a tricky question!

[be96erj]

This is a question for very experienced builders/engineers/technicians.

My next door neighbour's house is built on what I believe to be artificially raised land i.e it has been illegally built. However the houses were built about 90 years ago, so it was not done by the present occupants.

I am now looking to build an extension, however when digging the foundations, the house next door could collapse because of artificial height!

My question is this- who is liable, if my neighbours house collapses? Me as I am building the extension or my neighbour? Note, that this would not be an issue if my neighbours house was not built on the same level as my house!

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tony1851]

You would be liable, pure and simple.

 

[noseall]

Even if your neighbours land was artificially raised, the foundations will be on solid ground.

This does not necessarily mean that they go as deep as you need them to be, nor should you expect them to be.

If it is the case that you risk undermining their foundations then you will have to take measures to ensure there is no risk of damage I.e. hit and miss foundation dig etc.

 

[tony1851]

This is a question for very experienced builders/engineers/technicians

No - perhaps it's a question for lawyers!

 

[kazuya]

so the house has stood there quite happily for 90 years
your going to dig around near its foundations
and if it falls down you think you can somehow pass the blame?

amazing

 

[RonnyRaygun]

Find an engineer who can design foundations / temporary works that will ensure your neighbour's house does not collapse.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

This seems appropriate

 

[jeds]

You neighbour has a legal right of support. If you undermine that support, even on your own land, you will be liable.