Party wall agreement between two detached houses - do we need a surveyor?

[teawamutu]

Done the planning permission for a kitchen extension, already sounded out the neighbours in principle - we get on fine with them, they're obv not thrilled but more or less OK with idea.

Looking at GOV.UK we'd be using the 3m-from-boundary template letter, which all seems fine. I'm just not sure whether we need a surveyor or not? Consensus often seems to be it's not adding much to the process, but I don't want to store up problems for later on.

I assume this means that the foundations would be at a depth where the PWA is necessary, so personally I think it might be worth going for a full award and appointing a surveyor, who can act for both sides if the neighbours agree. It's an extra expense, but not huge. Even if the neighbours consent to the works, there is still the potential for them to claim that the works have caused damage down the line, and a surveyor will take pictures, recommend the correct approach and help settle any disputes.

We didn't bother, but we took really clear photos of all aspects of the party walls/ceilings on both sides.

Thanks both. I think I'll get the template letter prepped and then check out what surveyors might charge.

Your neighbours can appoint their own surveyor which you will need to pay for, whether or not you appoint your own.