You've received a notice?
If you receive a Notice because your neighbour plans to undertake works which fall under the Act contact us today.
Often an adjoining owner only becomes aware of their neighbour’s proposed works when a party wall notice lands on their door mat. An adjoining owner has the option to either consent or dissent to the notice – if no response is made within 14 days the adjoining owner is deemed to have dissented and the parties are ‘in dispute’ under the Act. Where a dispute arises, each owner must appoint a surveyor so that a party wall award can be agreed and served.
Once appointed, the two surveyors select a Third Surveyor who may be called upon to settle any issue that they cannot agree. Referrals to the Third Surveyor are rare.
A party wall award is a legally binding document that sets out who the parties are, includes details of the proposed work and what safeguards have been agreed to ensure that those works are undertaken with the minimum of risk and without causing unnecessary inconvenience to the adjoining occupiers.
These are some typical examples of issues that might be addressed in a party wall award:
- Working hours
- The control of dust and excessive noise
- Measures to limit vibration
- Access to the adjoining owner’s land
- Security
The party wall award will also include a schedule of condition covering the parts of the adjoining owner’s property that are considered to be at risk from the works and copies of all relevant drawings and method statements. At the end of the works the surveyor acting for the adjoining owner will generally make a further visit to re-check the schedule of condition and hopefully confirm that no damage has been caused.
The surveyors do not have any control over planning issues such as the size and appearance of a proposed extension or potential loss of light; these must all be addressed through the planning process.
In all normal circumstances the building owner (the party undertaking the works) will be responsible for the fees of both their own and the adjoining owner’s surveyor. I say ‘in all normal circumstances’ because this is not specifically stated in the Act and is therefore more of a ‘rule of thumb’ applied by party wall surveyors. The surveyor acting for the adjoining owner keeps a record of their time and when all other matters have been resolved puts their fee forward to the building owner’s surveyor for agreement. If the two surveyors fail to agree upon what constitutes a reasonable fee they can refer the matter to the Third Surveyor who will have the final say.
The Act allows for the same surveyor to be appointed by both the building owner and the adjoining owner (known as the ‘agreed surveyor’) but often adjoining owners will prefer to appoint a surveyor that they have chosen.
If you’ve received a notice and would like some advice on how you can best protect your property, please do not hesitate to contact us today.
Our party wall services
Our Party Wall services are designed to legally & professionally conduct surveys for our clients ensuring any building works that affecting their building or their neighbours building are compliant with the Party Wall Act.
Building Owners Surveyor Services
Planning building works? Our Building Owner Surveyor service ensures notices are valid, surveys are completed professionally, and Awards are finalised efficiently—minimising delays to your project.
Agreed
Surveyor
Appointing an agreed surveyor can streamline the Party Wall process, reduce costs, and keep things neighbourly. Hourican Associates act impartially for both owners to produce a fair and fully compliant Party Wall Award.
Adjoining Owner
is Surveyor
If you’ve received a Party Wall Notice, our Adjoining Owner Surveyor service protects your property, ensures accurate documentation, and secures a robust Award before works begin next door.
Schedule of Condition Survey
A Schedule of Condition records neighbouring property condition before construction, helping avoid disputes and providing vital photographic and written evidence.
Party Wall
Notice
We prepare and serve legally valid Party Wall Notices, ensuring your project starts correctly and reducing the risk of disputes or delays.
Party Wall
Award
We prepare legally binding Party Wall Awards covering access, protections, timings and neighbour safeguards—ensuring your project proceeds smoothly and compliantly.
Party Wall Dispute Resolution
When neighbours disagree, our experienced surveyors provide expert dispute resolution, ensuring the Party Wall Act is followed and both properties remain protected.
Basement Schedule of Condition Survey
Our detailed SOC surveys document the exact condition of adjoining properties before basement works begin—providing essential protection for all parties.
Basement Party Wall Survey
Basement excavations require specialist protection measures. Our surveyors deliver detailed assessments, SOCs, and Awards tailored to complex below-ground works.
Loft Conversion Party Wall Survey
Loft conversions often trigger Party Wall requirements. We handle notices, surveys, and Awards to safeguard both owners and keep your project on schedule.
Rear Extensions Party Wall Survey
We guide homeowners through the Party Wall requirements for rear extensions, from serving notices to securing Awards and protecting adjoining properties.
Chimney Removal Party Wall Survey
Removing a chimney breast? We manage the full Party Wall process, ensuring structural safety, neighbour consent, and a compliant Award tailored to your project.
Excavations Party Wall Survey
Any excavation within 3m or 6m of a neighbour’s property requires careful assessment. We provide compliant notices, SOCs and Awards for safe excavation works.
Boundaries Party Wall Survey
Boundary-related building works can be complex. Our surveyors provide expert advice, measurements, and Awards to keep projects compliant and neighbourly.
Party Wall Structure Survey
We assess the condition and structural integrity of shared walls to prevent disputes and ensure safe construction in line with the Party Wall Act.
Drone Roof Surveys
Our drone roof surveys safely capture high-resolution imagery of roofs, chimneys and parapets—ideal for defect analysis and pre-construction documentation with zero disruption.
Very happy with the service that Richard provided. He worked quickly and was very responsive to calls, emails, and clarifying questions we had.
Richard came recommended and proved to be top drawer. I had zero previous experience of Party Wall Agreements (PWA) and Richard responded swiftly to my urgent enquiry, gave me a quick but patient thumbnail sketch of what their intent and requirements were and subsequently produced an impressive post - survey PWA document. He is very well versed in demystifying processes and jargons and also educative and reassuring when required.
Great advice. Really helpful and thorough. Highly recommend.
Prompt and efficient service from Richard, who also took the time to answer questions and explain the process involved. Highly recommended.
Very pleased we chose Hourican Associates for our party wall surveying work. Richard was very helpful and worked very efficiently to get the award done in time for our building project.
I received a fantastic service from Richard and the team. Great support and clear communication throughout the process and extremely responsive and proactive.