Why Hourican & Associates Are the Party Wall Surveyors of Choice for Basement Conversions in London
Hourican & Associates Ltd |
Chartered Building Consultancy specialising in Party Wall surveying across London (FPWS, Pyramus & Thisbe, regulated by RICS, CIOB & MCABE).
Basement Conversions Demand Specialist Party Wall Expertise
Basement projects differ significantly from lofts or rear extensions. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, they are typically higher‑risk because they involve below‑ground works adjacent to neighbouring foundations.
- Deep Excavation & Underpinning: Working below a neighbour’s foundation level increases the potential for movement, cracking, vibration and water ingress.
- Strict Legal Notices: The Act requires Section 6 excavation notices where works are within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure and below its foundations (or within 6 metres in certain cases due to engineering criteria). Notices must be served at least one month before works start.
- Specialist Engineering: Basement schemes usually include temporary works, underpinning sequences and waterproofing—details that must be addressed within the Party Wall Award to safeguard adjoining property.
Information provided is general guidance, not legal advice. Each project is unique and must comply with UK law and local authority requirements.
Why Hourican & Associates Are Experts in Basement Party Wall Matters
We are a Chartered Building Consultancy and accredited party wall specialists—members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and the Pyramus & Thisbe Club, and regulated by RICS, CIOB & MCABE.
- Legally Correct Section 6 Notices: We prepare and serve Act‑compliant notices with accurate descriptions, drawings and timings.
- Detailed Schedules of Condition: For basements we often record multiple storeys and external elements to capture pre‑existing condition comprehensively.
- Engineer Coordination: We liaise with your structural team on method statements, underpinning sequencing and monitoring.
- Interim & Final Inspections: Key stage visits help ensure works follow the Award and reduce the likelihood of disputes.
- Impartial Dispute Resolution: We protect both owners’ rights while keeping matters amicable and compliant.
Transparent Fees for Basement Projects
- Party Wall Notice Service: £65 + VAT per neighbour
- Schedule of Condition Surveys: £385–585 + VAT (basements priced separately due to scope)
- Full Party Wall Award: £1100–1500 + VAT depending on complexity
Fees are indicative and depend on the size and complexity of the property and project.
Local, Borough‑Specific Expertise
Party Wall Surveyor – Chelsea Basement Conversions
Historic Victorian and Georgian housing stock in SW3 demands meticulous surveying. We frequently manage high‑value homes where excavation risks are heightened by aged foundations and conservation considerations.
Party Wall Surveyor – Kensington Basement Conversions
Kensington basements often extend under gardens or across multiple levels. We coordinate with architects and engineers in W8 to ensure legal compliance and minimal neighbour disruption.
Party Wall Surveyor – Fulham Basement Conversions
In SW6 terraces, neighbour relations are crucial. We combine clear communication with robust notices and Awards to keep projects moving smoothly.
Party Wall Surveyor – Clapham Basement Conversions
Clapham’s mix of Victorian and modern builds requires adaptable surveying. We manage soil and groundwater challenges in SW4 with thorough risk planning and monitoring.
Party Wall Surveyor – Richmond & Putney Basement Conversions
Riverside locations can increase groundwater considerations. Our approach safeguards adjoining properties via detailed method and monitoring requirements within the Award.
Why Hourican & Associates Should Be Your First Call
| Key Factor | Why It Matters | Our Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Knowledge | Basements carry higher legal and structural risk. | Decades of London basement experience. |
| Local Focus | Borough‑specific soil, stock and neighbour context. | Proven delivery in Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Clapham & more. |
| Legal Compliance | Avoid delays, injunctions and disputes. | Act‑compliant notices, Awards and monitoring. |
| Dispute Resolution | Keeps projects on track and neighbourly. | Impartial, accredited surveyors (FPWS, P&T, RICS, CIOB, MCABE). |
Frequently Asked Questions – Basement Conversions & the Party Wall Act
Almost always. If excavation is within 3 metres of a neighbouring structure and below its foundations (or within 6 metres where certain engineering criteria apply), a Section 6 notice under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 is required.
Excavation notices must be served at least one month before works begin. Allow 2–3 months in practice to cover appointments, reviews and the Party Wall Award.
They can dissent to the notice, which triggers the surveyor process and an Award. They cannot prevent lawful works on your land that follow the Act and planning/building control requirements.
Basement works carry greater risk to adjoining structures. Our schedules often cover multiple storeys and external elements, recording pre‑existing defects comprehensively to protect both owners.
Starting without notice risks an injunction to halt works and potential liability for costs and damages. Serving correct notices and agreeing an Award first is essential.
The Party Wall Award sets out safeguards such as method statements, sequencing, vibration/settlement monitoring and temporary works designs agreed before excavation starts.
Typically 6–10 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and whether both owners appoint separate surveyors or an agreed surveyor.
Areas with older housing stock, high water tables or shrink‑swell clays—such as Kensington, Chelsea and Fulham—can present additional design and monitoring challenges.
For basement works, the building owner carrying out the works usually pays all reasonable surveyor costs for both parties.
Yes, if both parties consent we can act as the Agreed Surveyor, which often streamlines the process and reduces fees.
Need a Basement Conversion Schedule of Condition Survey?
Before starting a basement conversion, protect yourself and your neighbours with a detailed Schedule of Condition Survey from Hourican Associates. Our chartered party wall surveyors produce precise, photographic reports that document the condition of adjoining properties in line with the Party Wall Act.
We work across London, including Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Clapham, Richmond, and surrounding boroughs.
Book Your Basement Schedule of Condition SurveyDisclaimer: All quotes are indicative and will vary depending on property size, access, and project scope. Schedule of Condition Surveys are strongly recommended for most excavation works under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996. For tailored legal advice, please arrange a formal consultation with a qualified surveyor.
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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