The short answer
How transparent a surveyor is about fees is one of the easiest early signals of whether their approach is fair and proportionate. A surveyor unwilling to explain how they charge, their likely total, what is included and what triggers extra cost should raise concern.
Why it matters
In party wall cases the person who appoints the surveyor is often not the person who pays — the building owner is usually liable for the adjoining owner’s reasonable fees — so if an adjoining owner appoints without regard to cost, the building owner can face an unexpectedly large bill. Not every high fee is unreasonable, but there is a difference between a fair fee for necessary work and an open-ended approach where time is recorded, duplicated or expanded without justification. Where fees are vague or only revealed afterwards, the process turns adversarial: the building owner feels exploited, and the adjoining owner is told it is all free without appreciating that unreasonable fees delay and inflame the dispute. Crucially, surveyors who are not transparent are often the most likely to chase the adjoining owner personally if their fees are not agreed or awarded — so an adjoining owner should know from the outset whether they could become personally liable for any part of the fee.
What to do now
Before appointing, ask:
- What is your hourly rate, and your likely total fee?
- What work is included, and what might lead to additional charges?
- Will you provide a clear breakdown if requested?
- Do you charge separately for routine correspondence, draft reviews or phone calls?
- Will your fee be proportionate to the nature of the works?
- Could I, as adjoining owner, become liable for any part of your fee if it is not agreed or awarded against the building owner?
Treat avoidance of those questions as a warning sign, and look for openness about process and scope, not just price.
Common mistakes
- Appointing a surveyor who will not explain their charging.
- Assuming an adjoining owner’s appointment is genuinely free to them.
- Ignoring the risk of being chased for fees that are not awarded.
When to call Coburns
If you want a surveyor who sets out fees clearly before appointment, get in touch and we will tell you exactly how we charge and who pays.