Chartered Building Surveyor vs Specialist Party Wall Surveyor: Which Do You Need?
For party wall work, choose someone with party wall experience. A chartered building surveyor may have it, but the title alone does not show it. A specialist focuses on notices, awards and disputes under the Act.
What each does
A chartered building surveyor typically inspects buildings, diagnoses defects and advises on construction and repair. Some also do party wall work.
A specialist party wall surveyor spends most of their time on notices, schedules of condition, awards and disputes under the Act. They may or may not hold a chartered title.
There is no legal licence
Anyone can be appointed as a party wall surveyor. So the real question is what the person has done, not what they are called. Ask for examples and how many party wall cases they handle.
Chartered building surveyor
- Broad training in buildings, defects and construction
- May offer surveys, reports and design advice
- May or may not do regular party wall work
- Ask how often they act under the Act
- Check chartered status on the RICS site
Specialist party wall surveyor
- Focus on notices, awards and disputes
- Familiar with the Act's timetable and procedures
- May hold a chartered or other professional title
- Ask which body they belong to and how to verify it
- Less likely to offer general building surveys
When a building surveyor is useful
If you suspect structural problems, damp or defects in a wall, a building surveyor can provide a survey. That is separate from party wall work, though it may inform it.
If you only need notices and an award, a specialist is often a more direct fit.
Can one person be both?
Yes. Many party wall surveyors are also chartered building surveyors, and they may belong to several bodies. Check membership on the body's own website.
A simple test
Ask yourself what problem you are trying to solve. If it is a notice, an award or a dispute with a neighbour, look for demonstrated party wall experience. If it is a suspected defect in the wall itself, you may want a building survey first. Some people need both in sequence. Whichever you choose, ask for the same things: relevant examples, checkable membership, written terms and a clear explanation of how they will act fairly under the Act.
Choosing between them
Ask both types the same questions about experience, terms and how they deal with a dissenting neighbour. The panel below sets out where they usually differ.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a chartered surveyor?
No. Choose on relevant experience and terms.
Can a builder act as my surveyor?
Anyone can be appointed, but conflicts of interest are a serious concern.
Is a specialist more expensive?
Fees vary. Compare written quotes.
Who inspects the wall for defects?
A building surveyor, if you need a defects report.
Related guides
- What is a Party Wall Surveyor?
- How to Choose a Party Wall Surveyor
- RICS vs FPWS: Choosing the Right Faculty or Institution
- RICS Home Survey Level 2 vs Schedule of Condition
Last updated: . This page is general information about the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 (England and Wales). It is not legal advice. Every property and dispute is different, so take advice from a party wall surveyor or a solicitor before you act.