Get out of my yard
Having moved into a new subdivision development has provided some interesting topics of discussion, such as the fact I am slowly annexing my neighbor’s yard through the use of strategic mowing. But I digress.
A house in the lot next to mine is well under way and it has caused me considerable grief. The following has occurred as a result of the construction:
When they were preparing the lot for framing, the pulled out some of my sod. When they finish placing sod next door, I plan on taking some of theirs to replace mine.
The bobcat driver dug up one of my sprinkler heads by mistake. I discovered this by turning on my sprinkler system and, to my surprise, a thirty foot column of water shot into the air. This annoyed me (and soaked my father in law). I bought a new sprinkler head and replaced it.
They have left various boards, cinder blocks, and assorted tools on my lawn. This has killed my grass in sections. Now, when I come home, I inspect the yard to make sure it is free of debris. They have also dumped clumps of dirt (from the bobcat) onto portions of my lawn, killing more of my grass.
Without my permission, they used my hose and my water. I wouldn’t mind but they lost the sprayer head for my hose (I figure it’s buried in the yard) and bent my hose in several spots.
The latest was last night. I’m preparing to mow and walk to my side yard and see an extension cord running from my outside outlet all the way across their lot. I follow the cord, and it just ends. Apparently, the got their equipment but left the cord. I then notice that there is no power hookup box on the lot. I assume that in addition to providing all the water needed for the house, I’ve also probably paid for all the electricity used to build the house.
I took the 100 foot extension cord, bundled it up, and placed it in my garage window for them to see. I want them to see that I have it and I want them to come get it. I may prepare a bill for them, I haven’t decided. I am currently content holding their extension cord hostage.
I am a petty man.
September 19th, 2003 at 12:35 pm
Humm . . .
Remember that show we were talking about at the Blogger’s Bash where we take wimpy guys and teach them to be real guys? “Real Guys for Wimpy Guys”? Assembling the proper ‘bloggers as the “Four Wheel Drive Five” and you had already been slotted as the barber (after revealing that you paint with a roller, not a spray gun)?
Now, with this story you have painted yourself into the corner of show guest!
Come on man! Stick up for yourself! Do something creative!
Step one: put that cord back then re-wire the supply to the outlet 220VAC (a wimp would just open the breaker).
Step two: before they lay their sod, rocksalt the soil. Not everywhere, make an interesting design like “Johnny Majors SUX” in the front yard. Be sure to cover the salt with a little dirt.
Step three: place all of their boards, cinder blocks and assorted crap that has been left in your yard back on the construction site. Be a good neighblor, leave it all in a stairwell above the first landing.
Step four: if they leave the bobcat out, make sure you move it someplace where it will not be stolen. Like the second floor.
Step five: give them a surprise gift while they are working – locking gas caps.
Step six: get a bull horn and yell “IMMIGRACIONE” just as the general contractor arrives to look over the job.
Step seven: I can’t do all the thinking, ask some of your friends for new ideas at “The Hitchin’ Post” on Clinton highway.
September 19th, 2003 at 12:41 pm
OMG, i laughed outloud at the IMMIGRACIONE bit! You owe me a coffee.
First, i don’t touch anything electric. I can combust without electricity involved, so why invite disaster.
If i rocksalt the soil, that just annoys the poor sap that buys the house. Not the builder.
I placed the boards in their yard. Next time, i will place them on their carpet i think.
I don’t have the code that starts the bobcat.
September 19th, 2003 at 1:46 pm
C’mon, man, you’re a libertarian! Litigate ferchrissakes! It’s the libertarian way!
*ducks*
September 19th, 2003 at 3:51 pm
Stake your property line off. Mark it very clearly (and accurately) so that you have your bases covered. Beyond that you can take digital pictures of any offending debris and whatnot and take it to the town planners or other local enforcement people if you want to go and get medaevel on their buh-tocks!
I’d avoid doing anything on their site that causes any actual damage. Keep to the moral high ground it’ll make suing them for all they’re worth easier. 😀
September 19th, 2003 at 5:29 pm
1. Buy a doberman.
2. Lay a turd on the seat of the bobcat. Yours or the dobie.
3. Put all debris that they leave in your yard out in the street in front of the house being built.
4. Give them all the water they can handle. Leave your hose on all night in the areas where they are going to work the next day.
5. I am petty too. How fun is that?!
September 19th, 2003 at 5:41 pm
Hehe! Now we’re just being mean.
September 20th, 2003 at 12:11 pm
Almost everything you’ve documented is against the law. A quick phone call to the building inspector (we don’t have them in most towns in Vermont but I understand you folks do…) should send him “flying” to hit them with warnings or fines.
Disconnect the wires to the outlet of course — if they didn’t have the courtesy to ask for permission, then they don’t have it.
But the technique I’d use if I found myself in the same situation is to start target practice when they’re working. Set up a range next door and start shooting at targets. They might actually get the message. Alas, this might also only be an option for folks in Vermont where local ordinances against firearm discharge are actually against the law!
And folks wonder why I live here…
September 21st, 2003 at 12:01 pm
You should have left the power cord in place…and chopped it into even pieces every 2-4 feet or so.
September 26th, 2003 at 3:36 am
Everything you’ve experienced is against the law.
And is so common, it is now passed down as urban legend.
Yeah, fight the contractors/subcontractors.
But DON’T take it out on your neighbors (ie., ruining their sod with salt — well, I guess they MIGHT complain and make the company pay for re-sodding). I doubt they (your neighbors) know (or approve of) what the contractors are doing.
Lay some heavy sh*t down on the sub/contractors. I’d start with some in-your-face complaining, to forestall further instances. Then I would DEFINITELY pursue other recompense (and getting digital photos is an excellent idea). If you haven’t already, start noting company names and license plates. Once your neighbors move in, ask ’em for the names of the sub/contractors. Write to those people and let them know you are willing to pursue the matters with higher authorities (they may come through with recompense to you, as opposed to losing their licensing for further work), and present ’em with bills: utility usage, property damage, etc.
You might very well be surprised at how much grease the squeaky will can get, especially when coupled with another party interested in covering it’s a*ss.
September 26th, 2003 at 3:46 am
Just a few more thoughts:
Contact the sub/contractors, and let them know you are willing to publicize their actions to the: local newspaper (especially if they have a “call for action” “consumer advocate” column, but such letters to the editor may be published on a slow news day), any realtor companies involved in the transaction, homebuilders certification board (this differs in name by locale, but should be easy to determine), state attorney general (I’ve used this threat for infractions by commercial enterprises, and, apparently, the thought of any audit or investigation by the A.G. leaves them quaking in their boots).
To wit, a little noise on your part could easily garner full recompense for damages, and the offenders will consider themselves lucky to not have their reputation publicly besmirched.
And they *might* just think twice before pulling the same stunt again — which means you get brownie points for serving as an advocate for your fellow citizens.