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Neighbour extension using my wall...

  • 15-10-2015 3:39pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 202 ✭✭


    Hi,

    Several years ago we extended the rear of our house (full width) but only single storey by approx 25 feet.

    My nextdoor neighbour (attached to our house) is currently considering doing something similar and has mentioned the possibility of using the wall built as part of our extension as part of his.

    What should I consider in respect to allowing/objecting to this scenario.

    Would there be boundary issues legally?
    I seem to recall that we built the new wall entirely on our property..

    Just in general does anyone have any experience good or bad with this scenario.

    I get on well with my neighbor and wouldn't like to sour that in any way but on the other hand this is my home we are talking about i.e. my biggest personal investment and I don't want to do anything that could cause an issue down the line should I choose to sell etc..

    Cheers,

    LTD.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 330 ✭✭solargain


    It wouldn't be a fire wall, The foundations were designed for your build not his


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,339 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    It all comes down to the location of your wall and how it was constructed.

    Is it capable of taking another extension and roof loads?
    Is it built on the boundary line or completely on your property?

    Your neighbour will benefit slightly by using your wall as they will gain the slightest amount of extra space/width but again it comes down to the existing wall build up and location.

    Maybe a photo would help us?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 202 ✭✭livingthedream


    Hi,

    Thanks for the replies.

    I'm pretty sure that the entire wall was built on our property, in fact I seem to remember ensuring that the capping stone on the parapet wall didn't extend beyond our property just in case we subsequently decided to sell or had a new 'Pedantic Pete' neighbour next door etc.

    I'll try and get a pic to see if that helps.

    I guess my main concerns are from a legal and structural angle.

    A family member recently purchased a house where the previous owner had planted a row of bushes on land that actually belonged to a neighbouring (field) property which then essentially increased the size of the plot the house was on (kinda prompted y question). This caused all sorts of legal back and forths and delays to the purchase of the property. Thankfully the owner of the other land allowed the re-drawing of the plot etc but it was still an unnecessary stress/delay which nearly killed the purchase...

    I'm keen to avoid anything similar in future...

    LTD.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 461 ✭✭Czhornet


    solargain wrote: »
    It wouldn't be a fire wall, The foundations were designed for your build not his

    +1
    This is definitely not a fire wall, which are normally a block laid on the flat. How are the roofs going to join up? Possibility for leaks into you property etc.
    Also the foundation might take the extra load subjected to on it by another extension/roof.

    From a legal side, your wall is your wall, built on you property. Allowing your neighbour to built on/use this wall is encroaching on your site leading to revised site boundaries, legal agreements will have to be drawn up by solicitors, leading to additional costs etc.

    Thread carefully!!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 202 ✭✭livingthedream


    Hi,

    As promised here are a couple of pics of the wall in question..

    Cheers,

    ~LTD.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,634 ✭✭✭FishOnABike


    Why can't they use a similar construction method to the one used on your extension? I would still have concerns with the ability of the existing foundations supporting the additional load of a new wall and roof of their extension.

    If new / strengthened foundations are needed to support their extension I would have concerns about the effect any excavations might have on your foundations and building.

    I think an independent engineers report should be sought regarding the suitability of the existing foundations for any additional load and what methods of extending or underpinning the existing foundations would be needed to safeguard your extension. You should discuss it with your neighbour and possibly make an observation on the planning application to that effect.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 202 ✭✭livingthedream


    Hi,

    Thanks for the reply.

    They don't need planning (nor did I) as it would be in their back garden, below gutter level and of a size below that which requires planning permission.

    Cheers,

    ~LTD.


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,339 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    Because you built your parapet completely on your side, I would recommend that they do the same also.

    Maybe look at some form of buffer insulation between the two walls or some form of capping that can close off both walls at the top.

    Normally I recommend one party wall and both sides use it but in this instance I would recommend a separate wall.

    An engineer will need to be on board from their side to prevent subsidence of your wall/foundation during excavations and formation of their new foundation.


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