Any practical people out there ? Advice required.

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Radchenister

Veteran
Location
Avon
PS - learn to be robust along the way hombres ;) !


View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=xW1fXL3s7bk#
!
 
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pubrunner

pubrunner

Legendary Member
Conclusion after 50 replies - whack in a big post.

Brilliant, wish I'd thought of that.

Incorrect, actually !

I've just had a builder come and look at the damage. He made a full inspection. He told me that 'if a big post is whacked in', there is the likelihood that another part of the fence or wall could be damaged in the future as the problem would just be 'transferred along the fence' to the next weak point. He said (as a few have already commented) that the design is simply 'not fit for purpose' since the fence is 'very exposed to the wind', being in such an open area and on the side of a hill.

His solution is to put in extra support posts (right along the fence), behind the original ones. He says that these should be sunk in concrete, 2 feet deep, with at least 6 inches of concrete around each post. The 'new' posts should then be securely attached to the 'old' posts. He said that even this kind of repair was merely 'making the most of a bad job'. To be fair, he didn't criticise the original builder's work; he stated that it was simply the wrong solution in the first place.
 

Spinney

Bimbleur extraordinaire
Location
Back up north
IHe said (as a few have already commented) that the design is simply 'not fit for purpose' since the fence is 'very exposed to the wind', being in such an open area and on the side of a hill.
...
To be fair, he didn't criticise the original builder's work; he stated that it was simply the wrong solution in the first place.

I would have hoped that a competent builder would be able to spot 'the wrong solution' before laying bricks, however nicely!
 
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pubrunner

pubrunner

Legendary Member
Be aware that doing the remedial work yourself may invalidate any further related claim should more issues arise. That said, if it were me, I'd do the repairs myself and then invoice the builder.

^^^ That might be the best thing to do.

When the builders made their first 'repair', a few years back, I sent them a scathing letter which had the pic below (& my comments) attached.

Even at my most inept and after many pints of Guinness, I could have done better. I am serious, this is what passed as their 'repair' work. Following my complaint, they fixed it again and it lasted until yesterday morning.

I have (very) little confidence, in an effective repair being carried out by this company. Their website states . . .
'New architecture is blended into the local scene and then landscaping features are added to further enhance the quality of life for residents.'

Yes, the fence panel blends nicely into my lawn. ^_^

'Innovative products are keenly sought out for inclusion in the construction'.

They're having a laugh !

'Number one priority is always given to quality. All new homes are guaranteed by the NHBC Buildmark Warranty'

Stop laughing, at the back :laugh:

'Because (company name) have listened to their customers' requirements and planned accordingly, we are confident of creating your ideal home.'

Sadly, despite the promises of their secretary, they don't return phone calls, or answer emails.

Want a laugh ? Check out this pic below - so bad, it's funny.
Wall Repair.jpg
 
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pubrunner

pubrunner

Legendary Member
Unless your deeds say something else, Pubrunner - and they might - the legal presumption is that a retaining wall belongs to and is the responsibility of the land it retains. If the fence above it was built at the same time, the assumption again is that it goes with the ownership of the wall below. And another assumption is that the good side of a fence is on the owner's side, because the fence posts usually go on the boundary and the fence is fastened to it by the owner from his own side.

To my mind, your comments make sense.

Our property details have a little 'T' mark, along the line that the wall and fence lies - thus making it our responsibility.

It seems entirely unfair, that I should have to maintain my neighbour's retaining wall - all to no benefit to me ! :sad:
 

ASC1951

Guru
Location
Yorkshire
Our property details have a little 'T' mark, along the line that the wall and fence lies - thus making it our responsibility.
With the T on your side of the boundary?
It seems entirely unfair, that I should have to maintain my neighbour's retaining wall - all to no benefit to me ! :sad:
But usually your other boundary would then be your neighbour's, so if the slope continues he will have the same disadvantage.
 
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