Why Choose a Chartered, RICS-Regulated Party Wall Surveyor

Why Choose a Chartered, RICS-Regulated Party Wall Surveyor

Anyone can call themselves a party wall surveyor. The Act stipulates only that a surveyor must not be a party to the matter, so there is no legal requirement for any qualification, regulation or professional standard before someone acts on your behalf. That places the responsibility on you to choose well, because the surveyor you appoint will be protecting one of your most valuable assets.

Hudson Party Wall Surveyors is an RICS-regulated practice. Our Director, Simon Pinder, is a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with a first class construction degree and twenty years in the industry. You deal with the Director, not a junior, and you have the assurance that comes with regulation, not just membership.

Frequently asked questions

Does it matter whether my party wall surveyor is regulated by RICS?

In our opinion, yes. Regulation by RICS means the practice is bound by the RICS Rules of Conduct, carries mandatory professional indemnity insurance, maintains ongoing professional development and operates a formal complaints procedure with access to independent redress. It is consumer-facing protection that sits above the surveyor's own goodwill and it is the clearest assurance available that your matter will be handled to a recognised professional standard.

What is the difference between RICS and other party wall bodies?

There are several specialist party wall organisations and membership of one demonstrates subject knowledge in this area, which is genuinely valuable. The distinction is that those bodies are professional or membership associations, whereas RICS is the regulator that confers Chartered status and holds its regulated firms to a published code of conduct backed by independent oversight. Specialist knowledge and regulation are not the same thing and the strongest position for you as the client is a surveyor who offers both.

Is every party wall surveyor a Chartered Surveyor?

No. 'Chartered Surveyor' is a protected title that can only be used by members of RICS, and many people acting under the Act are not Chartered. It is worth confirming this directly, because the description 'surveyor' on its own carries no qualification requirement under the Act.

What should I look for when choosing a party wall surveyor?

Look for genuine party wall specialism rather than a general practitioner who occasionally takes this work and look for a regulated Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) so that specialist expertise sits alongside recognised professional standards and redress. Ask for the surveyor's qualifications and regulatory status in writing, ask who will actually draft your Award, and make sure fees are confirmed in writing before you instruct. A good surveyor will tell you exactly what to expect from the outset and will be the same person you spoke to at the start.

Do you handle complex works such as basement and underpinning matters?

Yes. These are the works that demand the most from a surveyor technically and our construction background means we are comfortable advising on basement, underpinning and structural matters rather than treating them as an exception. Whatever the works, the same Chartered Surveyor sees them through.

Speak to a Chartered Party Wall Surveyor in North London

If you are choosing a party wall surveyor, or you have received a Party Wall Notice and want to be sure your interests are properly protected, you are welcome to contact our team today or call the office on 020 3488 7747. You will deal with the same Chartered Surveyor from the first conversation through to your completed Award.