Navigating the Process of Becoming a Certified Surveyor in the United Kingdom and the Pros and Cons of Specialized Focus
Career as a Party Wall Surveyor: A Rewarding Path in the UK
A career as a Party Wall Surveyor offers a unique blend of technical expertise, legal knowledge, and people skills, making it an exciting and rewarding profession in the UK.
The Journey to Becoming a Party Wall Surveyor
The journey typically begins with obtaining a relevant degree such as a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying accredited by RICS. After graduation, individuals enter the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme, a two-year practical training programme that develops core technical and professional surveying skills. Upon successful completion, they achieve MRICS Chartered Surveyor status, a mark of trust and expertise in the industry. Many then specialize in party wall surveying by gaining further training focused on party wall matters, particularly the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, and develop negotiation and mediation skills critical to this role.
Skills Required
A Party Wall Surveyor requires a strong understanding of construction, property law, and dispute resolution processes, especially relating to party walls. Attention to detail, clear and professional report writing, negotiation and mediation skills, proficiency in survey writing software, good communication skills, and mathematical and analytical abilities are essential skills.
Typical Career Steps
- Junior/Graduate Building Surveyor: Supporting senior surveyors on a range of tasks, including condition surveys, reports, and party wall advice.
- Chartered Building Surveyor: After APC completion, delivering full party wall surveying services, including dispute resolution and legal advice.
- Specialist Party Wall Surveyor: Gaining additional party wall-specific training, possibly joining professional groups such as the Pyramus & Thisbe Club for networking and knowledge.
- Senior or Principal Party Wall Surveyor: Handling complex cases, possibly managing junior surveyors, and leading business development in the party wall specialty.
Opportunities for progression often depend on additional qualifications, years of experience, and expertise in expanding areas like building pathology, contract administration, and valuation.
The Benefits of Becoming a Party Wall Surveyor
Becoming a Party Wall Surveyor offers good job security, a respected profession with varied work and opportunities to specialise. However, it can also be demanding, especially when dealing with disputes or managing complex legal issues. Running a self-employed surveying business brings challenges like finding clients, managing accounts, and dealing with insurance. Going solo, after gaining experience, can lead to setting one's own rates and choosing clients, potentially resulting in higher earnings.
In summary, becoming a Party Wall Surveyor in the UK involves a solid foundation in building surveying through accredited education, gaining chartered status, followed by specialization in party wall matters, supported by skills in negotiation, law, and technical inspection. Career growth moves from junior roles to senior specialist positions with increasing responsibility and expertise. Over 70% of surveying professionals in the UK are members of RICS, demonstrating the value of gaining chartered status. To move into party wall surveying, further training or short courses focusing on the party wall process are helpful. Many new surveyors start their careers working for a surveying firm or local authority.
[1] RICS - Link to RICS Party Wall Surveying Guide [2] RICS - Link to RICS APC Guide [3] RICS - Link to RICS Career Pathways [4] Pyramus & Thisbe Club - Link to Pyramus & Thisbe Club [5] GOV.UK - Link to Party Wall etc. Act 1996
A Party Wall Surveyor's career journey often starts with pursuing education and self-development through a relevant degree, such as a BSc (Hons) in Building Surveying, and further developing skills during the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) scheme. After gaining essential skills, careers progress through various stages like junior and chartered roles, specialist Party Wall Surveyor positions, and senior or principal roles by obtaining additional qualifications, experience, and expertise.
To effectively excel as a Party Wall Surveyor, it's crucial to possess a blend of skills like understanding construction, property law, dispute resolution processes, attention to detail, professional report writing, negotiation and mediation, proficiency in survey writing software, good communication, and mathematical and analytical abilities. Continuing career development is a vital part of the profession through skills training, networking, and specializing in the Party Wall Act and related areas like building pathology, contract administration, and valuation.
