Buying a house with a tiny gap between extensions?

ripley81

Looking for advice please. I’m buying a house and the extension is built right onto the boundary, meaning there’s only a small gap between this and next doors extension (the gap is on their land). I’m now worried about rats and any other problems. No person can fit in the gap. Should I pull out? I’m also paying detached house price but it’s almost a semi. 

Thanks! 

Jeepers_Creepers

The neighb went to some lengths - possibly because an agreement couldn't be reached with the owner of 'your' house - to keep the house fully detached, and I'm sure most folk would prefer it that way - so that part's a 'plus' for your house; your house remains fully detached. From then on, I suspect it might be negatives.

I'm not sure why rats would find this gap attractive, unless rubbish builds up in there. I think that's the main issue - how do you prevent leaves and other matter from building up and possibly keeping the wall surfaces damp - that sort of thing. For this, you can fit mesh guards, but I guess that would have to be the neighbour's move since the gap is on their land.

What finish is the wall - is it brick or rendered? If the latter, is it painted? That could be a long-term issue - how would you sort any issues like blown render, etc. when you can't physically get in to that gap...?

As much as most folk dislike the idea of becoming 'attached' via an extension, provided it's done well - with a good cavity and decent insulation - it is usually the best approach. That, or leave a proper access gap - which your house owner didn't do.

No idea just how much of an issue this is in practice - I'd be interested in what folk have to say. 

davidmcn

I'd be more concerned about how to carry out any maintenance than rats - though if there are rats, you could try training them to do any repointing etc that becomes necessary.

It does also suggest that the neighbours couldn't agree (or even bear talking to each other) at the time one or other extension was built, though that may be historic and unrelated to the current neighbours.

It is however not that uncommon, and the maintenance point is probably a once-in-a-blue-moon sort of issue. The fact the wall is sheltered probably means it won't need as much attention as it might otherwise.

ripley81

Thank you both very much. I’ll send the hubby down to see what finish is on the walls. Apparently there have been no disputes... 

I’m cautious as I’ve been stung before, I always seem to pick the wrong house 🙄