comment on matters outside the notifiable works.
Timing of instruction
The need for an advising engineer should be identified early, but they should usually be instructed only once there is enough technical information to review.
Premature instruction often leads to repeated review, extra fees and avoidable delay.
Fees
The engineer should provide a clear fee estimate and scope of work.
Where a surveyor relies heavily on engineering input, the surveyor's own fee should reflect the reduced technical burden. Owners should not pay twice for the same review.
Best practice
Good practice includes:
- a defined scope;
- one set of focused comments;
- no role creep;
- clear separation from the project engineer;
- advice addressed to the surveyors, not used as advocacy.