Browse Forums Building A New House 1 Apr 24, 2015 2:09 pm I'm in the process of finalising the plans to my house design and got the contract yesterday which states I need written permission from my neighbour for my builder to access their block while building my house. The width of my block means the garage has to be built to boundary. The builder needs to access my neighbour's block so he can build my house. Separating our blocks are already built cement retaining walls which are few feet high at the least along with wooden fences. This request has me worried. I feel like it's a bit much to ask of neighbours I've yet to meet. And what if they say no, or only allow access to their block whilst their house is being built but not after they move in or they charge me for this access? In regards to them giving permission but only while they're building concerns me because from the looks of things my planning stage is going to take longer than I had anticipated and I may start building after them which is out of my control. Anyone ever experienced this and if so, what did you do? Completely alter your house design? Thanks for any replies. Re: My builder needs access to my neighbour's block 3Apr 24, 2015 5:17 pm Perhaps use the boundary wall as the motivation to meet the neighbours. They will probably be more receptive of it if you talk to them first to see if they have any issues with it. Presumably they are in the same boat with a narrow lot as well, and should be understanding. After you've talked about it, and have gotten to know them a bit, then you are in a better place to ask for formal permission. Re: My builder needs access to my neighbour's block 4Apr 24, 2015 7:49 pm I don't see why they need to access via the neighbours property. We are building on the boundary also and they just brick from our side, it costs a little bit more as it's a bit fiddly. That's what they do when it's garage against garage as they can't build from the neighbours side Re: My builder needs access to my neighbour's block 5Apr 24, 2015 8:55 pm Once plan is approved by council house is being built no matter what neighbour has to say. Builder will give you a form for neighbour to sign, including a plan that will highlight the concerning area. Ask neighbour nicely to view sign and return. If neighbour refuses it will be their side of the wall that will look ugly if permission to enter their yard and smooth the cement, clean the bricks , collect rubbish etc is not given. If it's zero lot, papapet wall against another there is no line of sight down the 20mm gap between the two anyway, all care taken by the builder ( laughs quietly at ones own comment on this statement ) but builder should have sense to do as best as possible given the surroundings. I did same couple months ago on both sides of multiple development, left the documents with both parties over a weekend and returned when they called the following week to collect and return to builder. Just explain that with their cooperation it will be a clean site on all concerned properties and delays minimised with their permission to enter ( oh dear, that was the salesman side of me coming out then ) I wish you luck, enjoy the building ride Timeline Aug 08-Land Mar 09-Demo/Titles Sept 10-Handover No1 Sept 11-Handover No2 April 12-Sold No2 Aug 14-Land/Demo Jan 15-Slabs viewtopic.php?f=31&t=25736 Re: My builder needs access to my neighbour's block 6Apr 26, 2015 4:21 pm We've just finished our Build and I'd go with what Echo has to say personally!! Enjoy your Build, get your own Building Inspector to come in at regular stages, and Best of Luck xox Re: My builder needs access to my neighbour's block 7Apr 27, 2015 2:35 pm My neighbour also asked me the same permission, and I signed it. guess what.. after that the builder install temporary toilet in my front yard for their workers, and have my front yard as temporary garbage bin, as they will sometimes throw rubbish to my area, and clean it only when I complain. to add salt to the wound, the workers step to my land to drink from my tap, and take water for contruction purpose also from my tap. and anyhow plug their tools to my outdoor electric socket, and they only stop doing it after I complain. had i not signed it, probably I would have had less problem. I don't mind giving permission to my neighbour as a goodwill, but as a responsible neighbour yourself please also take responsibility of the behaviour of people working for you. For reference, this is the Austlii reference. My take on this is, that they would be breaking the law denying access to a homeowner in Victoria, or their agent from having… 1 9070 The only thing to add to these comments is that where possible it's always good to try and work with people than just say "no" because you can. Having someone… 4 17107 |