Neighbours Scaffolding

[ineedastrongercoffee]

Our neighbours have scaffolding around their house at the moment. Some of it extends over into our property, approximately 2 feet across our boundary across my DD's bedroom window (she is 3.5). I would struggle to open one of the windows as it would hit the scaffolding poles & planks.

Neighbours gave no warning that this would be done. They have my phone number, we've messaged about some things before. Very cordial normally, but our houses are set out very oddly. Our front doors are on different streets (corner house) so we actually very rarely see them.

I was a bit miffed about the scaffolding but didn't get too worked up about it, would have preferred that they'd mentioned it but I hate confrontation so just left it.

My Brother seems to incandescent with rage on my behalf, telling me that they insist it's taken down, it's trespassing etc etc.

Now I'm not going to do that, but I don't want to be a pushover either.

In the same circumstances would you go around and say something or just leave it?

Doesn’t seem worth the outrage imo, maybe they had no intention of it over-sailing slightly onto your property and the scaffolders made the error.
I’m sure there will be times you need grace from them.

I mean if it meant I struggled to open a window I would of course say something. I think it's a bit weird that you're ok with it

What are yhey having done? ie how long is it going to be up ?

I came on thinking this was something to do with the TV show! 😅

Are the upright poles on your land too? I would mention it not from a confrontation way but pointing out it has happened – they might not be aware, as it’s the scaffolders who put it up, not them.

Cite specific concerns:
• Can’t open DD’s window to air the room
• Are they going to be working over the boundary line and potentially damage your house – dropped debris on your windows, paving, garden, etc, knocking gutters when removing the scaffold
• Is it blocking any access – would DD’s window be a fire escape? What about ground floor?
• Length of time it’s going to be there
• What’s their plan to pay for any clean-up needed to your property – house and garden – after the scaffolding comes down, eg touching up render/paint, clearing debris from flowerbeds, etc

Take photos from all angles too.

I wouldn't say anything as it's only temporary and I wouldn't be too worked up about it. I also don't tend to open my dc bedroom window atm especially as it's raining every other day.

Scaffolders are a breed of their own. They come in and do the job. They don’t tell you when they will arrive, when they do they don’t bother to knock. You can ask them not to put boards and poles all over your flower beds, they’ll nod ok, and then put boards and poles all over your flower beds. Then the only reason you know they have gone is because the noise has stopped.

So I suspect your neighbours didn’t even know that their scaffolding would intrude onto your space, and are as surprised as you.

For various reasons, I am on my third set of scaffolders this year. First set was to fix the chimney, they arrived with insufficient materials, did a bodge job and broke the ridge tiles on the roof.

Husband was a Scaffolder, he says tell the Scaffies to replace the tube and board that is blocking the window, it is illegal to block a window.

I think it's worth mentioning that you have noticed this, because it will remind them to take more care when communicating with their tradesmen. Whilst this lack of discussion with you is probably OK to live with, the next one might not be!

As @slowquickstep says, they've blocked an escape route in event of a fire. They need to move it.

I would want to see the scaffolders Public Liability Insurance, and I would want any overhanging scaffolding to be netted so nothing can fall into your land.