Side extension with neighbour, who is also the builder

[SK1987]

Ive got permission from council to do a wrap around extension on my semi detached. Architect is currently preparing building regs drawings. My neighbour has since approached us and said he wants to do the same and it would be beneficial for us to do it all together e.g. the foundations and build. I agree BUT my concern is, he is the builder, he will be doing his own house aswell as mine(if I agree of course). I keep thinking his focus will be on his house more than mine. With him being my neighbour, I'd have to think twice about how I address any issues.. whats your thoughts? Am I over thinking it?

Gosh no. I'd have the same concerns.

Any issues could be tricky when you live next door.

I think you'd have to have a decent contract between you and an honest conversation of your concerns if they are to do the work.

Few things I recently learned from our kitchen extension; go and see his previous work recommendations and feedback from three previous clients at least.. even if you use your neighbour. Bear in mind if anything goes wrong withthe work will you want to move house? Hating your next-door neighbour or having difficulty with them is no fun. At least if it’s somebody you don’t know and you have to have difficult conversations it’s not your next-door neighbour. I once had a friend husband to do a bath for me and he completely botched it up and it ruined our friendship… Finally would say if he has a team of people , e.g. electricians plumbers, uses go with them, as we got our own separate from the builders team and got ripped off..

I think you’re right, it’s like mixing money with friends, it’s just not a good idea.

How much is he proposing he’d save you? Why would it be cheaper? If not cheaper, what’s in it for you?

Conflict of interest shouts out to me. No one to challenge what they’re doing next door, no one to advocate for your rights and protections.

Id be really honest and tell him that whilst you appreciate the thought, it makes you feel vulnerable so will proceed with getting quotes.

No I wouldn’t take him on board he’s your neighbour and best to keep him as just that

I wouldn’t trust his costs you’ll probably end up paying for his materials as well as yours

but as an architect I am very cynical

Get quotes from others.

@Pancakeflipper @Plantatreetoday @SlieveMiskish @SunnySideDeepDown thank you all for replying, this is really helpful and has definitely aided in me making a decision. His side already has a single storey extension which he was planning on knocking down, maybe I could suggest we wait until he is ready to start his so it makes the builds easier for both of us? Obvs if I start mine before him there'll be disruption to his and then if he does his after mine, I'd be worried too. How can I go about reaching a compromise? Whats the best way round this? Or should I not care and start when I went?

How will your extension disrupt him and his you? We had a large wrap around extension several years ago and it didn’t affect any of our neighbours including the adjoining property.

So he isn't my adjoining neighbour. He is the other side, and we both are doing side extensions. But he currently has a single storey side which he is planning to knock down and build again double storey. I just thought from a practical build view it would make sense if both groundworks on the side are done at the same time seen as they are directly next to each other? Im not builder so no idea if what im saying makes any sense lol

I would just crack on as though he’d never informed you he wants to do similar. If you wait, you could be waiting forever.

What if his finances change? Health changes? Changes his mind?

I've seen it work when the properties are attached so that both extensions are built as a single entity (and using an independent builder!!), but I can't see any benefit when the properties are not attached.

I think it would just make everything more complicated. There is no reason why you both can't build independent extensions at the same time.

I’d just start when you want
His Extension will be more disruptive if you’re doing both at the same time with him doing his and your builder doing yours

If he damages your works how can you prove that for example. Where’s if yours is finished he has to take more care,