Dispute with family member.

longleggedhair

Asking for help and to know where I stand. I have owned a property with my sister, we have lived here quite happily for the last twenty years.

However some months ago, my sister decided she wanted an extension on the kitchen to create a downstairs wet room. I said at the time I absolutely didn't want it doing, mainly because of the disruption and I didn't feel it was necessary.

However she was equally adamant she wanted it doing and instructed a builder. Her attitude was its her house and she was paying for the work so it was none of my business. My attitude was it my house and I don't want it messed around with. Despite attempts no compromise was reached.

We are now in a situation where the builder is due to start in two weeks, she is adamant he will and I am adamant he won't. We can reach no agreement and I wonder where the law stands and how we deal with this issue that we just cannot resolve.

Thanks

Sea_Shell

I don't know about the law, but if I were the builder and was met at the door by arguing sisters, I'd get back in the van and go to another job!!

I assume at this stage he's just booked to discuss the job and price it up?

longleggedhair

Sea_Shell wrote: »

I don't know about the law, but if I were the builder and was met at the door by arguing sisters, I'd get back in the van and go to another job!!

I assume at this stage he's just booked to discuss the job and price it up?

No she had his quotes while I was out and instructed him without my knowledge. I have been informed today he is starting in two weeks. To which I replied no he isn't, and obviously the disagreement has continued.

Sea_Shell

Does your sister need this wet room to assist a disability? If it's just a "want" what reasoning is she giving for wanting it?

I guess the same issues could arise between any joint owner/occupiers of a house, even spouses. The fact that you're sisters is by the by.

G_M

1) you can write (yes WRITE) to the builder informing him you are joint owner and you do not agee to the work being done. Apologise to him for his trouble, but instruct him that if he makes a start on the job (eg in your absence) you will

a) obtain a court order instructing him to stop
b) claim your costs to put back whatever work he's done to re-instate the original property

* but to be honest, you need to sort this with your sister. Since you both have very firm, but conflicting, views of what you want, it is time to part. Is your sister able to buy you out?
- what is the current market value?
- is there a mortgage on the property? If yes, what is the current oustanding loan?
- does your sister work? Could she take out a mortgage to buy you out?
- or does she have savings/investments?


* I suppose if your primary objection to this work is "the disruption", perhaps you could pursuade your sister to pay for you to stay in a hotel till the work is complete?Or sendyou on a holiday? That way you would not have to live through it all (and I sympathise - I hate having contractors in, and especially for an extended,messy time).

Keep_pedalling

In your other thread you are talking about buying a BTL with a pile of cash you are sitting on. I would suggest that instead you buy your own place. If your sister is in a position to buy up you out that would be even better.

lincroft1710

Smodlet wrote: »

Seriously, who lives with their sister for twenty years unless it's from aged 0-20?

It was the basis of a few TV comedies, Private Godfrey and his sisters in "Dad's Army", Eric Sykes and Hattie Jacques in "Sykes and". But I can't think of anyone I've known who was in this situation

longleggedhair

Thank you to those who have made informative and helpful comments. She wouldn't be in a position to buy me out sadly, and we are very happy living together. It's just this one issue that we cannot seem to find any common ground on. I really don't know how we can move forward with it but I do hope parting company won't be the answer.

bouicca21

So just why does she want a wet room? And why are you so adamantly against it?

lincroft1710

longleggedhair wrote: »

and we are very happy living together.

Well, you were.

I see your point of view, but the disruption is only short term and both of you could use the facility when it is finished. In the long run she will be more resentful if the extension isn't built, you will have just have had some disruption in the past if it is built.

macman

Building regs, planning permission?