The short answer
Adjoining owners are often told they can appoint any surveyor they like and the building owner will pay. That is only half the story — only reasonable fees are recoverable, and an expensive surveyor can create risk for the very person they were meant to help.
Why it matters
If an adjoining owner appoints a fee-driven surveyor, the bill goes to the building owner, but it will not necessarily be accepted or awarded in full. If the fee is excessive, unsupported or generated by unnecessary work, the building owner’s surveyor may refuse to agree it and the matter may go to the third surveyor. That can mean delay, neighbour hostility, criticism of the surveyor’s conduct, reduction of the fee claimed, and possible pressure on the appointing owner for any shortfall. An expensive surveyor does not mean better protection.
What to do now
- Choose a surveyor who is experienced, impartial, clear about fees and focused on real risk.
- Be cautious where a surveyor encourages conflict, says the building owner must pay without mentioning reasonableness, or refuses to discuss likely fees.
- Avoid surveyors using high hourly rates for routine work or insisting on unnecessary engineer input.
Common mistakes
- Assuming “the building owner pays” means cost is irrelevant.
- Equating a high fee with stronger protection.
- Ignoring warning signs of a combative or fee-driven appointment.
When to call Coburns
If you are an adjoining owner choosing a surveyor, get in touch and we will protect your position without running up fees that could rebound on you.