Exterior common Wall repair -
This is a little hard to explain but bear with me. I live in a row house in bay ridge. My easterly common wall runs the full length of the house and at the rear, the wall forms a border between my exterior deck and my neighbors kitchen. This wall – which I look at when I’m on my deck – has some structural issues. My neighbors is getting a lot of leaks. He wants me to chip in 50% to have a mason come and repair the wall since it is a common wall between our properties. I’ve attached a drawing that shows what I’m describing. My question to the group is whether by custom or otherwise this should half of the cost should fall to me. I’m willing to chip and I’m friendly with my neighbor, but technically the point of the wall that needs repairs is an exterior wall to his property. Unlike the portion of the wall that runs through our houses, this section does not “touch” my property. What are your thoughts and would you chip in for the repairs? I’m on team go od neighbor and truthfully the wall is an eyesore as is so fixing it would improve the aesthetics when I’m in my yard/on my deck. [Commonwall](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:Qld6:commonwall.jpg.jpg)
BigD
in General Discussion 7 years and 6 months ago
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8 replies
mh | 7 years and 6 months ago
The leaks are most probably due to roofing issues, but it’s a good idea to chip in to the portion of the bill that’s about repointing, so you can pick the finish/color. It shouldn’t be too expensive, and it will have a huge impact on the aesthetics of your backyard.
BigD | 7 years and 6 months ago
SoSlope, After reading everyone’s replies I’m definitely going to keep my contribution as a small piece of the total bill and I’ll absolutely insist on picking the color. In truth he floated the idea of me chipping in and I was open to it but I never agreed to a % or committed to anything. I’m happy to explain my thoughts to him when we get there.
SoSlope | 7 years and 6 months ago
I also have a wall that is a continuation of the party wall (like you describe). In my case, it is because my house is deeper than my neighbors. I would never expect my neighbor to pay for repairs to that wall.
One thing you might offer is to chip in for part of the exterior finish with the caveat that you get a say in what that exterior finish is. This would be to your benefit since you care what the wall looks like while your neighbor does not care at all since he/she cannot see it.
BigD | 7 years and 6 months ago
Daveinbedstuy, it’s definitely an eyesore. The prior owner of my house had the exterior paint including the wall in question. Because of his water problems, huge chunks of the painted material (not stucco, but a sandy thick paint) fall off and land on my deck. It’s unsightly to be sure. We were thinking of repainting to a different color but we wouldn’t be able to unless this wall was repaired first. I’m leaning on chipping in a portion, not half, but enough to be decent.
daveinbedstuy | 7 years and 6 months ago
Yes, that section is their responsibility but it would probably be beneficial to the long run amicability with your neighbor to pay for some of it as, you say, you’ll benefit from it looking nicer. Especially if it’s an “eyesore.”
bklyn658 | 7 years and 6 months ago
Looks like it’s 100% the neighbor’s responsibility – and you are doing a kindness by allowing workers access via your yard and deck.
BigD | 7 years and 6 months ago
Thank you. I’m referring to “party wall” as a layman. Thinking that it’s an extension or continuation of the portion of the wall that we do share. But I agree his leak problems are extensive and this wall is maybe only a symptom not the cause
yudashasom | 7 years and 6 months ago
It could be a party wall, but I think it’s his wall. You’d would need a survey or a good eye. To point the brick is an inexpensive job. But I doubt the water is going through the brick. It is more likely a roof or drainage issue.