Hello!
I hope this is the right subforum.
Here is the situation: Our neighbors are currently excavating about 0.50 - 0.6 m (20 - 24 inches) away from our garage to a depth of approximately 1.50 - 1.80 m (59 - 71 inches). Our garage is built on strip foundations. I don’t know the exact depth of these, but I assume they extend to a maximum of 80 cm (31 inches). No underpinning, shoring, or battering/sloping was done during the excavation. About 0.5 m (20 inches) from our garage, the ground is now excavated straight down to at least 1.50 m (59 inches) depth.
According to my understanding of standards like DIN 4123, if no additional underpinning measures are taken, excavation up to 2 m (6.5 ft) next to the garage should only go to a maximum of 50 cm (20 inches) above the foundation base, which is about 30 cm (12 inches) deep. Only beyond 2 m (6.5 ft) distance can excavation be carried out deeper with a proper slope or batter. Otherwise, appropriate section-by-section underpinning should be carried out professionally.
Are my concerns about the structural stability of the garage foundations justified, or am I mistaken? We have already spoken with the neighbors, but they rely on their contractor. If my concerns are valid, what would be reasonable next steps I can take to ensure the stability of the garage? The location is the federal state of Hesse.
I would really appreciate any advice anyone can offer here.
I hope this is the right subforum.
Here is the situation: Our neighbors are currently excavating about 0.50 - 0.6 m (20 - 24 inches) away from our garage to a depth of approximately 1.50 - 1.80 m (59 - 71 inches). Our garage is built on strip foundations. I don’t know the exact depth of these, but I assume they extend to a maximum of 80 cm (31 inches). No underpinning, shoring, or battering/sloping was done during the excavation. About 0.5 m (20 inches) from our garage, the ground is now excavated straight down to at least 1.50 m (59 inches) depth.
According to my understanding of standards like DIN 4123, if no additional underpinning measures are taken, excavation up to 2 m (6.5 ft) next to the garage should only go to a maximum of 50 cm (20 inches) above the foundation base, which is about 30 cm (12 inches) deep. Only beyond 2 m (6.5 ft) distance can excavation be carried out deeper with a proper slope or batter. Otherwise, appropriate section-by-section underpinning should be carried out professionally.
Are my concerns about the structural stability of the garage foundations justified, or am I mistaken? We have already spoken with the neighbors, but they rely on their contractor. If my concerns are valid, what would be reasonable next steps I can take to ensure the stability of the garage? The location is the federal state of Hesse.
I would really appreciate any advice anyone can offer here.
N
nordanney14 Sep 2025 09:57Ratsuchender25 schrieb:
How quickly does something like this usually happen in your experience?If there is an immediate danger, maybe about an hour after the report. If it’s rather “harmless” and doesn’t require urgent action, then a few days. - Take photos and provide them to the authorities
- Inform them that no structural calculations are available
- Express concern that the pressure from the garage could quickly cause problems (such as the garage tipping)
- Explain the neighbors’ intention — they plan to install the pool within the next few days, after which compacting or filling won’t be possible anymore
With a bit of luck, the construction site will be halted by 10 a.m. tomorrow.
A
ajokr202514 Sep 2025 11:42Ratsuchender25 schrieb:
That definitely sounds like someone with the appropriate expertise gave it some thought. Yes, structural engineers know what they are doing. There are relevant standards for this.
If it’s urgent, feel free to call the police (not necessarily the emergency number 110). Unfortunately, building inspection authorities no longer exist in Germany.
Ratsuchender25 schrieb:
How quickly does something like this usually happen? Of course, it depends on the specific authority, but is it possible to expect action the same day if you call them first thing in the morning?Why "call"? The lawyer will send a fax to the head of the building department with a note saying "please present immediately." A landslide can occur after just one heavy rainfall. From the police, you are more likely to get a file number than a rapid intervention.https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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nordanney14 Sep 2025 14:54tomtom79 schrieb:
@nordanney Excavation for a pool? Where does it say that or am I missing something?It says in post 6 that the pool could be installed very soon.H
hanghaus202314 Sep 2025 18:10I would at least avoid parking my car in the garage and also avoid staying in the garage until this issue is secured.
One cannot be that reckless. There is clearly an imminent danger.
One cannot be that reckless. There is clearly an imminent danger.
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