Prompt and efficient service from Richard, who also took the time to answer questions and explain th…
Excellent work for Party Wall agreement - Richard was very helpful and efficient. Would thoroughly r…
Great fast response and the party wall award was received in good time before the build. Thank you
Why choose Hourican & Associates?
We are specialist regulated Party Wall surveyors and will always ensure our clients' interests are protected during building works.
Accredited
Hourican & Associates specialise in all Party Wall matters in London and are fully qualified members of the FPWS, Pyramus & Thisbe Club and regulated by RIC's, CIOB & CABE.
Thorough
We pay attention to the detail & are experts in all Party Wall matters, we ensure the protection supplied by the Party Wall Act is in place & accurately applied to your project.
Professional
We draw upon a wealth of experience and professional qualifications to ensure that we can assist our clients in the most cost and time effective way possible.
Experienced
We are specialist Party Wall surveyors with a wealth of experience working in London on projects of all sizes, always ensuring our clients are fully protected by the Party Wall Act.
We are the Party Wall Experts
Hourican & Associates are a leading chartered building consultancy in London we specialise in all Party Wall matters.
Party wall surveying
The Party Wall etc. Act 1996 covers three distinct types of work; alterations to party structures (usually walls but may also be floors), the construction of new walls at the boundary and excavation close to neighbouring properties.
These are some typical examples of work that is likely to be covered by the Act:
- Cutting beams into a party wall as part of a loft conversion
- Removing chimney breasts that are attached to a party wall
- Excavating for the foundations to a new extension within 3m of a neighbouring or shared structure
- Underpinning a party wall to facilitate a basement extension
Where work falls within the scope of the Act it is necessary for a building owner to serve notice and obtain the affected adjoining owner’s consent; if that consent is not forthcoming the parties are deemed to be ‘in dispute’ under the Act and surveyors must be appointed so that the dispute can be resolved by way of a Party Wall Agreement (technically called an ‘Award’).
If the two appointed surveyors fail to agree upon any of the issues in dispute, they can make a referral to a previously selected Third Surveyor.
Meet the team
Our expert Party Wall surveyors are qualified & completely understand buildings and building processes, we are ready to help you ensure that your building and interests are fully protected during building works.
Richard
Hourican
Company Director
Richard
Littleproud
Surveyor
Laura
Quigley
Office Manager
Sinead
Gorman
Accounts Manager
Anthony
White
Construction Manager
Projects we have been appointed on
We've worked on thousands of building projects requiring compliance with the Party Wall Act, here are some of the projects our Party Wall Surveyors have been involved in across London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning building works near a shared boundary? Our expert London Party Wall Surveyors at Hourican Associates have answered some common questions to help you understand your rights and obligations under the Party Wall Act 1996. Serving all areas of London, we’re here to help.
A Party Wall Agreement (also known as a Party Wall Award) is required under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 when undertaking works that affect a shared wall, boundary, or structure between properties. Examples include building on or astride a boundary, excavating close to a neighbouring structure, or cutting into a party wall. Before starting work, you must serve notice on adjoining owners. For more details, see our What is a Party Wall Agreement guide.
A Party Wall Surveyor (or sometimes two surveyors where adjoining owners dissent) acts impartially under the Act. The surveyor reviews proposed works, serves or responds to notices, inspects affected structures, and prepares a legally binding Party Wall Award that sets out how the works should proceed, protecting the rights of everyone involved.
If the work falls under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, you must serve a formal notice to all adjoining owners. They may consent or dissent. If dissent is raised, surveyors must be appointed to agree on a Party Wall Award before any work starts. Acting without following this legal process can result in injunctions or legal disputes.
If the adjoining owner does not respond within 14 days of receiving a Party Wall Notice, they are deemed to dissent under the law. At that point, either party can appoint a surveyor—or an agreed surveyor—to produce a binding Party Wall Award. For more information, see our Dispute Resolution services page.
Costs vary depending on the complexity and scope of works. At Hourican Associates, typical fees for standard residential properties in London are transparent and competitive. We can give you a fixed quote for clear works with minimal surveyor involvement, and an estimate for more complex cases involving multiple parties and disputes.
To get a precise cost based on your project, view our Contact Us page and send us your plans for a tailored quote from a qualified London Party Wall Surveyor.
Yes. Loft conversions often involve cutting into a party wall to insert structural supports, or raising the party wall, which requires notice under the Party Wall Act. Basement extensions generally need excavation near neighbours’ structures. If you’re planning such works, contact our specialist basement conversion advice page to check whether you need a formal Party Wall Notice.
Hourican Associates serve all areas of London. Whether you’re in Central, North, East, South or West London, our Party Wall Surveyors have local expertise in every borough. For details and case studies in your area, see our London Party Wall Surveyors page.
All our surveyors are fully accredited and regulated professionals. We are members of FPWS and Pyramus & Thisbe Club and regulated by RICS, CIOB, and CABE. These qualifications ensure that when you hire our Party Wall Surveyors, you receive expert, legal-compliant service.
To get started, simply contact us for a free consultation. We’ll review your proposals, help you understand if the Party Wall etc. Act applies to your project, and guide you through each step so your rights are protected and obligations are met by expert London Party Wall Surveyors.
Latest Party Wall News & Expert Advice
Stay up to date with expert insights, legal updates, and practical guidance on party wall matters in London. Our chartered surveyors share valuable news, case studies, and advice for building owners and adjoining neighbours.
Your Local Party Wall Surveyor in London
Expert RICS-regulated surveyors helping homeowners and developers with Party Wall Notices, Surveys, and Awards across London.…
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published: 24/09/2025
RICS Party Wall Surveyor London
Expert RICS Party Wall Surveyors in London – Hourican & Associates provide trusted Party Wall Notices, Awards, Surveys, and dispute resolution to protect your property and ensure full compliance with the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.…
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published: 15/09/2025
London Party Wall Surveyors
Expert London Party Wall Surveyors protecting your property and keeping projects neighbourly.…
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published: 17/09/2025
Do I Need a Party Wall Agreement?
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.…
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published: 23/07/2025
Do You Need a Party Wall Agreement for Loft Conversion?
Planning a loft conversion in London? Before you begin, it’s crucial to understand whether your project requires a party wall agreement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 — and how to navigate the process smoothly.…
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published: 23/07/2025
How Far Can Party Wall Surveyors Go to Protect Adjoining Owners
If you’ve received a Party Wall Notice or your neighbour is planning nearby construction, you may be wondering just how far a party wall surveyor can go to protect your property—this article explains your rights, the surveyor’s powers, and how to ensure your home is safeguarded under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.…
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published: 24/07/2025