Understand the legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when undertaking building works in London. Learn what triggers a Party Wall Notice, when a Party Wall Agreement is needed, and how Hourican Associates can help.
Understand the legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when undertaking building works in London. Learn what triggers a Party Wall Notice, when a Party Wall Agreement is needed, and how Hourican Associates can help.
What Is a Party Wall Agreement?
A Party Wall Agreement is a legal document prepared by a Party Wall Surveyor under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 to regulate building works that affect shared walls or boundaries.
When Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement?
Type of Work
Description
Notice Needed?
Agreement Required if Dispute?
Loft conversion
Inserting beams into a shared wall
Yes
Yes
Basement excavation
Within 3 or 6 metres of neighbour
Yes
Yes
Rear/side extension
Up to or astride boundary line
Yes
Yes
Chimney removal
On a shared party wall
Yes
Yes
Minor internal works
Not affecting structure
No
No
Flowchart: Do You Need a Party Wall Notice?
Legal Framework
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies throughout England and Wales, including London, and outlines specific rights and procedures for work affecting shared structures.
Disclaimer: All cost estimates are indicative only and may vary depending on the nature, scale and location of your project. Legal obligations under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 should always be confirmed with a qualified party wall surveyor. For formal advice, we recommend booking a consultation.
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!
I found out I needed party wall awards from no less than 8 neighbours and AFTER strip out works. Richard Hourican made saving the day a breeze, meeting all our new neighbours and walking them through the somewhat complicated party wall process. I had been told that one could do party wall awards yourself, I now understand there is absolutely no way that would have been done correctly or as efficiently without the help of Richard and his team.
I recommend you call him and explain your situation, he'll sort it and give you a very reasonable fee for the pleasure.
Martin Azzinnaro
26 Jul 2025
I can’t recommend Richard and Hourican Associates highly enough. From the outset of our loft conversion project, they demonstrated professionalism, deep expertise, and a calm, solution-focused approach that proved invaluable.
Not only did Richard provide clear, practical guidance through the technical and regulatory aspects, but he also managed sensitive party wall matters with diplomacy and clarity. His ability to communicate effectively, mediate concerns, and ensure we remained compliant with all building approvals gave us great peace of mind throughout the process.
If you're considering any home extension or loft work, especially where neighbour relations or party wall matters might become tricky, I’d strongly recommend working with Hourican Associates. An absolute asset to any project.
James Williamson
11 Jul 2025
Provided excellent advice on handling of a party wall award - would recommend.
Roberto Palmer
24 Jun 2025
Very professional service
N. Burgess
28 Apr 2025
Richard came highly recommended and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to anyone - especially if, like us, the party wall issues are complex. Richard is terrifically knowledgeable about the practices and law concerning party wall boundaries and very experienced. He is also great to deal with - responsive and highly professional. In our case, he was able to navigate the complexities (and personalities involved) with great skill. We are enormously grateful to him.
Peter Stimson
06 Mar 2025
Richard has acted as my Party wall surveyor and has has been incredibly responsive, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process - he has a great set of contacts so if he doesn’t know the answer to something, he’ll know a man you does - throughly recommend
Gang Hu
26 Feb 2025
Our friend introduced Richard to us to help on party wall matters. His work was delivered in a very efficient and timely way with high quality. Great experience and highly recommended.
Ash Island Lofts
20 Feb 2025
I first met Richard in Sept 2016 for a coffee, he went through his services and we gave him a trial run on a fairly complex party wall award requirement for a mid terrace in Fulham SW6. He booked the Schedule of Condition survey the following day and had the awards in my email within the week. Richard is now our main recommended PWS and since then has completed 100s of jobs for our clients. Richard is courteous, strong on customer service, good value, extremely knowledgeable and always a pleasure to deal with.
Jack
18 Feb 2025
I have worked with Richard for few years now and have nothing but praise.
Fast acting, fair costing and thorough work.
Clear communication is given throughout which makes working with Richard so much easier.
D Wilks
13 Jan 2025
I have worked with Richard on various basement projects in London and always found him very quick to respond to any emails and gets the party wall awards in place quickly with a fixed costs.
He is our go to Party Wall surveyor..
CH Chiam
18 Dec 2024
This is the second time I’ve used their party wall services. I find Richard to be very knowledgeable and always has time to answer my questions.
I’ll recommend his services to my friends.
Cameron Brown
17 Nov 2024
Hourican Associates Ltd came recommended and quote was fair. Managed complex party wall situation with 5 neighbours for a loft extension. Schedule of conditions conducted and party wall agreements issued efficiently. Responsive when questions/issues arose.