♭04 "I think my fence is leaning because of the construction next door" -- What I told them first
"My concrete block fence seems to have started leaning due to the construction next door. What should I do?"
One day, I received a phone call from someone who follows my note.
*I did not ask
how they found my phone number.
When I listened to their story,
"I thought that if I read your note, you might be able to give me some advice..."
they said.
It seems they have even purchased my book (here).
I am grateful, but
at the same time, I was a little surprised.
However, the area where they live
is not within my day-trip range.
Since I cannot check the site in person,
"I cannot go to the site.
I will speak to you based on general principles with that understanding"
I said, and after that disclaimer,
I decided to listen to their story.
The first thing that concerned me after hearing the story
Organizing the consultation details, the situation was as follows:
* New construction is underway on the adjacent property
* There was a greeting before construction started
* However, no house survey was conducted
* Ground improvement work was being carried out
* It has now progressed to the framing stage
* They are not getting a response even when they speak to people at the site
* The block fence is thought to be over 30 years old
The first thing that concerned me was,
**"No pre-construction survey was conducted"**
that point.
Of course,
it has not been determined that the cause of the fence leaning is the construction on the adjacent property.
If it is an old concrete block wall, it is possible that the cause is aging or ground subsidence.
In the first place, I cannot make any definitive statements as I have not seen the site.
However,
that is precisely why a pre-construction survey is important.
If the condition before construction was recorded,
"Was it already tilted before construction?"
"Did it change after construction?"
can be compared.
However, in this case, there is no such record.
I felt that this would be a major point of contention
in the future.
## What I told them
First of all, I conveyed the following points.
* I cannot verify the site
* I do not have any engineers nearby that I can introduce
* The content of this phone call cannot be used as evidence in court, etc.
* This is merely advice based on general principles
After obtaining their understanding on those points,
"First, please contact the construction company formally"
I told them.
There is no need to get emotional.
Just convey the facts.
"I started to notice the tilt of the fence during the construction period"
"I would like you to check the current situation once"
"If possible, I would like to request an investigation"
that is.
If the construction company responds in good faith, that is the best outcome.
## What if they don't respond?
As a next step,
an investigation by a third-party expert
needs to be considered.
Then, the person seeking advice asked,
"How should I go about finding a reliable expert?"
I replied with a general suggestion,
as follows:
"Please try consulting your local architects association."
I answered.
An inspector might also be able to conduct an investigation.
However, if you consider the possibility that discussions with the construction company might drag on in the future, or that it might develop into mediation or a lawsuit, there are situations where the ability to provide technical explanations is required.
Therefore, I believe that
* Someone who can also design themselves * Someone who also performs construction supervision * Someone who also has practical experience in construction work
is a desirable type of architectural engineer.
Of course, when hiring someone,
you must not forget to confirm the scope of the investigation and the costs in advance.
This is what I told them.
## Actually, there are quite a few block walls that are concerning
Upon receiving this consultation, I remembered something again.
In my own daily life, I sometimes see block walls that I think,
"That's a bit concerning..."
I see them from time to time.
For example,
* Walls that look thin
* Walls where no buttress walls are visible
* Walls that tilt differently on the left and right sides of an opening
* Walls that are clearly tilting
* Walls with large cracks
and so on.
Of course, you cannot judge just by looking from the outside.
However, I feel that there are quite a few cases where they are left as they are for many years in a concerning state.
## If you find a dangerous wall nearby
There is no need to pressure the owner or point it out forcefully.
However,
"This might be dangerous"
if you think so, there is also the option of consulting the building department of your municipality.
The collapse of a block wall can lead to accidents involving human life in some cases.
That is precisely why,
I would like you to take an interest not only from the perspective of trouble with construction on neighboring land,
but also from the perspective of regional safety.
As for the person who consulted me this time, I have no choice but to watch over the subsequent progress.
The only thing I can say is,
**"I spoke up the moment I noticed it"**
is what I mean.
The longer you leave a problem,
the harder it becomes to solve.
"It might just be my imagination"
Even if you think that,
first, ask for a factual confirmation.
Isn't that the first step to preventing major regrets later on?
If you have similar concerns, please send them via the "Question Box" located below the [Follower Count Display] at the top of this page.
=========================
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