Yes, you may remove your own party wall surveyor in some instances, but usually it will not be without a fight. Trust and communication in any professional relationship are crucial, and at Faulkner Surveyors, we strive to ensure we build this trust. And if you’re having doubts about your current surveyor, you’re not alone— many people struggle with this.
If you’ve appointed an ‘Agreed Surveyor’ (a surveyor who represents both you and the party with the wall, rather than each having their own) it can be difficult to find another one to replace them because they’re meant to be unbiased. But if you think they’re not doing their job well or are acting unprofessionally, there are some things you can do.
However, if you did instead appoint your own ‘party-appointed surveyor’, and you don’t feel them to be sound in their judgement, there may be a chance to replace them — the staged timeframe of the process will have something to do with it.
What to Do If You No Longer Trust Your Surveyor?
It’s perfectly natural to be frustrated that you’re losing confidence in someone who’s supposed to be protecting your interests. We at Faulkner Surveyors think communication is paramount.
If your surveyor is uncommunicative, uncooperative or just not explaining things adequately with you, then yes, you should be asking questions.
Start with an honest conversation with them. Request clarification on anything that’s troubling you.
If they keep acting like they can’t even give a straight answer to a simple question, or if they make decisions that don’t appear neutral and fair, you may want to ask yourself whether they are qualified to do the job.
Surveyors are meant to act professionally and independently — even the ones you select yourself. When that’s not happening, it may be time to make a change.
May Both Sides of a Case Remove a Joint Surveyor?
Well, yes, but it’s complicated. Where two householders jointly appoint an individual (agreed surveyor), the two surveyors cannot be discharged unless the homeowner that has appointed them both also agrees.
This is one of the most common ones, and it tends to happen when one or both sides believe the surveyor to be showing bias, or taking too long, or not handling things fairly. If the two of you are in agreement that there’s a new surveyor who needs to be secured, you can proceed towards a replacement together. Can my Neighbour remove a boundary hedge?
But if you or the other one of you wants the surveyor struck, and the other won’t consent, the process gets more complicated. You may have to bring the issue formally or contact an attorney if they have already served you with an Award.
Will Sacking a Surveyor Hold Up My Project?
In most cases, yes — removing a surveyor will cause some sort of delay. That’s why it is always better to try to solve problems before you go there.
The party wall procedure is prescribed and must be carried out in a timely manner. And if you swap surveyors midway, the new one may require time to peruse documents, re-visit the property, or even re-pursue some of the process. All that adds time and, in some cases, increased costs.
Here at Faulkner Surveyors, we suggest attempting to resolve problems as early as possible. But if you genuinely believe the surveyor is acting improperly or unfairly, that short delay may be worth it to safeguard your interests.
How Do You Complain About a Surveyor?
It’s all right to speak up if you are unhappy with the way your surveyor is managing things. Begin by expressing your concerns in writing — typically an email message will suffice. Be clear, specific, and polite. Describe what is there to go wrong, what you would like to happen.
If the problem persists, you can escalate. The majority of surveyors belong to a professional body such as RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or FPWS (Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors). These organisations have their own complaints procedures to follow. Can I alter the party wall surveyor? – Faulkners Surveyors.
It’s not making trouble to voice your concerns — it shows you’re taking care of your rights. And any decent professional should be open to criticism and willing to provide explanations.
Is Your Surveyor Acting in Your Best Interest?
This is a question more people should ask. A good surveyor should be transparent, neutral, and professional.
Even if you’ve hired them yourself, they’re still expected to act impartially under the Party Wall Act.
Some red flags to watch for:
- They don’t explain things clearly
- They seem to side with the other party unfairly
- They’re slow to respond or avoid giving updates
- Their costs are unclear or constantly rising
At Faulkner Surveyors, we believe in open communication and fair dealing.
If something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth questioning. Trust your instincts—and don’t be afraid to get a second opinion if needed.
What Are the Risks of Dismissing a Surveyor?
Dismissing a surveyor comes with a few risks you’ll want to think about. First, it can delay your project, especially if the new surveyor needs to restart any part of the process.
Second, if the original surveyor was appointed jointly or has already issued an Award, removing them may not even be possible without agreement from both sides—or legal intervention. What takes place in a party wall conflict? – Faulkners Surveyors.
There’s also the financial side to consider. You might still be liable for part of the original surveyor’s fees, even if you let them go.
It’s not a decision to take lightly. But if the relationship has completely broken down, and you’ve tried everything else, it might be the best move in the long run.
Can You Get a Second Opinion on the Award?
Absolutely—and in some cases, it’s a smart move. If you feel something in the Party Wall Award doesn’t seem fair or accurate, you can seek a second opinion from an experienced surveyor.
At Faulkner Surveyors, we often help clients review awards issued by other surveyors. We look at the technical details, check for inconsistencies, and explain what your rights and options are.
Just be aware: once an Award is served, you only have 14 days to appeal it in court. So if something feels off, don’t wait too long to ask for advice. A second opinion might not lead to formal action—but it can give you peace of mind or the confidence to challenge something if needed.
When Should You Replace Your Party Wall Surveyor?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are a few signs that it might be time to make a change:
- You’ve lost confidence in their judgement
- They’re unresponsive or hard to contact
- They seem biased or not acting neutrally
- The process is dragging on without explanation
- Their costs keep increasing without justification
If any of this sounds familiar, it might be worth having a conversation—or even getting some independent advice. At Faulkner Surveyors, we’ve stepped in for many clients who felt stuck with a surveyor who wasn’t meeting expectations.
It’s your property and your project. You deserve clear communication, fair treatment, and proper guidance every step of the way.
For Further Information Please Call Us Today 03300100262