How surveyors charge
- Fixed fee. A set price for a defined service, such as a notice, a schedule of condition or an award. Easy to budget for.
- Hourly rate. Charged by time spent. Can be fair on complex work but harder to predict.
- Mixed. A fixed fee for the award with hourly charges for extra visits or unexpected issues.
The author's own practice, for example, publishes fixed fees of £350 for a schedule of condition, £70 for each notice and from £600 for an award as agreed surveyor, with no VAT added (full fee list).
What affects the fee
- The type and complexity of the work
- How many neighbours and how many properties are involved
- The quality of the drawings supplied
- Whether a structural engineer's review is needed
- How cooperative everyone is
The neighbour's surveyor
Their fees must be reasonable for the work involved. You cannot insist they use a cheaper surveyor, but you can query an account you think is excessive. Ask early for an indication of their fee.
When fees are disputed
Surveyors' fees are normally fixed in the award. If you believe they are unreasonable, the issue can be referred to the third surveyor, who decides. In serious cases an appeal to the county court is possible within 14 days of the award.
Avoiding fee surprises
- Ask every surveyor for their fee basis in writing at the start
- Supply full drawings with the notice
- Respond quickly to questions
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.