What to look for
- Party wall experience: how many awards they make, and on what kinds of project
- Building knowledge: how lofts, extensions and basements are actually built
- Professional membership: a body like the RICS, the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors or The Pyramus & Thisbe Society, which provide training and codes of conduct
- Insurance: professional indemnity cover
- Clear fees and prompt communication
What the memberships mean
| Body | What it is |
|---|---|
| Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors | A professional body dedicated to party wall practice |
| The Pyramus & Thisbe Society | A society for party wall practitioners and others interested in the subject |
| RICS | The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, covering surveying generally |
| CABE | The Chartered Association of Building Engineers |
Does it have to be a chartered surveyor?
No. Plenty of experienced party wall surveyors are not chartered, and being chartered in another field does not by itself make someone expert in party wall work.
Questions to ask
- Have you handled this type of project before?
- Do you hold professional indemnity insurance?
- What are your fees, and who will pay them?
Common questions
Can an engineer act as a party wall surveyor?
Yes, provided they are not a party to the matter. Some engineers specialise in it, particularly for basements.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.