Party Wall Surveyor - any advice on things I need to be thinking about?

[User181019]

Hi there, I've posted before about objecting to our neighbour's proposed extension. They still don't have planning permission but want to move forward with the Party Wall surveyors. The surveyors will be coming to visit my property this week so we can agree a schedule of conditions. Other than not signing the agreement until planning permission is granted, is there anything I should be thinking about when the surveyor comes round? The obvious issues I have on my list are:

1. Take photographs of our property
2. Boundary line
3. Making sure neighbour makes good any damage caused to our property and pays for this.
4. Hours of work - stick to reasonable times.
5. Access to our property as neighbours want this to make their lives easier.

Anything else? Bit worried I might not have considered everything that I should consider to protect ourselves. I know the surveyor we've appointed should do this but I'd feel better if I could be more prepared.

Thank you!

The PW agreement and SOC won't cover working hours or access, you'll need a separate agreement for that. Apart from that the list is good, it's about condition and condition after the works.

Is your Surveyor RICS? The neighbours should pay your fees.

The agreement does cover access! It can also cover hours of work and how many weeks of work. This ensures the disruption is minimised. Your PW surveyor should do all you suggest.

If you've appointed an accredited surveyor you should be fine, he/she will know what risks there are to your property and come to you for any other concerns you may have.
You won't get to 'sign' the Award, the whole process is now in the hands of the surveyors and both owners will get served the Award, which is a binding agreement.
Hours of working will be included, but only for the notifiable works not any other part of the job. If the builder is working unsociable hours you should speak to your neighbour first, or then if you get no joy the local councils environmental health department.
Hope that helps!