What should I pay under partywall agreement

zaqxsw

I hope everything is sorted now.

I think it is right that the party wall surveyor does not get involved straight away. It can be a waste of money if two parties are able to come to an amicable resolution.

That being said, £5,000 is a huge amount for minor work. If you do need to dispute this, then your surveyor and your neighbour's surveyor will need to agree an award. If they are unable to do this, they would then refer the matter to the third surveyor (the third surveyor is essentially a referee). It seems that the fact that there is damage caused by your work is not being disputed. The dispute lies in the amount you are being asked to pay. Perhaps this is a case of 'betterment'. In terms of adjudication, if the surveyors were to find in your favour, you may find that your neighbour picks up the costs i.e. the costs in making the further award. However, if you lose, then you will need to pay the £5,000 (or the amount stated in the award) plus the costs of adjudication which could easily surpass another £1,000.

Good luck (hopefully it is sorted now). It would be interesting to know the outcome.