Garden access

wafmoo

I answered the door the other day to a builder that does work for my neighbours ( care home )

They are looking to build a single storey extension at the back of their property, but they have no access to the rear without going through the building.
The builder wanted to know if they could use our garden as access - removing fence panel(s) to bring things in/out etc, but replacing them daily when they are off site. He did mention that we would be paid for this access, but didn't mention any figures, or timescale.
I agreed in principle, as we are generally out during the day at work, so won't affect us much, but did say that would have to discuss in more detail before they start any work. One concern is that the work could be done during school holidays when our children would want to be outside.

My question is this: what do you think is a reasonable amount for them to pay us for this access? Also, what conditions should we impose?

Ant555

Fair play to them for asking. A colleague had something similar where the next door builder literally came in to their garden, started lifting the panel and said 'You dont mind do you love?' when she spotted him from the kitchen window - She went mad.

Take lots of pictures as you should insist that they will have to put back any flowerbeds, bushes, lawn to the state it was in before - Big boots could cause a bit of damage just by going in and out and if its been raining then that might be even worse. Ask about working times during week and especially weekends.

TheCyclingProgrammer

Do you have a lawn or flowerbeds that you care about?

rach_k

It shouldn't need to be said but I would want it confirmed that they will be working safely. Some neighbours of ours had a similar arrangement but I'm pretty sure the neighbour allowing the access didn't agree to have the builders throwing rubble and roof tiles across her roof, garden and the public footpath into the back of their van!

I would say that they can't go through your garden at all during the school holidays.

EssexExile

My neighbour lets me go through his garden & through the fence as you describe if I need to get anything big to the back of the house. In exchange I let his builders use my property to put up ladders when required, or whatever else he needs (within reason). No money involved.

paddy's_mum

Make very, VERY sure that they have the appropriate insurance unless you want to be chasing them through the small claims court for compensation for any damage accidentally caused.

Think - brick dropped through your conservatory roof, the end of a scaffold pole just clipping your double glazing, diesel from the cement mixer on your patio....;)

getmore4less

Check the planning.

First thing to come through will be the digger.
If the access is good it might not be a a small one.

Gloomendoom

I needed to do this for some building work. My neighbour agreed subject to a legally binding completion date.

shortcrust

I’d rather not have payment as I’d feel less comfortable kicking up a fuss in the event of problems. I imagine they’re thinking of a token amount. I’ve no idea. 20 quid a day?

TheCyclingProgrammer

I wouldn!!!8217;t ask for any money. I would want to ensure that the contractor is adequately insured, to know when they will be accessing it (and putting restrictions in if needed) and some kind of schedule of condition of the current garden with photographic evidence and an agreement that any damage should be repaired at the neighbours cost.

sevenhills

wafmoo wrote: »

The builder wanted to know if they could use our garden as access - removing fence panel(s) to bring things in/out etc, but replacing them daily when they are off site.
My question is this: what do you think is a reasonable amount for them to pay us for this access? Also, what conditions should we impose?

Maybe you could ask for a new fence, get it in writing.