Richard Hourican |
If you are searching for a RICS Party Wall Surveyor in London, the most important decision is choosing a properly qualified, regulated and experienced consultancy that understands both the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 and the realities of London property. Hourican Associates are a Chartered Building Consultancy specialising in party wall surveying across London, helping building owners, adjoining owners, homeowners, developers and commercial clients progress works correctly, professionally and with minimal neighbourly friction.
Trusted RICS-Regulated Party Wall Surveyors in London
Party wall matters are often technical, time-sensitive and neighbour-sensitive. Whether you are planning a loft conversion, rear extension, basement excavation, chimney breast removal or structural alteration, the right surveyor can make the process clearer, safer and more predictable.
Hourican Associates provide specialist party wall advice through a professional team connected with recognised industry bodies including RICS, FPWS, the Pyramus & Thisbe Club, CIOB and MCABE/CABE. This gives clients reassurance that their matter is being handled by experienced professionals who understand building work, statutory procedure and the importance of clear communication.
RICS-Regulated Consultancy
Professional standards, ethical practice, clear advice and structured client care for party wall matters across London.
FPWS Party Wall Expertise
Specialist party wall knowledge for notices, schedules of condition, awards, disputes and neighbour responses.
Building & Construction Knowledge
CIOB and MCABE/CABE professional links support practical understanding of construction, risk, defects and site conditions.
London Party Wall Experience
Experienced with terraced houses, semi-detached homes, flats, basements, loft conversions and tight urban sites across London.
What Does a RICS Party Wall Surveyor Do?
A party wall surveyor helps administer the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when building work may affect a shared wall, party structure, boundary or neighbouring excavation zone. In practice, this can include advising whether notice is required, serving valid notices, recording the neighbouring property’s condition, resolving disputes and agreeing a legally binding Party Wall Award.
Importantly, once appointed under the Act, a party wall surveyor has a statutory role and must act impartially. The surveyor is not there simply to argue for one side, but to help resolve the party wall matter properly under the Act.
Choose the Right Party Wall Service
This page explains our professional credentials and trust signals. If you already know what help you need, you may prefer to go directly to one of our main service pages:
Party Wall Notices
For building owners planning notifiable works and needing valid notices served correctly.
View notice serviceSchedule of Condition Surveys
For recording a neighbouring property’s condition before works begin, helping reduce later disputes.
View survey serviceParty Wall Awards
For formally resolving a party wall dispute and setting out how notifiable works may proceed.
View award serviceAdjoining Owner Advice
For neighbours who have received a party wall notice and want to understand their options.
View adjoining owner serviceWhen Should You Appoint a Party Wall Surveyor in London?
You should seek party wall advice as early as possible if your project involves work to a shared wall, building on or near a boundary, cutting into a party structure, removing a chimney breast, forming a loft conversion, excavating near neighbouring foundations or carrying out basement works.
| Project Type | Common Party Wall Issue | Relevant Service |
|---|---|---|
| Loft conversion | Steel beams, cutting into party walls, raising walls or working near shared roof structures. | Loft conversion party wall surveyor |
| Rear or side extension | Excavations near neighbouring foundations or building close to the boundary. | Rear extension party wall surveyor |
| Basement works | Deeper excavation, underpinning risk, vibration, movement and detailed condition recording. | Basement works party wall surveyor |
| Chimney breast removal | Cutting away from a party structure or altering shared support. | Chimney removal party wall surveyor |
| Excavations | Works within 3 metres or 6 metres of neighbouring structures, depending on depth and foundation position. | Excavation party wall surveyor |
Transparent Party Wall Surveyor Costs
Hourican Associates provide clear party wall pricing wherever possible, with fees depending on the size, complexity and risk profile of the project.
| Service | Typical Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Party Wall Notice Service | £150 + VAT per adjoining owner | Professional drafting and service of party wall notices. |
| Schedule of Condition Survey | £385 – £585 + VAT | Depends on the works and property size. Basement surveys are priced separately due to the additional detail required. |
| Full Party Wall Award | £1,100 – £1,500 + VAT | Typically includes serving notice, carrying out the survey and agreeing the Award. Final fee depends on property and project size. |
Building Owner, Adjoining Owner or Agreed Surveyor?
The correct appointment depends on your position and how the notice is handled. Building owners usually need help serving the correct notices before work starts. Adjoining owners may need advice after receiving a notice. In some cases, both owners can agree to appoint one impartial Agreed Surveyor.
- Building Owner’s Surveyor – for owners planning notifiable works.
- Adjoining Owner’s Surveyor – for neighbours who have received a notice.
- Agreed Surveyor – one impartial surveyor appointed by both owners where appropriate.
- Commercial Party Wall Surveyor – for commercial premises, mixed-use buildings and more complex projects.
Why Hourican Associates?
Hourican Associates focus on keeping party wall matters clear, professional and neighbourly. Our role is to help clients understand their obligations, avoid invalid notices, reduce unnecessary disputes and progress works in a way that is properly documented under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
- Chartered Building Consultancy specialising in party wall surveying.
- RICS-regulated professional standards and client care.
- FPWS, Pyramus & Thisbe Club, CIOB and MCABE/CABE professional connections.
- Clear fees for notices, schedules of condition and Party Wall Awards.
- Experienced with London homes, flats, terraces, basements, extensions and commercial buildings.
- Practical advice for both building owners and adjoining owners.
You can also read more about our professional background on our about page, our party wall associations and regulators page, or our client testimonials.
RICS Party Wall Surveyor London – FAQs
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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