Party Wall Survey for Excavations and Foundations (Section 6 Notice) in London

When Does Section 6 of the Party Wall Act Apply?

Section 6 — often called the Adjacent Excavation Notice — applies when you plan to carry out excavation close to a neighbouring structure. Under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 , you must usually serve a Section 6 Notice if you intend to:

• Excavate within 3 metres of a neighbouring property and below the depth of its foundations; or
• Excavate within 6 metres where your works fall within a 45° downward line from your neighbour’s foundations.

Common examples include:

• Building a new rear or side extension with deeper foundations
• Constructing a basement or cellar
• Installing retaining walls or underpinning
• Digging foundations for boundary or garden walls

If these conditions apply, the Act requires you to serve a Section 6 Party Wall Notice before work begins. Our guide When do I need a Party Wall Surveyor? explains more about when excavation works trigger the Act.

At Hourican Associates, our Chartered Party Wall Surveyors in London assess your drawings, confirm whether Section 6 applies, and take care of the whole process — from Notices and Schedule of Condition Surveys through to the final Party Wall Award.

Why Excavation Requires a Party Wall Survey

Excavating near an adjoining building can disturb the ground supporting its foundations. Without proper controls, this can cause cracking, movement or subsidence, leading to expensive disputes and delays.

A Section 6 Party Wall Survey helps to ensure that:

• The adjoining owner is properly notified and their rights are protected
• Existing conditions are recorded via a detailed Schedule of Condition Survey
• The proposed construction method is reviewed for safety and stability
• A formal Party Wall Award is agreed, regulating how works proceed and how damage is dealt with

Our surveyors bring technical and legal expertise to every excavation project, helping you comply with the Act and avoid disputes. For a broader overview of how Party Wall Surveyors protect building owners and neighbours, see Understanding Party Wall issues and how surveyors save you thousands .

Our Party Wall Survey Process for Excavations and Foundations

We manage the full Section 6 process from initial advice through to completion, coordinating with your architect, engineer and contractor to keep your project on schedule.

1. Initial Consultation
   We review your architectural and structural drawings to confirm whether Section 6 of the Act applies and identify all affected adjoining owners. We can also advise on any related Section 1 or Section 2 notices where you are building on or near a boundary or a party wall.
2. Serving the Section 6 Party Wall Notice
   We prepare and serve legally compliant Section 6 Party Wall Notices on all adjoining owners. Notices clearly explain the excavation depth, method and timing, helping to reassure neighbours and encourage an early, amicable response.
3. Surveyor Appointment
   If neighbours dissent or fail to respond within 14 days, surveyors must be appointed. We act as your Building Owner’s surveyor and, where both parties agree, as the Agreed Surveyor for both sides. Where separate surveyors are appointed, we work constructively to agree a fair Award.
4. Schedule of Condition Survey
   Before any excavation begins, we carry out a detailed Schedule of Condition Survey of the adjoining property — including photographs and written notes. This independent record protects both parties and provides vital evidence if damage is alleged later.
5. Preparation of the Party Wall Award
   We prepare a legally binding Party Wall Award that sets out how the excavation and foundation works will proceed. This typically includes method statements, sequencing, safeguarding measures, access arrangements, monitoring requirements and damage/repair procedures.
6. Ongoing Support & Damage Assessment
   We remain available during and after the works to provide further advice, carry out follow-up inspections and assess any alleged damage. Where issues arise, our experience in Party Wall dispute resolution helps ensure they are resolved fairly and efficiently.

Why Choose Hourican Associates for Section 6 Excavation Surveys

Hourican Associates is a specialist Chartered Building Consultancy focused on Party Wall matters across London, with extensive experience in deep foundation and basement projects.

• Chartered Building Consultancy regulated by RICS, CIOB and MCABE
• Members of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and the Pyramus & Thisbe Society
• Experienced in deep foundations, basements and underpinning schemes throughout London
• Legally compliant Notices, Schedules of Condition and Party Wall Awards
• Fast turnaround and clear, practical communication with owners, neighbours and contractors

Our surveyors combine technical engineering understanding with a detailed knowledge of the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, ensuring your excavation is properly controlled and legally compliant. For more general background, see our Party Wall FAQs and When do I need a Party Wall Agreement? .

We regularly act on excavation and foundation projects in Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Chiswick, Westminster and across all London boroughs.

Section 6 Excavations – Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Section 6 Party Wall Notice?

A Section 6 Notice is a formal Party Wall Notice required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when you plan to excavate close to a neighbouring structure — typically within 3 metres and below the depth of its foundations, or within 6 metres where the 45° rule applies. It informs the adjoining owner of your proposals and gives them the opportunity to consent or appoint a surveyor.

How much notice must I give before excavating?

You must serve a Section 6 Party Wall Notice at least one month before excavation begins. In practice, we recommend serving notice earlier to allow time for surveyor appointments, the Schedule of Condition Survey and agreement of the Party Wall Award before your planned start date.

What happens if my neighbour ignores the Section 6 Notice?

If your neighbour does not respond within 14 days, they are deemed to have dissented under the Act. A Party Wall Surveyor must then be appointed to represent them so that a Party Wall Award can be agreed before works start. Our experience in Party Wall dispute resolution helps keep projects moving even where communication is difficult.

Who pays for the Party Wall Survey?

The Building Owner — the person carrying out the excavation or foundation works — is usually responsible for all reasonable Party Wall Surveyor fees. Our Building Owner Party Wall information page explains these responsibilities, while adjoining owners can read Adjoining Owner Party Wall info for guidance on their rights.

Can Hourican Associates act as the Agreed Surveyor?

Yes. If both parties consent, we can act impartially as the Agreed Surveyor for both the building owner and adjoining owner under Section 10(1)(a) of the Act. This can reduce cost and complexity while ensuring the excavation is properly controlled and compliant.

Book a Party Wall Survey for Excavation or Foundation Works

Before you start digging, make sure your project is legally compliant and fully protected under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 . Contact Hourican Associates on 020 8050 3232, use our online Party Wall surveyor quote form or get in touch below for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Request a Free Party Wall Quote

Hourican Associates is a Chartered Building Consultancy regulated by RICS, CIOB and MCABE, and a member of the Faculty of Party Wall Surveyors (FPWS) and the Pyramus & Thisbe Society. This page provides general guidance only and should not be treated as legal advice.