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.
@nordanney thanks.
@te As far as I know, a pool is not allowed to be built right on the property boundary, although this can of course depend on the state or region. And a masonry or in-ground pool actually requires a building permit / planning permission.
Check that out.
@te As far as I know, a pool is not allowed to be built right on the property boundary, although this can of course depend on the state or region. And a masonry or in-ground pool actually requires a building permit / planning permission.
Check that out.
H
hanghaus202314 Sep 2025 19:43Which federal state is it?
R
Ratsuchender2514 Sep 2025 20:24hanghaus2023 schrieb:
Which federal state is it?This takes place in Hesse.H
hanghaus202314 Sep 2025 22:06In my opinion, pools are generally not allowed to be built within the setback area in Hesse. The Hessian Building Code (HBO) requires a minimum distance from the neighbor’s boundary for swimming pools that are considered structures. This distance is usually 3 meters (10 feet), unless the development plan or other regulations specify different requirements.
Therefore, an immediate stop-work order should be obtained. In my view, the hole should be filled back in immediately in layers and properly compacted.
Therefore, an immediate stop-work order should be obtained. In my view, the hole should be filled back in immediately in layers and properly compacted.
hanghaus2023 schrieb:
In my opinion, in Hesse a pool is generally not allowed to be built within the required setback area.I certainly would not consider it a boundary privilege and would essentially classify it as a living space ;-)https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
Unfortunately, the search for “hesse” did not yield any clear results. For example, it only applies from a wall height of 1 meter (3 feet) and above, or if it is covered. I think a call to the building authority / planning department will clarify this.
What you can do to check if the garage is sliding is to set up a cross-line laser level at a distance and mark a height line on the garage. Then observe and hope for the best.
Good luck
What you can do to check if the garage is sliding is to set up a cross-line laser level at a distance and mark a height line on the garage. Then observe and hope for the best.
Good luck
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