Question re Obligations re Neighbor's Extension on Property Line

Hi Brownstoners My neighbor is building an extension of the garden level that will be as wide as the property. In order to build the footing for the extension, they want to partially dig on my property in order to put in the footing for the extension. What are my legal obligations? I have permitted them to work on my property, and in fact their plywood fence extends two feet or so into my property to allow them better access to dig the trench. But I am now surprised to learn that they also want to dig on my side of the party line, where I have a waste pipe and a patio. Thank you for your input.

owest

in Building Code 11 years and 10 months ago

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4 replies

Townie | 11 years and 10 months ago

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Kind of depends on how deep the trench will be dug and if some sort of shoring of your property will be required. Im guessing the minimum depth will be 4 feet or so but it could be much deeper if they are adding a cellar or basement space. You need to get everything ironed out before they start work and have any promises put down in writing as to how your property will be restored after each subcontractor finishes each aspect of the job.

thetinkerswagon | 11 years and 10 months ago

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tell them you want a certificate of insurance listing you as additionally insured. no cert, no work.

eman134 | 11 years and 10 months ago

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contractors will always want to do what is cheapest and easiest for them….talk to the owner regarding compensation and inconvenience and liabilty

jockdeboeraia | 11 years and 10 months ago

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Their footing needs to stay on their side. You are being a good neighbor allowing them access.