Outta 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.
August 4th, 2005 at 8:46 am
All of those things are highly unacceptable, and I’d have been pissed to no end.
Take pictures of everything, and present them a bill for $5k for your services provided.
August 4th, 2005 at 9:53 am
Piss in their basement every night.
The smell will never go away.
August 4th, 2005 at 10:15 am
BRAVO, a classic tale. I wouldnt charge them a thing, but smile at my new $30.00 100ft cord…8)
BT
August 4th, 2005 at 10:29 am
Yea I would keep the extension cord, when they ask for it back, tell them it is yours with a smile on your face.
If they say that it is not yours, say then how did it get in your grarage if you did not buy it and put it there.
They cannot confess and they cannot accuse you of stealing their cord because that would amount to confessing.
If they get really upset, just wave your guns around.
Also, if they are petty but dirty they may attempt to steal the cord back. I would hang one end out the winddow and tie the other end to you dog.
cube
August 4th, 2005 at 10:38 am
“I am a petty man.”
so far you have shown remarkable restraint. Assuming you don’t have an owner builder, your beef is with the construction compony. I’d consider shutting off the water and the outside outlets when I left for work in the morning. I’d also put a web cam in the window.
August 4th, 2005 at 11:18 am
Way to go, SayUncle.
August 4th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
yeah, I’m sure Sarah Brady is amazed that you didn’t shoot up the place. Maybe you only pretend to own all those bullet hoses?
August 4th, 2005 at 2:24 pm
Isn’t this a re-run from over a year ago?
Here is how you handle it, again:
Re-wire the 110v outlet to 220v.
Pour rocksalt into the dirt under the sod that says “Roll Tide” or “Vandy Rules”.
Take the Bobcat apart and reassemble it on the second floor of the new house.
Wire up a loudspeaker in the back yard of the house under construction. When the General Contractor arrives out front (he drives the shiny, clean truck) broadcast “IMMIGRACIONE” from the speaker and watch the laborers stampede the GC.
Distribute fliers where teenagers gather announcing a rave at the address in question beginning on a Friday. Have the wife pass the fliers out, they will pay attention to a star of “Friends”.
Bonus added at the end 🙂
August 5th, 2005 at 4:46 pm
A construction crew in my area tapped my hose, filled up a water tank truck I guess. Snagged 4000 gallons during one month. I had a plumber come in & install an inside shut-off valve. I have come home twice now to my hose being off the outside connection and the exterior valve open as they tried again. I wish I had a camera to see the look on their faces.