Basements, lightwells and construction sequence
Party wall surveyor in Hammersmith and Fulham
For basement or lightwell works in Hammersmith and Fulham, the excavation drawings matter. We use the proposed depth and neighbouring structures to identify the notice route and the information needed where a dispute arises.
Show the connection between excavation and neighbouring structures
For a basement or lightwell, provide sections showing foundations, retaining structures and the proposed excavation. If underpinning or a shared wall is involved, include those details. Work described as a lightwell is not automatically outside the Act; the actual construction controls the assessment.
Keep the construction sequence usable
The surveyors may need to understand how temporary support, excavation stages and access are intended to work. An award should address matters within the Act using the relevant technical information. It does not replace the structural engineer's design or the contractor's wider obligations.
Council guidance and party wall notices do different jobs
Check the planning route, construction conditions and conservation requirements for your address with the council, separately from the party wall procedure. A party wall award does not replace those approvals. Technical assessments of soil, water and neighbouring structures must be site-specific.
Reference: Party Wall Act adjacent excavation and construction.
Choose the service your situation needs
Party wall notices
Identify the appropriate notice type and serve it correctly.
Schedule of condition
A useful dated record of the adjoining property before relevant work begins.
Party wall awards
Determine matters in dispute and record the conditions for notified work.
Read the process for building owners or adjoining owners. See current fees and qualifications.
Questions about party wall work in Hammersmith and Fulham
Does basement planning approval remove the need for notice?
No. Planning approval and the Party Wall Act have different purposes. Assess the excavation and shared-structure work separately.
What happens if access for a condition inspection is not agreed?
Tell us early so the appropriate arrangements can be discussed. Do not assume a general unrestricted right to enter; access must follow the applicable legal procedure.
Who normally pays the surveyor's fees?
The building owner normally pays reasonable surveyor costs. Under section 10(13), the surveyors determine who pays reasonable costs arising from the dispute. Check the written appointment terms as well as any award; we explain our invoicing arrangements before instruction.
Legal reference: Party Wall etc. Act 1996. The requirements depend on the work, notice and property interests.
Tell us what is planned
Send the relevant drawings or the notice you have received. We will explain the next step for your property in Hammersmith and Fulham.
Get Free Assessment