Neighbours need to put scaffolding in my garden

MysteryMe · 13 June at 7:05PM

IvyFlood said:

@bazdvd it is a big thing to me. I feel like I'm being forced to have it in my garden. I don't want to go out of my way to be awkward but I feel their extension shouldn't involve me and I don't like being forced into situations, especially when I've got a lot going on.

You are being awkward though. Everyone has lots going on, none more so than someone about to undertake a substantial building project. Living in an attached property means you may on occasion be involved in what happens with the other attached part.

You don't need to agree to scaffolding but most people want to be reasonable and would. No one particularly wants scaffolding in their garden but treat people how you wish to be treated. There may be a time when you need the co operation or help from a neighbour for something you want done or just a simple favour. You only get the chance to lose goodwill once with people.

FFHillbilly · 13 June at 7:20PM

just let them do it. the sooner it's started the sooner it will be finished.

WIAWSNB · 13 June at 9:47PM

Hi Ivy.
You are clearly at an awful position in your life, and the huge emotional disruption and upheaval is likely to continue for some time.
You say you are even considering selling up and moving, an event - even under the best of circumstances - often considered one of the most stressful to have to cope with.
No-one could blame you for feeling truly wrung-out, probably just wanting to be left alone.
But, your neighbour has done nothing wrong - apart from having a weird parental style...
They are normal folk, also trying to get through their lives.
If - when - you move, your next place might benefit from a loft conversion or extension, one that will require scaffolding. How would you wish your new neighbours to respond?
One day, hopefully before too long, you will look back on this difficult stage in your life, and barely remember just how bad it was, and felt. Allowing this neighbour to get on with their lives, without making it harder for them, will, I think, feel like one of the positives of this time.
No-one can blame you for how you feel about it, but that doesn't mean it's right. And, if it ain't right, then allowing the 'right thing' will ultimately feel good. A wee bitty better.
Yes, by all means, set some boundaries; what they mustn't encroach on and restrict, and also ask them to justify their claim it'll only be up for 2 weeks... That seems suspiciously short, but there could be a simple explanation; since the extension is on the other side of the house, could it be it's only needed at your end to, say, recover that area of roof, a job that should be doable in a fortnight?
Have you seen the plans? Does it all make sense?

GDB2222 · 14 June at 3:43PM

What annoys me is that the scaffolding is often left up for weeks after the work has finished, until the scaffolding firm needs it for another job.

WIAWSNB · 14 June at 4:01PM

GDB2222 said:

What annoys me is that the scaffolding is often left up for weeks after the work has finished, until the scaffolding firm needs it for another job.

Yes, always a risk, and takes advantage of the well-intentioned.

FreeBear · 14 June at 4:07PM

Scaffolding is unlikely to block access to a simple thing like a tap. You might have to step over a diagonal bracing, but it really depends on how the stuff is assembled. Blocking a window and preventing it from being opened fully is an issue. But scaffolding can easily be erected to avoid such issues.

How about a trade - Tell them that if they clear & grade the area first, scaffolding can go up subject to access to tap & window, plus it is only there for the duration of the roofing work.

RAS · 14 June at 4:11PM

Absolutely commonplace. Neighbour let's you know that the builders are starting in a month's time. Scaffold goes up without warning to either of you, next Monday. After completion, it's still there 10 weeks later, blocking the pavement etc.