Home Construction Help

michika · #1 12-08-2010, 06:37 PM

I'd be asking for it for the sake of principle.

When our neighbours bought their home they were encroaching on our property (their shed, fence, deck, hot tub) and we went through the lawyer circus as they wanted us to sign an encroachment agreeement AND sell them the strip of land they're stuff is on. Long story short their lawyer was a douche and we said no more, refused to sign anything, and said we want their stuff off of our property. The reason we didn't sell to them the 5" strip that our neighbours needed was because they sent their cranky lawyer over first rather then coming to talk to us directly. Those same neighbours are trying to sell their house right now with little success because of this issue.

Save all that stuff you've gotten so far because this may sort itself out now, but when you go to sell it may pop back up.

sphelps · #2 12-09-2010, 04:22 PM

So I spoke with the owner of the property next door and he's willing to make a deal for 3" of dirt. Not sure what he wants for it yet but I'm sure it won't be cheap.

I also have to resurvey both properties to make sure a boundary adjustment will work before we do anything more. Then I need to evolve the county which will also apparently involve fees. Next get everything in writing and involve a lawyer $$. Then resurvey both properties again with the new adjustments and finally have the new surveys approved by the county.

This isn't going to be much cheaper than the alternative but the end result will be way better. I just hope it all works out, the offer expires on the 14th and another buyer is waiting on the side lines so hopefully I can get most of this organized before then so I'm positive it'll work out.

michika · #3 12-09-2010, 04:54 PM

This sounds like the best option for you though. I hope your new neighbour will let it go for a reasonable price.

sphelps · #4 12-09-2010, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by michika

This sounds like the best option for you though. I hope your new neighbor will let it go for a reasonable price.

Yeah I calculated the price for sq foot based on the lot price and it comes to around $700 for what I need. Realistically he wouldn't notice a difference as it's only 3" and I'd even offer to cover the cost of installing a fence (which has to be a 3' chain link due to community regulations) and position slightly more on my side so it would really be undetectable. I'd also offer him $1000 rather than the $700 just to make it more worth while for him. However he's the owner of Douglas Homes Builders and I've been told by my realtor (works for him) he can be difficult to deal with and will likely want a substantial amount for the land just cause he knows the situation I'm in.

sphelps · #5 12-09-2010, 08:47 PM

Yeah so the guy wants $10,000 for 3" from his 7 foot side yard. Some people are just dinks.

Parker · #6 12-09-2010, 09:12 PM

If things do work out in your favor I don't envy you having to live beside that guy! The neightbor behind me is a dick, so I know what it can be like.

sphelps · #7 12-09-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parker

If things do work out in your favor I don't envy you having to live beside that guy! The neightbor behind me is a dick, so I know what it can be like.

Yeah I agree but he's not a permanent resident. The guy owns the building company that built the house, the house is done but hasn't been listed for sale yet. He's staying in the house until his new house is done in Chestermere which as far as I know is still several months away. So if I did move in at least I know he won't be around for long, unfortunately I won't be able to wait on the issue so I'm stuck either removing windows and reinforcing walls or paying $10K.

I think I'm going to call the owner of the actual community, from what I've heard the guy is awesome to deal with and is trying to promote a friendly and social environment. I don't think he'll be too thrilled one of his builders is trying to screw one of his potential new residents.