Overview
The difference between a good and bad party wall surveyor can be measured in cost, delay and neighbour relations.
A good surveyor helps the process move forward. A bad or fee-driven surveyor makes it slower, more expensive and more hostile.
Good surveyors
Good surveyors:
- move matters forward efficiently;
- keep costs proportionate;
- act impartially;
- communicate clearly;
- reduce conflict;
- focus on the matters that fall within the Act;
- explain risk without exaggerating it.
Bad-faith surveyors
Bad-faith or fee-driven surveyors often:
- delay progress;
- inflate costs;
- create conflict;
- mislead owners;
- overcomplicate simple matters;
- add little or no real value.
The key test
Ask whether the surveyor is reducing the dispute or expanding it.
A good surveyor should narrow the issues, agree what can be agreed and only refer genuine disputes where necessary. If the matter becomes slower, more confusing and more expensive without good reason, something is wrong.
Conclusion
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 was designed to resolve disputes efficiently and fairly. If the process feels unnecessarily slow, complex or expensive, it often is.
Challenging unreasonable behaviour early, politely but firmly, is usually the best way to control costs and keep the matter proportionate.