What is an award?
The Surveyor or Surveyors agree a course of action, called an Award, setting out the rights of the Owners, the extent and method of construction of the building works, and any restrictions regarding noisy works. The condition of the Adjoining Owners property is also agreed so that any consequential damage can be easily identified. If two appointed Surveyors, acting together, cannot agree the Award then a Third Surveyor is appointed who will act as arbitrator and prepare the Award. The reasonable fees and costs of the Surveyor or Surveyors, together with the cost of carrying out the agreed works set out in the Award and any reinstatement of damages, falls to the Building Owner unless agreed otherwise in the Award and no costs should fall to the Adjoining Owner if he or she has acted reasonably. If a Surveyor charges fees or incurs costs which are not deemed reasonable, then an element of costs may not be paid by the Building Owner and may fall to the Adjoining Owner.
