construction-equipment-050515

Developer building next door to me!

Hi Brownstoner Community
The empty lot next door to my brownstone is being developed. I reviewed the plans and nothing objective in the design and I was surprised that the developer is trying to stay somewhat historically accurate to the surrounding brownstones. My question is what should I be aware of, questions to ask before ground is broken? Of course my main concern is that the structure of my house stays safe and intact.

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  1. Mr. Don Friedman of Old Structures Engineering, in Manhattan, gave a presentation on this issue a couple weeks ago at the Spring General Meeting of the Society for Clinton Hill. You might want to contact either Mr. Friedman or another engineer specializing in protecting older houses in these circumstances; they do pre-construction surveys and can consult on an ongoing basis if your property starts getting damaged by the construction next door.

  2. Second take pictures or better yet, hire an engineer to do this for you. Consider (or not) getting the developer to post a Bond in case they undermine the structural integrity if you building. And remember – one day it will be finished.