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Need to use neighbor's land to access remodel - what is customary

16 years ago

Hi - The only way we can access our backyard for our addition is if we can use our neighbor's side yard to get the equipment in and out (our urban lot is fairly deep, because we have no alley, but narrow). Fortunately we have a very good relationship with the neighbor in question, and she wants us to stay and add on, rather than move. Has anyone else had to do this? What is customary to reimburse the neighbor for this inconvenience? We will of course repair and replace the lawn and the section of fence that will have to be taken down. She is on a fixed income, and I would be willing to pay her for the access (although I'm not sure she'll accept it). Is that usual? And if so, how much should I offer to pay? Mitigating factors: it will be on the garage side of her house, won't block her access to house or garage, but will force relocation of her vegetable patch (which I am going to do myself - build her a nice raised bed with good soil somewhere else). Any guidance would be appreciated!

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Comments (6)

lazypup
16 years ago
I don't think there is a customary procedure here, because every situation presents a new set of problems. Fortunately for you, you do get along well with this neighbor and she is interested in your remaining in the house so that generally makes negotiations much simpler to deal with.

It goes without saying that you would be required to return the property to its original condition when you complete your job. Whether or not you will be required to pay an access fee is totally dependent upon your relationship with the neighbor by example, I have one neighbor that would say "not no, but Hell no at any price", while the neighbor on the opposite side would be offended by an offer of paying.

My best guess is that if you offer her the raised bed garden in place of her vegetable patch she may think that is payment enough, but who is to say? The only thing you know for certain is that you won't know until you discuss it with her.
xracer
16 years ago
be nice, bring cookies and offer to pay any damage.remember she doent have to let you cross.
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We are proposing a plan to expand our deck which will require we remove a walkway and lake access to bring in a crane. We are going to replace the walkway, level it (it was wonky before) and upgrade the replacement material, as well as buy a couple of picnic tables for the associations general use. It sounds like, on a scale appropriate to your project, you're doing the same thing for your neighbor. I think you're doing fine. I'd be extra careful to ensure that people take care when in her "space" perhaps by putting up a temporary fence or something. Sometimes the workers are less considerate than you and I might be, and you don't want that to be a problem for her. And when it's all said and done, buy her a lovely gift or flowers as a final thank you :) Oh and it occurs to me that if she won't take money for the deed (which is sweet) how about a gift card to a garden store she might like so that she can outfit her new raised beds???
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caligirl_cottage
16 years ago
We're doing this right now; using our neighbors driveway and side fence to get materials through to our addition. Firstly, we have made sure that the contractor, subs, suppliers, etc. KNOW that this is not our property and is being offered as a courtesy, so they are likewise to be courteous to our neighbor. We've had hiccups about giving notice about trucks and one of them ran over his sewer clean-out. These kinds of things should be immediately resolved, and our contractor usually gives him beer or something to smooth things over. Beer works for my neighbor, but yours sounds like she has her favorite things. If you know them, be sure to take care of them, like her vegetable patch (and add in something decorative too!). COMMUNICATE and be gracious. I've not heard of offering payment, but like you, I'm planning on returning things to their previous condition, and I also put some new gravel down on his worn driveway early on.

So far, so good!
bus_driver
16 years ago
A good restoration of the neighbor's property is the first priority. For example, taking them to a great restaurant and then doing sloppy restoration will not be good for the long run. And need for access in the future might also occur.
allison1888
16 years ago
I agree that restoration is important, then add in fresh baked cookies now and then, flowers or a gift certificate for a dinner out. Also, how about offering (or just doing) a few yard clean up chores for the neighbor-- trimming bushes in the front yard, raking, etc. Here's an interesting article on creating a vegetable bed. Could come in handy when you're done!

Here is a link that might be useful: gardening tips
dchall_san_antonio
16 years ago
Our neighbor used our gravel driveway to put in a pool. She restored the driveway to new and threw in a really nice wheelbarrow.

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