The short answer
Ignoring a notice does not make it go away, and it does not stop the work. If you do not respond within 14 days, a dispute is deemed to have arisen automatically. The building owner can then appoint a surveyor on your behalf, and the process carries on without your input. So the only thing ignoring the notice achieves is to lose you your say — over who acts for you, and over the protections written into the award.
Why it matters
The Act has a built-in mechanism for silence. Once the 14 days pass with no reply, the building owner can ask you in writing to appoint a surveyor; if you still do nothing within ten days, they may appoint one on your behalf so the matter can proceed. That surveyor is meant to act impartially, but you have had no part in choosing them. More importantly, by staying silent you may miss the chance to insist on a proper schedule of condition before work starts — the very record that protects you if damage occurs. The work can lawfully go ahead either way. Responding, by contrast, costs you nothing and keeps you in control: you can consent, agree a single surveyor, or appoint your own.
What to do now
- Reply within the 14 days — do not let the deadline pass.
- Decide between consenting, agreeing a single surveyor, or appointing your own.
- Insist a schedule of condition is taken before work begins.
- If you have already missed the deadline, respond now and take advice — it is rarely too late to engage.
Common mistakes
- Assuming ignoring the notice stops or delays the work — it does neither.
- Letting the building owner choose your surveyor by staying silent.
- Missing the schedule of condition that would protect you.
When to call Coburns
If a notice has landed — even if the deadline has slipped — talk to us; we will make sure you keep your say and your protection.