ᐅ Semi-detached house – Troubles with the neighbor

Created on: 15 Apr 2020 15:43
S
Sandrasix
Hello dear members,

I discovered your lovely forum thanks to Google. Unfortunately, as is often the case, a problem has brought me here.

We are building an extension onto an existing semi-detached house in Baden-Württemberg.
We are building on a slab foundation. The friendly neighbor built his half with a basement.
We live 70 kilometers (about 43 miles) away from the construction site.
Therefore, with both of us working and having two children, we cannot be at the site all the time.
Yesterday morning, the workers began setting the formwork for the slab foundation.
When I arrived at the site yesterday, my friendly neighbor was already there waiting for me.
He yelled at me quite loudly and was extremely angry.
He said that the slab foundation towards his side was insulated only with Styrodur (extruded polystyrene).
One of the workers tried to explain that in addition to the Styrodur, a 4 cm (1.6 inch) soundproofing wall would be installed along the house.
Still, he did not calm down.
He just kept yelling. He said he would take pictures and that he would refuse to pay.

We have no intention of demanding any money from him.
I was really shocked!!!

Actually, he should be worried, since he built 3 cm (1.2 inches) of his house’s total length over our property boundary.

What is the legal situation here?
I told my husband about it.
He wanted to see a lawyer right away.
For me, maintaining peace with the neighbor is more important.

Please excuse my spelling mistakes and my lack of knowledge. I have two children and need to keep them happy at the same time.

Thank you,
Sandra
N
nordanney
15 Apr 2020 17:13
Sandrasix schrieb:

His problem is that the sound insulation does not start at the bottom edge of the floor slab.

He will have an even bigger problem with the sound insulation when you’re playing with the kids in the garden during spring, summer, and autumn.
If your construction manager already suggests initiating a discussion, feel free to let him go ahead and start it.
H
HilfeHilfe
15 Apr 2020 17:35
Send the site manager ahead and then continue building. Issue a ban from the property to him.
S
Sandrasix
15 Apr 2020 17:36
nordanney schrieb:

He will have an even bigger problem with sound insulation. Especially when you’re playing with the kids in the garden during spring, summer, and autumn.
If your site manager is already suggesting to have a talk, then feel free to send him ahead.
He will talk to him as well.
Our site manager is quite a tough character.

He would prefer to have him pay for half of the sound insulation costs.
I really hope he doesn’t lose his temper right away again next time.
S
Sandrasix
15 Apr 2020 17:39
HilfeHilfe schrieb:

Send the construction manager ahead and then continue building. Issue a site ban to him.
I hope it doesn't have to come to that.
H
HilfeHilfe
15 Apr 2020 17:55
Sandrasix schrieb:

He will talk to him as well.
Our site manager is quite a tough character.

He would prefer to make him pay for half of the soundproofing.
I really hope he doesn’t lose his temper again next time.

I have a problem with the fact that you have to be afraid. Like with my Egon back then. Just yell back loudly as a woman that he should not bother you and leave you alone. That nonsense will end quickly.
S
Sandrasix
15 Apr 2020 18:02
HilfeHilfe schrieb:

I have a problem with the fact that you have to be afraid. Like with my Egon back then. Just loudly shout back as a woman that he should not bother you and leave you alone. It stops the nuisance quickly.
It must be the name.
I’m not afraid. It was just unfortunate that my children were there.
I’m curious to see how this will continue.