My new neighbour is building something under his house.. it is illegal building work - what to do?

Question

They're new neighbours. I've introduced myself but they never talk and they run away when we are outside. (LOL).

They're building like a granny flat under their house or something without building permits. If it is a flat it will impact on my amenity by reason of the increased density, noise and parking requirements.

Should I dob them in to the authorities and let them handle it - putting my name on the public record? What would you do?

I'd love to help them, by making them get approval. I can't help them build illegally..... I'm bound by a code of professional conduct as an Architect. It's a simple little addition involving lots of digging. There is a risk to the house they adjoin. There is an environmental risk in the way the work is being performed. There is a risk that they will be unable to sell their property under our current laws... and there is the risk to future owners that the work is faulty if undetected. Bricks are being delivered for some underpinning. There is a risk to themselves and to the neighbour whose house shares a common wall.

Answer 1

You're an architect.
You see a hazard that others may be unable to recognize.
Report it. - Ethically, You have no choice.

Answer 2

Well it depends what is going on here.

If they are excavating and removing earth then you can ask for a local building inspector to call and check it out.

They can do this anonymously.

What country are you in?

There are building regulations and if your property is mortgaged then your lender might help you.

If your property is detatched from this neighbours building then you may have less say in the matter.

It is unlikely that they are building a granny flat under the house, but not unheard of.

To excavate and build a basement in the UK, it is necesary to have detailed structural surveys including ground searches which will cost several thousand pounds to complete.

The job may also include testing the ground with a piling machine or corkscrew to find out what it consists of.

Excavating deeply near another property is not recommended and may be illegal.

Answer 3

To begin with I'm sure they wouldn't just build something just because they want too! I'm sure they have check with the city hall or who ever over see's such building jobs etc.

If you really feel it is going to be a problem for you or even illegal check to see if it is in fact illegal by checking with who ever controls building laws and rules and regulations! There's not much you can do if in fact it isn't illegal unless there too close to your property lines etc.

I wouldn't cause any problems with new neighbors enless it's well called for! Remember you might be neighbors for a long time!!! and not liking one another could make being neighbors a living hell!

Answer 4

Just stop by Codes Compliance or the Building Permit office and give them the street address - there is no need to give them your name, usually, since the inspector will be the "witness" when they stop out there and see it. There is no reason to allow this behavior, since having not reported it, other neighbors will think their illegal work will be allowed as well and many times those doing illegal construction leave shortly thereafter but the non-inspected work remains!

Answer 5

They're your neighbors.
They will probably be your neighbors for a while.
What kind of neighbor do you want?
What kind of neighbor do you want to be?
No one would expect someone to put up with abhorrant, indecent or illegal activity from someone next door.
And you certainly have to protect yourself.
But, I will assure you that ratting out your neighbors for some little petty thing that has your pantys in a wad will certainly NOT lead to a warm and fuzzy relationship and probably lead to years of bad feelings.
Why don't you go over and volunteer to help your neighbor and not worry about it.
It may lead to something positive and your input would make sure it was done right.

Answer 6

why be on public record???
Call the local building inspector, from a pay phone, and tell them you have;
1) been told there are strange building activities, by a friend that was not sure what to do.....
and said neighbor does not want to have trouble with the neighbors

at such and such address, and have not seen any building permits, displayed, for the work....

and let the inspectors office do an inspection, and see if it requires a permit..

Answer 7

Don't hide behind the architect's code. You don't want the building. Report it to your local building department and let them deal with it. It is your choice if your name is called as the respondant, it is your decision.

Answer 8

when they go to sell the house or have it appriased and the blueprints don't match the home they will be fined and have to tear it out before selling or refinancing the place. how do you know they don't have a permit? are you being nosy? if it bothers you that bad turn them in and be prepared to have horrible neighbors.

Answer 9

Thats really tough. I can imagine that. I would try to contact authorities and ask if they are allowed to build something under the house. Or just say its disrupting you. (Try and get other neighbors to vouch for you.) Then they will probably stop. (OR if none of that works, just leave an anonymous note saying to keep it down. Just try not to leave any finger prints. NOT KIDDING!!!)

Answer 10

I reported my neighbor for running a business out of his garage. I didnt have to give my name. Everyone has to abide by the zoning laws. That includes your new neighbors. It doesnt matter what they're building, they should have gotten the proper permits.