Appoint your own surveyor
With a developer, the case for your own surveyor is strong. The work is often larger, the timetable tighter, and the building owner may not be around once the homes are sold. Your surveyor's reasonable fees are normally paid by the developer.
Ask for security for expenses
Before the work starts, you can serve notice asking for security: money set aside to cover making good, or finishing the job, if the project collapses. With a developer, especially a company formed for a single site, that protection can matter. The surveyors settle the amount if it cannot be agreed.
Check who the building owner is
Find out which company owns the site and look it up on Companies House. If the site is about to change hands, ask how the obligations under the award will be dealt with.
Insist on a thorough record of your home
A detailed schedule of condition before work starts is your best evidence if damage appears later, possibly after the developer has moved on.
Agree how damage will be handled
Ask who to contact during the work and how quickly reported damage will be inspected. The award can set out the arrangements.
Common questions
Can a developer serve notice before buying the site?
A buyer who has contracted to purchase can count as an owner under the Act, so yes.
The developer has offered me money to consent. Should I?
Think carefully. Consent means no award and no surveyor checking the work on your behalf. Take advice before accepting.
Where this comes from in the Act
Links go to the official text of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 on legislation.gov.uk.