Asking neighbour to put works schedule in writing?

[flanajb]

My neighbour has just knocked on my door to ask if then can have access to erect scaffolding on our path so they can fix their leaking chimney. I of course said yes no problem, but then asked if the works would be done asap and I got a look of disdain and was told "he will do it as quick as possible, but he also has other jobs to do". He, is the neighbours son in law.

Now given the same neighbour has had a skip in their drive for over a year causing said neighbour to park car against a shared wall is now making me think about requesting a letter from them with dates so that the works do not go on indefinitely.

Am I being unreasonable here?

 

[NickWelford]

I think that's eminently reasonable. You don't want an indefinite scaffold on the drive........

 

[Baldhead]

Is he qualified to erect scaffolding, does he have insurance? I would say no problem but it has to be up no longer than 'x' number of days.

Baldhead

 

[Drudgeon]

Quite right, I remember the thread about the car, the neighbour sounds pretty lax, just ensure they are paying for the scaffold by the week and they will soon hurry up and get it done.

Besides, why put up a scaffold until he really needs it?

I would tell them you want a date in writing of when the scaffolding is being struck,

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I'd go and talk to him!

 

[monkeybiter]

Tell 'em they can put it up once the skip's gone.

 

[gregmcateer]

Very reasonable, though in law there's not a huge amount you can do about it UNTIL it becomes a problem. There's not even a way of enforcing the need for a Party Wall Act - another 'ass' of English law.

Best to have the discussion in advance and politely confirm in writing what you have agreed, explaining your reasons and expectations - then at least you have an audit trail - as my late Dad used to say - "write everything down - if it ain't in writing, it didn't happen and write it down, 'with an eye to future litigation'"

Good luck and keep us updated

 

[finneyb]

From memory a scaffold has to be inspected every week by a competent person and a scaffold register (purchased from HMSO) kept and signed by the competent person.
It may have changed in the detail, but the principle will be very similar. If it goes on too long check up HSE Regulations

Brian

 

[flanajb]

On reflection, I think another conversation with the neighbour is required. I think I will get the Wife to have this one, as I always get the impression they feel I am being the unreasonable one when it comes to these discussions.

 

[Woodchips2]

Why not provide an incentive for him to get on with it? Along the lines of 'No problem but it will cost you £50 a week for our inconvenience'.
Regards Keith

 

[flanajb]

Why not provide an incentive for him to get on with it? Along the lines of 'No problem but it will cost you £50 a week for our inconvenience'.
Regards Keith

Haha. I have a feeling that would go down like a lead balloon!

 

[WoodMangler]

I had this situation a few years back, when a neighbour converted a barn that abutted our property. I got my solicitor to draw up an agreement (at the neighbour's expense) which stipulated a fixed amount for having it there at all, plus so much per week while it was in place, plus an amount to cover any damage to our property. It also specified the hours that workmen were permitted onto our property for access. One thing I've found with scaffolding is that the scaffolders would much rather store it by leaving it erected where it was last used, than taking it down and putting it into store. Just as well I was cautious, as the clowns doing the conversion all ended up in hospital, having gassed themselves while treating the woodwork...

 

[jonbee56]

Remind them that if the works continue more than 30 days, it is notifiable under CDM (which creates a big can of worms). :shock:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/faq/general.htm

(Excluding setting up for the works) Scaffolding in place would start the contract and it would end when it has all been removed.

That should scare the be'jesus out of him

Check his Public Liability insurance . If he drops a tube on the car, how would you claim ?