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!
Prompt and efficient service from Richard, who also took the time to answer questions and explain the process involved.
Highly recommended.
LucyR
17 May 2023
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.
Arthur Rank
08 May 2023
I received a fantastic service from Richard and the team. Great support and clear communication throughout the process and extremely responsive and proactive.
Claudio
28 Apr 2023
I recommend and trust Richard for any party wall matters.
jules andre
26 Apr 2023
RICHARD HOURICAN INSPECTED MY ELDERLY MOTHERS PARAPET WALL FLAT ROOF BOLLO LANE EFFICIENT QUICK REPLIES PROFESSIONAL COMPETENT SURVEY PEACE OF MIND FOR MY MOTHER PRAISE FOR RICHARD AND HIS TEAM RECOMMEND TO MY FRIENDS/ RELATIVES MUCH APPRECIATED REGARDS JULES ROBINS BOLLO LANE CHISWICK
Ian Jones
15 Mar 2023
Richard and his team helped us navigate the tricky nature of party wall dealings effectively and fairly leaving all those parties happy and content with all works undertaken. We could reach Richard at any time and everything was explained clearly to both sides. Thanks for the excellent work.
Claire Kean
03 Feb 2023
Hourican Associates is an extremely professional, efficient and reliable company taking the pressure away from what can be a stressful and busy time. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Richard to anyone requiring a surveyor, as you will receive a first class service.
David Kay
12 Jan 2023
We were very impressed and happy with the service Richard gave us on our party wall agreement. Richard was always available to answer any questions we had, and we had a few as this was our first party wall agreement. The process was very smooth and the result very comprehensive. Highly recommended!
Lucy Hughes
14 Dec 2022
Richard was so helpful, giving his advice which helped my neighbour and I resolve some issues during our build. Very grateful for his quick response which prevented any delay to our works. Many thanks.
Greg Kennaugh
30 Nov 2022
Incredibly fast, pragmatic and friendly advice from Richard. Thank you very much!
Dominic Hatje
13 Nov 2022
Richard did an excellent job, really thorough and great communication with availability to help whenever I needed. I received honest advice, and the service was of a very high quality. I'm really happy with the party wall award. It's such a relief to have completed this part of the building project. Richard provided peace of mind at each stage. I recommend him.
Chloe Epps
13 Nov 2022
Richard clearly has the knowledge and experience required to make things run swiftly and smoothly from start to finish. He knew what to do at every turn and made the party wall process far smoother and swifter than we expected. Thank you!
