About the work
- What exactly will be done to the shared wall or near my home?
- How deep will the foundations go, and how close to my house?
- Are there drawings I can see?
- How long will the noisy part of the work take?
About the builder
- Who is the builder, and are they insured?
- Have they done this kind of work before?
- What working hours do they plan?
About protection for my home
- Will someone record the condition of my property before work starts?
- Who do I contact if I notice a crack or a leak?
- Will anyone need to come onto my property, for example to put up scaffolding?
About the process
- Which surveyor are you using, and would you be happy for them to act for both of us?
- Are you expecting to pay the surveyor's fees for my side?
Using the answers
Clear, confident answers and a modest project often point towards consent with a schedule of condition, or one agreed surveyor. Vague answers, deep digging or a fragile house point towards appointing your own surveyor.