What to Do If You Want to Fire Your Party Wall Surveyor
You can raise concerns and ask to end the engagement, but changing surveyor mid-process is not always simple. Check your terms, put your concerns in writing and take advice, because the Act sets rules about appointments and awards.
Your action checklist
- Write down exactly what is wrong, with dates and examples.
- Re-read your engagement terms, including notice and fees for work done.
- Raise your concerns with the surveyor in writing and allow a short time to reply.
- Ask another party wall surveyor for a view on the file.
- Check whether an award has already been made.
- Do not pay disputed amounts without taking advice.
Before you decide
Many problems are about communication or delay, and can be fixed by a direct conversation. If the issue is fees, check the terms and ask for a breakdown. Fees must be reasonable and can be challenged under the Act.
Do
- Raise the concern in writing with dates and detail
- Check the engagement terms for notice and fees
- Get a second opinion on the file
- Keep paying undisputed amounts to avoid a fee argument
- Tell the other owner's surveyor if a change is likely
Avoid
- Sacking them by text with no explanation
- Refusing all payment without checking the terms
- Appointing a new surveyor without telling the neighbour's side
- Threatening the surveyor or making public accusations
- Missing the 14-day appeal window while arguing
What the Act allows
Each owner appoints their own surveyor, or both agree on one. If a surveyor neglects to act for 10 days after being asked in writing, the other may proceed alone. A surveyor's role is to act fairly, so an owner cannot demand a change simply because they dislike a decision.
Whether a surveyor can be replaced during the process depends on the circumstances. Take advice.
If an award has been made
An award can be appealed to the county court within 14 days of receipt. That is the route for disagreeing with what the award says, not a change of surveyor.
Protecting your position meanwhile
Keep the work moving if you can. Time limits in the Act still run, and a change of surveyor is no reason to miss a deadline such as the 14-day appeal period. Ask for the file to be handed over in an orderly way, including photographs and the schedule of condition. Tell the other owner and their surveyor in writing, so nobody is confused about who is acting.
Compare the options
The panel below sets out sensible steps against unhelpful ones.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fire my surveyor?
You can end your engagement in line with its terms, but the process may be affected.
Will I still owe fees?
Probably for work properly done. Check your terms.
Can I complain?
If they belong to a professional body, its complaints process may apply. Check on its own site.
What if I am the adjoining owner?
The same steps apply. The building owner may still be responsible for reasonable fees.
Related guides
- Red Flags When Hiring a Party Wall Surveyor
- Questions to Ask a Party Wall Surveyor Before Hiring Them
- How to Dispute a Party Wall Surveyor's Fees Legally
- How to Properly Challenge or Appeal a Party Wall Award in County Court
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.