ᐅ Raising the ground level of the plot – we’re doing it now, neighbor is still waiting

Hello everyone,

We are developing a plot of land with a slight slope. The entire plot will be filled with 0.30 m to 1.10 m (1 to 3.6 feet) of fill. The neighboring properties (on both the left and right) have similar conditions. Overall, I need to retain approximately 65 linear meters (213 feet) of soil using retaining walls, concrete blocks, or similar structures.

I have not yet been able to identify the neighbor on the left. I contacted the neighbor on our right side to ask if he plans to add fill as well, since if both of us fill against each other, we might be able to save costs on retaining walls or similar structures. He told me he intends to wait until I have installed the retaining walls because I will be adding fill anyway. Then, he plans to add fill against my retaining walls, which would save him the cost of building his own retaining structures.

That statement made me somewhat angry. Of course, I face the problem if I build first and he reacts afterward, but I find his approach unacceptable.

Now I am wondering what options I have. My first thought is to install the retaining walls not exactly on the property line but with a 10 cm (4 inches) gap. I imagine that this would mean he is not allowed to fill against my walls and would have to pay for his own retaining structures.

Do you see any other options besides talking to him again?

Thanks

Nicon1001 schrieb:

He told me that he wants to wait until I have installed the L-shaped retaining walls since I will be backfilling anyway. He plans to backfill against my L-shaped walls, so he can save the costs of installing his own retaining structures.
That statement made me a bit angry. Of course, I have the problem if I build first and he can react to my work, but I find the way he said it unacceptable.

I would suggest addressing this calmly again. If he really meant it THAT way, it would obviously be selfish and unwise, because nobody benefits from a negative neighbor relationship.
It’s better to negotiate more clearly and openly beforehand than later try to correct things with just a 10cm (4 inch) gap, since the frustration and imbalance would then remain with you. In the end, he might dump his soil directly against your wall, and then...? Lawyer? Oh dear... better not.
Tell him clearly that you both could benefit and share the costs. If he really refuses, you should say firmly that you find this unfair and that it would be unfortunate for your future neighborly relations if you had to shoulder the disadvantage alone, or if he were to profit from your groundwork free of charge.
Only if nothing helps would I consider further steps. Most likely, I would then wait myself as well...
I would try my best to avoid conflict, even though from my own experience, some neighbors deliberately try to take advantage and don’t hesitate to gain such benefits through arrangements like this.

Nicon1001 schrieb:

My first thought would be to place L-shaped retaining blocks, but not exactly on the boundary; instead, sacrifice a 10cm (4 inch) strip.

That already sounds quite immature!

However, the statement from the new neighbor is also cheeky.

I would simply build up the soil completely and then let the fill naturally slope down on the two sides of your property. At a 45-degree angle, this might result in about 1m (3 feet) width afterward...
This way, you remain flexible and can still add the retaining blocks later if needed, or build up further after sufficient discussions with your neighbor.

There are two options: flattening or sharing the costs

Nicon1001 schrieb:

makes sense. Of course, I have the problem if I build first and he can react to me, but I find the way it is done impossible.

The way it is done is very straightforward!

This is childish behavior from both sides – are you homeowners or toddlers?

The sensible approach is to avoid creating any steps at the boundaries, minimize backfilling, and compact the soil together across property lines. Why some homeowners go around placing L-shaped retaining walls like unskilled window installers use expanding foam is something adults don’t need to understand. Peace!

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