Demolition work?

[ChrisN]

Has anybody had any experience of demolition work being carried out near their home? Any demolishers/developers out there?

An adjacent property to mine is being developed and the demolition work is starting in the next couple of weeks, the back wall of the property being demolished forms the rear boundary of my property.

The site is being developed in a good way so no problems there but I have a meeting with the developer this evening to discuss their plans.
They want to "rent " about 50 square foot (the back 5 or 6 foot which includes my beloved shed) of my garden to create a boundary around the work being done for health & safety reasons and are also offering compensation for noise, dust, inconvenience etc. While not being of the "take 'em for every penny I can!" mentality I obviously don't want to get short changed by the developers.

So, my questions are:

1. What would be an average amount of compensation regarding inconvenience of the work being done? Not sure how long they're going to be working, this will be discussed tonight.

2. How much is a reasonable rental charge for the rear of my garden?

3. What are my rights in regards to the rebuilding of our boundary wall for example hight, materials used etc?

Any information I can take into the meeting is good as I have absolutely no experience of this kind of thing.

Cheers,


Chris

[dazzafact]

Originally Posted by ChrisN

So, my questions are:

1. What would be an average amount of compensation regarding inconvenience of the work being done? Not sure how long they're going to be working, this will be discussed tonight.

2. How much is a reasonable rental charge for the rear of my garden?

3. What are my rights in regards to the rebuilding of our boundary wall for example hight, materials used etc?

Any information I can take into the meeting is good as I have absolutely no experience of this kind of thing.

Cheers,


Chris

They're all quite relative questions. I would say wait until you can find out what they are offering, don't agree to anything there and then. Take their proposal away and consider it in your own time. Question 3: They should build your wall to exactly the same spec as it was, unless you want to discuss anything different.

Sorry I was no help.

[Badger0-0]

Ooooh that will be worth more than you think

I was involved in the new Coventry hospital build and the word was that the client paid £5 million to buy about 20 acres of land.

Obviously not the same league, but your land must be important to them and the health and safety aspect suggests it's somewhat a necessity.

It's a suck it and see thing, IMO.

The nature of the beast is that they want it for nothing, so you should screw them for anything you can get out of them, even though you don't have the mentality.
My experience is that you should tell them to tell you what they are offering and you offer nothing. If you're happy with their offer, put 50% on top and offer that.

Reinstating the wall is totally down to what you want and could be an improvement, as is your shed and anything else

As for actual amounts, it's simply down to what you can get.

Whatever, get it all in writing.

[ChrisN]

Cheers guys,

I think a "poker face" is the way to go. The work also affects the neighbours either side so I'll be trying to find out what they're getting offered as well.

My girlfriend does have the take 'em for every penny mentality and is already planning holidays, trips to Bluewater and a landscaped garden!!

[Duncan G]

What will get damaged and how much will it cost to replace-shed/plants/turf/fence. Cost that up.

[ChrisN]

What will get damaged and how much will it cost to replace-shed/plants/turf/fence. Cost that up.

I may just cost a up a whole new AV system and give them that figure instead

[KrisLee]

Don't forget timescales. They may say they need the space for 6 months, but it may overrun an additional 3 months. Stick a penalty clause in ;-)

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by KrisLee

Don't forget timescales. They may say they need the space for 6 months, but it may overrun an additional 3 months. Stick a penalty clause in ;-)

DAmn fine idea i would also spend £50 and have the contract looked at professionally by a solicitor just to make sure you arent signing away your rights to anything important, giving them access to your property or anything daft. If you do want changes made to the garden i would look at the option of a cash settlement for re-instatement work but list things like the shed seperatly (get a quote for anice new top of the range jobby etc

(when it comes to re-instating you may have changed your mind)

[Pat_C]

Some good advice here. I would also see what they are offering, take it away to think about, and then demand at least double that. If they have an unpleasant tone then I'd treble it. Don't forget how much the developer is making on the development, and that they will undoubtedly make a low offer initially. There is no reason you shouldn't share in their profits. You hold some of the cards here.

It is important to get an agreement in writing. I'd be inclined to get a solicitor to do that for you, or to review their proposed contract. Ensure that it includes timescales, penalties for late completion, and every detail of all restoration work that needs to be completed at the end. Insist on full 'rental' payment up front, and refuse to negotiate on that.

I would also insist that they provide a returnable security deposit before starting that would more than cover all restoration in the event it is needed. It isn't unheard of for developers to go out of business, or to damage things that weren't planned to be damaged.

Remember that if you aren't pretty firm on this you could easily get shafted.

[Badger0-0]

Originally Posted by ChrisN

Cheers guys,

I think a "poker face" is the way to go. The work also affects the neighbours either side so I'll be trying to find out what they're getting offered as well.

My girlfriend does have the take 'em for every penny mentality and is already planning holidays, trips to Bluewater and a landscaped garden!!

I'd keep your nose out and let her do the deal then

I'd talk to your neighbours, as collectively you'll be able to hold out for more dough

[ChrisN]

Thanks everybody - All good advice

It'll be interesting to see what they offer this evening, the bloke on the phone seemed like a decent enough chap. I have already come up with a list of concerns so I don't lose my thread, maybe I'll do a forum poll once the offer is in

[Zef]

i know that my brother had a development next to him (they knocked down a large house and built another), they didnt need any access to his property, but he got 200 ft of new fencing on his property which was his responsibility. i know that would cost a fair bit, he didnt pay a thing.

I know its not that similar to your case but i guess you can get a fair bit of money or if not a nice bit of work done to your property ?. getting the work team to build you a nice extension or landscape your whole garden would be cheaper than a cash outlay ?.