Building work next door making a mess

SofaPea

Hi all,

Looking for some advice. Our neighbours are currently having insulation put on the outside of their house. 

The work has meant our car, drive and garden are covered in (what looks like) pieces of styrofoam. It’s a lot, our drive looks like it’s snowed rather than the usual tarmac. 

I appreciate that it seems a minor issue to some and the weather recently (rain and wind) hasn’t helped but should the builders clean our drive and garden when they’ve finished?

I’ve a herniated disc in my back so can’t simply go out and brush everywhere down or power wash. It’s really annoying especially as I take pride in my drive and garden. 

Thanks. 

Alter_ego

Talk to your neighbour

GDB2222

Yes, clearly, your neighbour has an obligation to do that. You may be able to persuade them. If not, just get someone in to do it, as there’s no point getting into an argument. 

Doozergirl

It's effectively litter.  I know the weather isn't good but the builder should be tidying up!  

TELLIT01

Your neighbour may not be aware of the mess being made.  The weather recently hasn't encouraged people to hang around outside.  Assuming you are on good terms with them they should make sure the builder cleans up.

Ant555

SofaPea said:

Hi all,

...

The work has meant our car, drive and garden are covered in (what looks like) pieces of styrofoam. It’s a lot, our drive looks like it’s snowed rather than the usual tarmac. 

...

I’ve a herniated disc in my back so can’t simply go out and brush everywhere down or power wash. It’s really annoying especially as I take pride in my drive and garden. 

Thanks. 

If you are unable to speak directly to your neighbour due to them not being present then would you feel able to speak to the builders (I assume this is ongoing work and hasnt yet finished) - even if it was a contrived meeting when you are taking the bins out etc.

"Hi, I bet you hate working in weather like this, I know its been windy but can I just check you are planning on clearing up all the mess that has blown over, as you can see its gone everywhere"

Is the neighbours garden still filled with styrofoam or have they cleared up tat side?

fenwick458

or another solution is wait a few days and then go and look again, it will have blown away somewhere else by then

SofaPea

Thanks all, as the work is still on going I’m waiting to speak to my neighbours. 

Unfortunately due to the wind all the mess has culminated in our garden & drive and the neighbours is fairly clean. 

As the works are one day here, one day there and the builders haven’t communicated with us, I haven’t been able to always move my car out of the way in time. The garden, drive and car are now even worse. 

Should I wait until the works are clearly in the end stages then speak to my neighbour? The builders are speaking in a different language and I don’t know how much English they can speak as I haven’t heard them speak any. I’m apprehensive about speaking to them and making an already awkward situation even more so. I don’t want to go straight to the owner of the company either. 

GDB2222

I would speak to him now.

neilmcl

Speak to your neighbour now but it's probably better to wait until the work is complete.

GDB2222

What I had in mind is that the builder ought to have a chance to schedule the work in. Don't grab him as he is driving off for his tea, having finished the job, and expect him to spend another hour clearing your garden. He may have tools for doing the job, but not with him... 

It's your neighbour who needs to ask him.