Hourican Associates Ltd |
Hourican Associates are specialist Party Wall Surveyors in London. Our surveyors maintain professional memberships and chartered credentials that support best practice, ethical conduct, and continuing professional development (CPD)—all crucial when works affect a neighbour’s home.
Why credentials matter under the Party Wall Act
- The Act doesn’t set a “licence” for who can act as a surveyor—so experience and professional accountability matter.
- Professional bodies support competence and ethics through standards, CPD expectations, and (in some cases) disciplinary processes.
- In London, tight property layouts, basements, and multi-owner buildings can increase complexity—so clear procedure and evidence (like Schedules of Condition) become even more important.
Our Party Wall associations & professional bodies
Below is a plain-English explanation of the key organisations commonly referenced in Party Wall work, and what their involvement means for property owners in London.
FPWS — Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors
The FPWS promotes high standards of professional practice in Party Wall matters and supports education and guidance in the field. For clients, this is a useful trust signal that the surveyor is committed to specialist Party Wall knowledge—not just general construction experience.
Pyramus & Thisbe Society (formerly the P&T Club)
A learned society for professionals with a particular interest in Party Wall legislation, procedure, and best practice. It was established in 1974 and is closely associated with advancing professional understanding of the Party Wall framework.
Practical benefit: membership is often associated with deeper specialist engagement (training, guidance, and best practice) in neighbourly matters.
RICS — Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
RICS publishes mandatory Rules of Conduct and supports professional standards. Where surveyors and/or firms are RICS-regulated, that typically means adherence to defined conduct and competence expectations and oversight through an independently led regulatory system.
Looking for a related guide? See RICS Party Wall Surveyor London.
CIOB — Chartered Institute of Building
CIOB is a chartered professional body focused on the science, ethics, and practice of building and construction. In Party Wall work, this background can be particularly relevant where buildability, sequencing, risk, and site management controls must be set out clearly in an Award.
CABE / MCABE — Chartered Association of Building Engineers
CABE is a professional body for building engineers. The MCABE grade is associated with professional competence and ongoing commitment to ethical standards and professional development. In Party Wall matters, technical understanding helps when assessing excavation risk, temporary works, sequencing, and safeguarding measures.
What this means for you as a homeowner or developer
Clearer process, fewer delays
Valid notices, realistic timelines, and properly drafted Awards reduce the risk of disputes escalating—or causing avoidable project delays. If you’re unsure where you stand, start with What is the Party Wall Act?.
Better evidence and neighbour protection
A robust Schedule of Condition is often the difference between a smooth build and a costly argument about cracks later. It’s strongly recommended even where neighbours consent.
Related Party Wall services in London
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Party Wall help in London?
Hourican Associates are a Chartered Building Consultancy specialising in Party Wall matters across London. If you’re planning works (or you’ve received a notice), we’ll explain your options clearly and help you move forward with the right level of protection.
Speak to a Party Wall surveyorThis page is general guidance and is not legal advice. The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 can be fact-sensitive and only a court can give an authoritative interpretation.
Richard Hourican, Company Director
BSc (Hons). HND Build. MCIOB. C.Build E MCABE. ARICS. MFPWS. MPTS
As a specialist Party Wall surveyor, Richard Hourican will protect your interests during building works.
Are you planning a building project – perhaps an extension, loft conversion or basement – that is on or adjacent to your property’s boundary line? Or has a ‘Party Wall’ notice dropped on the doormat informing you of a neighbour’s impending works?
It’s essential to understand all the implications of building plans. If you don’t, it could cost thousands. Our job is to ensure everything is done correctly – and that it doesn’t!
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