If you're planning building works near a shared boundary or have received a party wall notice from a neighbour, it's crucial to understand how party walls work and your legal responsibilities under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
Understanding Party Walls with Hourican & Associates – Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in London
What Is a Party Wall?
A party wall is a wall that stands on the land of two or more owners and either:
Forms part of a building (e.g. the dividing wall between two terraced houses), or
Separates two buildings (e.g. flats, commercial units or townhouses), or
Sits on the boundary and is jointly owned (a party fence wall, not a timber fence)
In the UK, party walls are governed by the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, which ensures lawful notification and agreement between neighbours when building work may affect shared walls or structures.
How Does the Party Wall Process Work?
Serving a Party Wall Notice: Required for works such as loft conversions, chimney removals, basement works, or excavation near a boundary.
Neighbour Response: Consent, dissent with their own surveyor, or dissent with an agreed surveyor.
Party Wall Award: A legally binding document issued if there is dissent.
Hourican & Associates Fees:
Party Wall Notice: £65 + VAT per neighbour
Schedule of Condition Survey: £585 + VAT
Full Award Service: £1,100–£1,500 + VAT
Why Are Party Wall Agreements Important?
Party Wall Agreements help to:
Prevent disputes through clear documentation
Protect both parties with a Schedule of Condition
Define access rights and responsibilities
Reduce legal risks if damage occurs
Who Are Hourican & Associates?
We are a Chartered Building Consultancy specialising in party wall surveying throughout London.
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!
Friendly and efficient service.We would use this company again.
Martorana Nicola
14 Apr 2022
Very good experience, good communication and smooth process. Quick too.
maya perkins
29 Mar 2022
It has been a delight working with Richard. I had 5 party walls to sort involving a neighbour either side and owners of the flat above me. From start to finish it took approximately 3 weeks and was carried out and completed very efficiently. His response time was excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend his services. Jamie
Emma & Charlie
22 Nov 2021
Thank you Richard for your services. It was great to work with you. The process was very efficient and helpful at all stages.
V Macgregor
07 Oct 2021
Excellent work for Party Wall agreement - Richard was very helpful and efficient. Would throughly recommend.
Jonathan Drysch
13 Sep 2021
Richard was absolutely brilliant in getting my party wall agreements for a complex loft extension across the line, throughout lockdown too, when getting access was challenging. He was very helpful when I then had to revert after a new obstacle arose, which needed his advice and a subsequent/additional award at short notice. Very much recommend - thanks Rich!
D G
27 Jul 2021
We engaged Richard Hourican for some party wall work and his response-time, ongoing communication, pricing and service were all excellent. He also went further and sorted us out with an engineer, who was also excellent. Highly recommended.
Elliot Bates
22 Jul 2021
Richard was very efficient, fuss-free, and well organised. A pleasure to work with.
Jonathan Mun
02 Jul 2021
I engaged Hourican Associates for a Party Wall Agreement with 2 adjoining neighbours who are both tenants. Richard was very responsive from first contact and remained so throughout the consultation and when the Awards were issued. Very professional at all times and answered any questions in a timely manner. Our neighbours, both tenants and landlords didn't have any complaints either. I have recommended Hourican to some friends who may need similar services in the near future and wouldn't hesitate to use them again if needed.
Morgan Nelson
05 Sep 2020
Great Service, even with the impediment of a 2020 lockdown. Great communication
Isaac Tooby
30 Jul 2020
Richard Hourican dealt with my party wall notices on both sides for an extension and loft conversion. Very efficient and knowledgeable. He got it all dealt with very quickly. Would definitely recommend!
Serban Georgescu
22 Sep 2019
Richard & team helped us sort out a party wall agreement with an unresponsive neighbour. Everything went smoothly and on time so I would recommend their services.
