Overview
High party wall fee claims should not be accepted simply because they come from an adjoining owner's surveyor. The building owner usually pays reasonable fees, not every fee demanded.
A calm, evidence-based challenge is often the best response.
Ask for a detailed breakdown
Request a timesheet showing: - the work carried out; - the date of each task; - the time spent; - the hourly rate; - any disbursements; - the reason the work was necessary.
A vague invoice is not enough to justify a high fee.
Check whether the work was necessary
Ask whether the time claimed relates to work under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. If the surveyor spent time on planning issues, general neighbour complaints or matters outside the notifiable works, those costs may not be recoverable through the award.
Compare the fee with the complexity
A high fee may be justified for complex basement works, underpinning or difficult damage disputes. It is much harder to justify for simple domestic works involving routine beam bearings or straightforward notices.
The fee should match the risk and complexity.
Negotiate first
Before referring the issue, try to resolve it between surveyors. Point out specific concerns and make a sensible counter-offer where appropriate.
Many fee disputes settle once the excess is properly identified.
Consider third surveyor referral
If the surveyors cannot agree, the fee dispute can be referred to the third surveyor. The third surveyor may reduce fees that are disproportionate, poorly evidenced or outside the Act.
A referral should still be proportionate. Do not spend more fighting the fee than the saving is worth.
Keep a clear record
Keep all emails, fee proposals, timesheets, offers and objections. If the matter is referred, a clear paper trail will help.