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Original poster

Neighbours scaffolding drilled into my house

30 replies

52andblue · 05/01/2022 17:08

My neighbours scaffolders arrived Christmas Eve at 8am. Very noisy. I went out to move my car as they were chucking stuff around. I spoke to them as the scaffolding was being erected in the gap between our houses (about 5ft). I said I didn't want any scaffolding on my house. Later they drilled into the sandstone of my house and put in a steel hook which they have attached some scaffolding to. They'd gone before I saw it. Neighbours nowhere to be seen, presumed away (not answering door).
Today I see them. Pleasant hellos all around. I ask when scaffolding coming down- they don't know & comment how noisy it was for them and it becomes clear they've been home all along. I say I'm not happy with the hook which will leave a hole and they tell me to 'take it up with the scaffolders'. I say that's not MY place and I'd like it sorted. No reassurance or apology forthcoming.
AIBU to take a pic, and write to the neighbours rather than the scaffolders? Neighbour is older but does DIY - quite happy for him to fill hole but would like it sorted out soon.

OP posts:
HavfrueDenizKisi · 05/01/2022 17:17

Bloody hell that's a big big no. I've had scaffolding poles with caps leant against our house when neighbours had work but I've never heard of them drilling a hook in.

I'd write a stern letter to the neighbours claiming damage to your house which they must have removed forthwith and make good.

That's absolutely not on.

Lazydaisydaydream · 05/01/2022 17:19

I would write to the neighbours and send a copy of the letter to the builders. That way they know not to carry on doing work affecting your property without permission in writing as your neighbours have obviously lied to them and said you’ve given permission.

WorriedGiraffe · 05/01/2022 17:20

I would take it up with both the neighbours and the scaffolders, because whilst they should sort it, if they don’t it’s only you that looses out.

eagerlywaitingfor · 05/01/2022 17:25

I'd be absolutely livid about that. Do you know the name of the scaffolding firm?

Galliano · 05/01/2022 17:32

I think this is criminal damage as the scaffolder has intentionally damaged your property in a way that requires a repair which will presumably not put the sandstone back to how it was. I’d be tempted to have a go at reporting to the police although I admit it’s unlikely to get you far.

DerAlteMann · 05/01/2022 17:33

You don't employ the scaffolders, they do. It's their problem, they have to deal with it and, on the basis of their reaction so far, I'd be reaching for my solicitors. Professional inspection of the damage to your property and the cost of making good is the least I'd be asking for.

user1471538283 · 05/01/2022 17:34

Good god that's damage. Your neighbors have to sort this out!

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 05/01/2022 17:35

I would be beyond angry with this, especially as you told the builder not to be near your house!

It annoys me that our neighbours use our house to bang their ice scraper in the winter.

TeaStory · 05/01/2022 17:40

Do you have legal cover as part of your house insurance? It might be worth phoning for advice.

Loudestcat14 · 05/01/2022 17:45

@52andblue

My neighbours scaffolders arrived Christmas Eve at 8am. Very noisy. I went out to move my car as they were chucking stuff around. I spoke to them as the scaffolding was being erected in the gap between our houses (about 5ft). I said I didn't want any scaffolding on my house. Later they drilled into the sandstone of my house and put in a steel hook which they have attached some scaffolding to. They'd gone before I saw it. Neighbours nowhere to be seen, presumed away (not answering door). Today I see them. Pleasant hellos all around. I ask when scaffolding coming down- they don't know & comment how noisy it was for them and it becomes clear they've been home all along. I say I'm not happy with the hook which will leave a hole and they tell me to 'take it up with the scaffolders'. I say that's not MY place and I'd like it sorted. No reassurance or apology forthcoming. AIBU to take a pic, and write to the neighbours rather than the scaffolders? Neighbour is older but does DIY - quite happy for him to fill hole but would like it sorted out soon.
They need to remove the hook asap – they are using your house to support theirs. Our neighbour wanted to do – we also have a gap between the houses – and we checked with our building insurers who said hell no, because it would make our property a part of their building site.

Don't bloody well wait to write – go round to see the neighbour and tell them they are bang out of order.

Loudestcat14 · 05/01/2022 17:45

Sorry, meant "our neighbour wanted to do this…"

Solodreamer · 05/01/2022 17:46

Your neighbours aren't at fault. They didn't put the scaffolding up. The scaffold company should sort.

Loudestcat14 · 05/01/2022 17:47

Solodreamer But the neighbours are the client and need to pass on the complaint and take it seriously. It's their building project, their liability.

Georgeskitchen · 05/01/2022 17:49

Take photos and get some legal advice

Chloemol · 05/01/2022 18:12

I would go to the scaffolding company and tell them you advised when they were putting it up they were not to touch your property. However they ignored you and have drilled into it.

They can come to the property and immediately remove the scaffolding from your property and make good the damage they have caused

LowlandLucky · 05/01/2022 18:19

DH is a scaffolder, he says the Scaff's are in the wrong, he says take photos and when they turn up to take the scaffolding down take photos of them and their vehicles. Tell them you will be contacting the council( may stop them getting future permits) and take them to the small claims court if they don't pick up the bill for fixing the problem.

Foolsrule · 05/01/2022 18:47

I’d be making a huge complaint to the scaffolders, who have caused who knows what damage to your property! In fact, I’d probably want a survey carried out to prove that they hadn’t caused any structural damage. How dare they?!

GrandmasCat · 05/01/2022 18:57

After dealing with plenty of scaffolders in the last few years, I have some bad news for you:

They won’t repair the hole after they finish, and if the hole is high enough, you may need scaffolding and therefore further holes to sort it out and that will cost a lot (For my house, I get quoted between £1000 and £8,000 depending on the scoundrel I am dealing with).

So I would suggest to complain to the company (cc: your neighbour) as you had not given them consent to drill your walls.

They may sort it, they may not, but if the hole later starts letting water in, you may be able to send them the repair bill.

rrhuth · 05/01/2022 18:59

Yes take photos and start getting more assertive about this - they have damaged your property.

LarryTheLurker · 05/01/2022 19:01

@DerAlteMann

You don't employ the scaffolders, they do. It's their problem, they have to deal with it and, on the basis of their reaction so far, I'd be reaching for my solicitors. Professional inspection of the damage to your property and the cost of making good is the least I'd be asking for.
This. It is entirely down to your neighbours, not the scaffolders. The neighbours are liable and make sure they know it.

Also demand the hook is removed immediately.

Beebumble2 · 05/01/2022 19:56

As previous poster said contact the legal service that is with your house insurance. This is criminal damage and your neighbours are responsible as they have employed the scaffolders. Take dated photos
I would be furious.

IHateCoronavirus · 05/01/2022 20:06

Bloody hell op. Document everything and don’t let it rest until it is sorted.

Hohofortherobbers · 05/01/2022 22:12

Can you use the party wall agreement to kick up a stink? Suggest to neighbours that the surveyer will need to be contacted to inspect this damage at their cost? It might prompt some remedial action sooner.

caringcarer · 05/01/2022 22:48

Go to a solicitor. Show them photos. Tell solicitor you want the scaffolding removed from your property, damage made good and compensation for legal fees.