I had a question last week about this, but a new development has come about. They're building a new Wal-Mart about a mile away from my house. My wife says that during the day, they blast on the site, and that when they do, she can feel the entire house vibrate. I've noticed cracks appearing in the walls and near the ceiling. One crack in particular is a hairline crack that stair steps up the wall.
Can something like this do damage to my foundation? And if so, do I have any rights? They were supposed to tell us when they started blasting, but they never did.
2006-12-31 08:38:48 · 7 answers · asked by peepoogenderparts 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Decorating & Remodeling
Yup, the blasting company is totally responsible for any damage done, and they are supposed to warn before blasting. Be advised, the larger professional companies go out ahead of time and photograph all houses in a one mile radius to make sure no one files false claims.
2006-12-31 08:48:06 · answer #1 · answered by bearcat 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know about your foundation, but if a company is doing damage to your house, take photographs (especially if the damage may grow) and bring them up, directly to the company, to your attorney and to the city council. Ask the the building company if there are less-destructive ways they can build. Speak up at the city council about how your property is being damaged by irresponsible construction techniques. Keep an open dialogue with your attorney in case simple words are not enough.
You have the right to not having your house broken by an unrelated project. Ask your neighbors if they're noticing anything similar in their houses. The words "class action" tend to get a company's attention.
2006-12-31 16:49:20 · answer #2 · answered by wood_vulture 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm familiar with what you speak of and if the cracks are really caused by the blasting and not psychological, then report to Building Dept and letter to builder that you want satisfaction and repair or else small claims and construction liens to the state for the blasting contractor
2006-12-31 16:45:59 · answer #3 · answered by ticketoride04 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have worked on many types of construction project with blasting.
A mile away is a stretch. It depends on the soil type as to how the vibrations are transmitted. If you have a very clay, wet type of soil it could be, maybe be possible. Hard to believe though.
Start taking digital pictures and recording the time/date of blasting. Notify the contractor of your concerns. They will be skeptial, like me They have insurance for this type of thing.
All reputable blasters notify residents of their operations. They also blow a long horn blast three minutes before and two right before the blast.
2006-12-31 16:49:35 · answer #4 · answered by jimmiv 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should be notified before the blasting. Yes, you do have legal recourse. If cracks appear in your walls, then chances are the foundation is disturbed too. Contact an attorney right away.
2006-12-31 16:50:58 · answer #5 · answered by RBRN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact the city council and also the developer for the project. This can damage your foundation permanently.
2006-12-31 16:46:50 · answer #6 · answered by Catspaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is in the United States, it sounds like you have a great lawsuit for damages. Call al lawyer.
2006-12-31 16:46:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋