Hourican & Associates Limited
Excellent service, would highly recommend. Richard made the party wall process pain free with both m… More…
Hourican & Associates Limited
Working with Richard has been the easiest part of our recent building project, would certainly use a… More…
Hourican & Associates Limited
I would thoroughly recommend H&A having been referred by the company who are doing my loft conversio… More…
Why choose Hourican & Associates?
We are specialist regulated Party Wall surveyors and will always ensure our clients' interests are protected during building works.
Accredited
Hourican & Associates specialise in all Party Wall matters in London and are fully qualified members of the FPWS, Pyramus & Thisbe Club and regulated by RIC's, CIOB & CABE.
Thorough
We pay attention to the detail & are experts in all Party Wall matters, we ensure the protection supplied by the Party Wall Act is in place & accurately applied to your project.
Professional
We draw upon a wealth of experience and professional qualifications to ensure that we can assist our clients in the most cost and time effective way possible.
Experienced
We are specialist Party Wall surveyors with a wealth of experience working in London on projects of all sizes, always ensuring our clients are fully protected by the Party Wall Act.
We are the Party Wall Experts
Hourican & Associates are a leading chartered building consultancy in London we specialise in all Party Wall matters.
Party wall surveying
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers three distinct types of work; alterations to party structures (usually walls but may also be floors), the construction of new walls at the boundary and excavation close to neighbouring properties.
These are some typical examples of work that is likely to be covered by the Act:
- Cutting beams into a party wall as part of a loft conversion
- Removing chimney breasts that are attached to a party wall
- Excavating for the foundations to a new extension within 3m of a neighbouring or shared structure
- Underpinning a party wall to facilitate a basement extension
Where work falls within the scope of the Act it is necessary for a building owner to serve notice and obtain the affected adjoining owner’s consent; if that consent is not forthcoming the parties are deemed to be ‘in dispute’ under the Act and surveyors must be appointed so that the dispute can be resolved by way of a Party Wall Agreement (technically called an ‘Award’).
If the two appointed surveyors fail to agree upon any of the issues in dispute, they can make a referral to a previously selected Third Surveyor.
Meet the team
Our expert Party Wall surveyors are qualified & completely understand buildings and building processes, we are ready to help you ensure that your building and interests are fully protected during building works.
Projects we have been appointed on
We've worked on thousands of building projects requiring compliance with the Party Wall Act, here are some of the projects our Party Wall Surveyors have been involved in across London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning building works near a shared boundary? Our expert Party Wall Surveyors at Hourican Associates have answered some common questions to help you understand your rights and obligations under the Party Wall Act 1996. Serving all areas of London, we're here help you.
A Party Wall Agreement, also known as a Party Wall Award, is required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when carrying out certain works that may affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure between properties. This includes building a wall on or astride a boundary, excavating within 3 to 6 metres of a neighbouring structure (depending on depth), or cutting into a party wall. It’s a legal requirement to serve notice to adjoining owners before commencing such works.
A Party Wall Surveyor is appointed to act impartially under the Act to resolve any disputes between neighbours. Their role includes reviewing proposed works, serving and responding to notices, inspecting affected properties, and preparing a Party Wall Award that sets out how works should be carried out, protecting the rights of all parties involved. Surveyors must act independently—even when appointed by just one party.
If the works fall under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must serve a formal notice on the adjoining owner(s). They can either consent or dissent. If they dissent, both parties must appoint surveyors to agree a Party Wall Award before works commence. Starting work without following the proper process is a breach of the Act and may lead to legal action, including injunctions or claims for damages.
If the adjoining owner does not respond within 14 days of receiving the Party Wall Notice, they are deemed to have dissented under the Act. You must then appoint a surveyor on their behalf (as allowed by the legislation). The two surveyors (or an agreed surveyor) will then produce a Party Wall Award to authorise the works lawfully.
Costs vary depending on the complexity and nature of the work. At Hourican Associates, we offer competitive and transparent pricing. Fees for straightforward residential projects are typically between £1,000 and £1,500+VAT (depending on the complexity of the works). In cases where multiple surveyors are involved or disputes arise, costs may be higher, but we always provide guidance up front.
We also charge a fixed fee of £150 + VAT for serving Party Wall Notices, including title searches, drafting and sending statutory notices, and all follow-up correspondence.
Send us your plans today for a tailored, fixed quote from a qualified West London Party Wall Surveyor covering all foreseeable costs.
Yes. Loft conversions often require cutting into the party wall to insert steel beams or raising the party wall, which triggers the Act. Basement extensions typically involve excavation within 3 to 6 metres of a neighbouring structure and therefore require notice under the Act. It's best to consult a surveyor early in the planning process to avoid delays or disputes.
Hourican Associates provides Party Wall Surveying and Building Consultancy services across all areas of London, including North, South, East, West, and Central London. We have in-depth knowledge of local planning issues and building practices, making us a reliable choice throughout the capital.
Our team is composed of fully qualified and accredited professionals. We are members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS), Pyramus & Thisbe Club, and are regulated by RICS, CIOB, and MCABE. This ensures that all advice and documentation we provide adheres to the highest professional and legal standards.
Simply contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review your proposed works, advise whether the Party Wall etc. Act applies, and guide you through each step of the process. Our experienced team will ensure your legal obligations are met while protecting your property and neighbourly relationships.