is there negative consent for neighbor digging out basement?

I definitely received notification of permitted work happening as the gut renovation of the neighboring house has commenced. However, they are clearly digging out the basement now and I was under the impression I needed to agree to that before it could happen?

solehappy

in General Discussion 4 years and 10 months ago

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adobera80 | 4 years and 10 months ago

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Do not let this slide for the purpose of remaining a friendly neighbor. There could be serious consequences that cost you boat loads of money, be sure they’re doing it right. Was in a 4 unit condo rowhouse and a full gut happened next door including basement dig out and roof deck install. All kinds of issues came up after completion that affected us on the top floor and our downstairs neighbors on the ground and garden floor.

solehappy | 4 years and 10 months ago

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thank you for the thorough explanation!

jimhillra | 4 years and 10 months ago

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There are at least two different ways to dig out the cellar: underpinning or buttressing.

If the whole floor is being lowered, lower than the foundation walls, then the foundation walls must be underpinned. In that case, your permission is required.

If the perimeter of the existing slab is retained, or replaced, forming a ledge around the perimeter, this is called buttressing and does not require underpinning. The height and width of the buttress are calculated relative to the depth of the excavation. Buttressing does not require the neighbor’s permission.

Either way, it definitely should be designed by an engineer and filed with the DOB.

daveinbedstuy | 4 years and 10 months ago

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If there is no indication that there is permitted excavation of the basement, and they are doing that, I’d call the DOB ASAP.

jen-kg | 4 years and 10 months ago

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@cookthebooks hopefully your neighbors are using a structural engineer and getting sign off on everything. One can only dig down so much. FWIW, one would have to dig into the basement to replace plumbing. Good luck with your situation.

Guest User | 4 years and 10 months ago

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they don’t need your consent. depending on how deep they’re digging, if there’s underpinning, etc., they may need a monitoring plan to protect your property. my advice to you is the start taking photos of your basement now and speak to your neighbor about the extent of their work if you are friendly with them.

solehappy | 4 years and 10 months ago

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meaning its quite a bit different than even say adding a gas line for a new stove

solehappy | 4 years and 10 months ago

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digging out basements of old stock attached housing is relatively dangerous and requires a lot of contractor insurance

jen-kg | 4 years and 10 months ago

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I don’t believe so. We didn’t need our neighbors’ consent to dig out our basement. Why would you think that would be the case?