Worried about building work next door

dandy-candy

I live in a semi detatched house and about a month ago new people bought our other half. They said they were going to take out the chimney breast on their side and we told them that we still use the fireplace every winter, but he said that was fine and they were putting in steel supports for the chimney stack.

The builder have been smashing away and drilling for a week and on Thursday I noticed yellow brick pieces in my fire basket. I opened the flap on my fireplace and found a half brick and other pieces of brick resting on it. I went next door and they have removed the chimney and are now chasing the cabling into what was the back wall of the fireplace.
He said that the bricks were old and crumbly which is why they are falling down on my side and that was it.

I'm really concerned that when we next light our fire that the chimney might be blocked or leak smoke, or even crack.

Also they are chasing a downstairs socket up the back of our fireplace to about 4 foot high on their side where they are hanging their tv on the wall. When we have our fire lit surely that wall will be red hot on their side?

Innys

Sounds like they have been working on the shared wall.

If so, this applies:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/documents/planningandbuilding/pdf/133214.pdf

Take a read through it - you have rights which it sounds like you're unaware of.

withabix

I would advise giving your Local Authority's Building Control dept a call on Monday.

Your neighbour needs a Party Wall Agreement in any case.

He hasn't got one.

More info: http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/uploads/br/BR_partywall_explain_booklet.pdf

teneighty

As it sounds like the work is nearly finished you may have missed the opportunity to have it stopped.

Firstly, as its a neighbour its always best to start friendly, so ask them nicely to stop work due to the damage to your property.

If they refuse or are unapproachable, first thing Monday morning you should speak to a local reputable party wall surveyor to see if it is not too late for them to get involved. Possibly also an urgent solicitors letter advising the neighbour to stop work. Certainly you need someone to inspect your property and itemise all the damage with costings for remedial work. Your neighbour is legally required to reimburse you for this damage and any other costs you have incurred such as professional or legal advice.

By breaching the Party Wall Act the neighbour has left themselves open to a potentially very expensive legal battle which they cannot win.

Good Luck