Should I be concerned? Neighbor issues.

[Vigo]

So, I know I have complained about my neighbors on here in the past, the ones that chopped down my fence on me years ago. Issues seem to always come up with them. I don't know if I should be concerned about this one or what, but their house is ridiculously close to my property. Just inches, butting right up to my driveways and shed, and only about 8 feet away from my house.

My wife called me today to tell me that a contractor came to our door and said they are spray painting our neighbors house today and need her to move our car so they can work from our driveway. They are spray painting oil paint on the exterior and there is no room on the neighbor property side to work from.

My wife hasn't done anything yet, but we are concerned on a number of levels. First, it is windy and the direction of the wind is directly towards our house. I am worried about overspray on our property. We have landscaping right on the property edge. Also, I am concerned about my motorcycle. It is very, very heavy, and my wife won't be able to move it. I don't want random people touching my motorcycle either.

Second, my wife is home with our infant son, and I am worried about the fumes from the oil paint. My wife asked if they could roll the paint on instead, but they haven't come back and agreed to that.

These neighbors screwed me over multiple times now, so I don't owe them any favors, but I hate to take it out on the contractor in the process. Any suggestions on what I should do?

[Donkbaca]

I suggest you move

[Vigo]

I suggest you move

Been thinking that for years. 

[Turvey]

I would have thought any decent contractor would erect scaffolding around the house and put up tarps around the scaffold to stop any excess paint blowing all over the place.

[ed12]

just tell them NO PERIOD
it is your land not there's

ed

[Blanka]

Tell the neighbour that rolling is better quality than spraying.

[ChadTower]

Tell them they are not allowed to set foot on your property until they have discussed their exact work plan with you.  Don't forget that you are liable for them if they become injured on your property.  You didn't hire them so there is no benefit to you to risk that.  Before you consider letting them stand on your property make sure they are properly licensed and insured.  This almost sounds like the beginning of a typical personal injury scam.

[Vigo]

Yeah, I am leaning towards a blanket "No" on this one, but I can understand how the property line makes it difficult for a contractor, I don't want to just be a ---tallywhacker--- about it.

I would have thought any decent contractor would erect scaffolding around the house and put up tarps around the scaffold to stop any excess paint blowing all over the place.

My neighbor's have a knack for finding "cut-rate" contractors. The vehicles they bring on site don't even have a company name on them. They just pop in and do everything in one day. I guess they taped off the windows this morning, but that is it.

Tell them they are not allowed to set foot on your property until they have discussed their exact work plan with you.  Don't forget that you are liable for them if they become injured on your property.  You didn't hire them so there is no benefit to you to risk that.  Before you consider letting them stand on your property make sure they are properly licensed and insured.  This almost sounds like the beginning of a typical personal injury scam.

Thanks for that one, I will be sure to do that, or at least rely that to the wife. since I am at work. That is a REALLY valid point

[ChadTower]

If you do decide to be a tallywhacker about it make sure you use that word several times in the conversation.

[Nephasth]

---fudgesicle--- the --missioncontrol-- neighbors!

[ChadTower]

---fudgesicle--- the --missioncontrol-- neighbors!

He will have all of new social problems once he's had them naked.

[spoot]

If you do decide to be a tallywhacker about it make sure you use that word several times in the conversation.

And don't forget to tally the number of times tallywhacker is said.   

[Dervacumen]

I'd call up your insurance company and ask them about your potential liability.  Then I'd take pictures of the side of your house and anything else you think might be affected.  I'd also get a copy of the painting contractor's insurance stating you as an additional insured.  If they can't give you that, I'd politely explain that you can't allow them on your property because of the liability, not to mention the over spray.  If they know what they're doing, they'll know how to do the job without affecting the surrounding property.

[Vigo]

Thanks for that. So the insurance should show the names or address of the property they are insured to work on? I highly doubt they have us on there.

[Mikezilla]

Tell them they are not allowed to set foot on your property until they have discussed their exact work plan with you.  Don't forget that you are liable for them if they become injured on your property.  You didn't hire them so there is no benefit to you to risk that.  Before you consider letting them stand on your property make sure they are properly licensed and insured.  This almost sounds like the beginning of a typical personal injury scam.

 

Then if that doesnt work, go with Donks advice... get the hell out of there.

I dont mean to thread jack, but I just want to say I hate neighbors. I wish I could afford something rural so I dont have to deal with anyone, but I work too far from everything.

Man I hate ---smurfy--- neighbors. Im dealing with one myself. I have a stupid olive tree in my front yard, and the branches hang over the neighbors side and occasionally drop olives on to her drive way. She flips out and kicks the olives every time one falls onto her driveway, I swear she watches for them. I sweep them up when I get off of work but I guess this morning a branch fell and kind of fell on the cables running from her house. Well she flipped out and called SDGE (local power company) and they left me a bunch of messages on my phone. Along with hers. Bottom line is that people are annoying.

[Necro]

Well....she could, technically, just cut those branches back if she hated it that bad. 

[Mikezilla]

Well....she could, technically, just cut those branches back if she hated it that bad. 

See, thats what I thought too. Im a new homeowner, so I didnt really know how that works to be honest. She blew up my phone at work and left me all kinds of messages. The stupid bank I work for says that Im a manager, and it has my direct line on the banks website. 

[ChadTower]

Well obviously the way to solve that is to plant more olive trees on the property line.

[Necro]

I suggest buying cans of olives and dumping them all over her yard/sidewalk.  Like...hundreds of cans. 

[Vigo]

I suggest buying cans of olives and dumping them all over her yard/sidewalk.  Like...hundreds of cans. 

  Leave some of the can labels on the ground next to the olives, just to make it more obvious. (Don't leave a whole can if you value your windows)


Yeah, your neighbor can trim back anything on her side of the property, unless you have some wacky city ordinances. She should be able to take care of it herself. Of course, you might end up with a d-bag neighbor who makes the tree look crippled in the process just to spite you.

[Hoopz]

I'd call up your insurance company and ask them about your potential liability.  Then I'd take pictures of the side of your house and anything else you think might be affected.  I'd also get a copy of the painting contractor's insurance stating you as an additional insured.  If they can't give you that, I'd politely explain that you can't allow them on your property because of the liability, not to mention the over spray.  If they know what they're doing, they'll know how to do the job without affecting the surrounding property.

That, plus the fact that any contractor worth a damn is going to know that them coming on to your property isn't good business for them.  If they don't know that or are ignoring it, then you definitely tell them no.

[Vigo]

I was kinda thinking that in the back of my mind as well. They should really know better than this. I appreciate the feedback. I suddenly don't feel like the crotchety neighbor anymore, but more like the responsible party.

According to my wife, another guy stopped by and was a real condescending ass to her. He just got done trampling all over my wife's rose bushes, then came to the door and told her how she had clear the driveway ASAP. My wife, doing everything she could to not hulk out at the guy because of the roses, kept her cool through the dialogue. The conversation really never got beyond the overspray problem. It looks like there is no chance they are willing to roll on the paint, nor are they going to tent off their work. We are just suppose to trust their skills that there will not be any overspray at all.

[Hoopz]

Just have her call the police and have them come explain to the contractor that they need to stay off your property.  If she calls them, explains that she's home alone with an infant, and that guys keep trespassing & coming to the house, telling her to move her car out of the her driveway and being belligerent, they'll be out there to help her.

[ChadTower]

Maybe it's time to embrace your role as the neighborhood's crotchety tallywhacker.

When the realtor that sold our neighbor's house was cleaning it up last year he had a landscaper come in and "clear the edges of the property".  Apparently that also meant weedwhack the line of rosebushes my wife had planted the week before.  Not sure what type of landscaper doesn't recognize freshly planted rosebushes. 

[Donkbaca]

Have this conversation:
*knock* *knock*
you: (answering door) "Can I help you?"
Contracting ---meecrob--- painter man: "yeah I need you to move out of your driveway so that I can paint"
Y: "oh man, how many times am I going to have to do this..."
CDPM: "what do you mean? This is the first time I asked!"
Y: "How many contractors is the neighbor going to have? Hopefully you finish the job before you walk off the job like the last guy they hired.  Something about not being paid on time, or not being paid at all or something like that. Hopefully you got paid in advance.  Last dude they hired to do something, he didn't get a dime.  Something about him not being licensed right and them reporting him or something..."

[ChadTower]

Have this conversation:
*knock* *knock*
you: (answering door) "Can I help you?"
Contracting ---meecrob--- painter man: "yeah I need you to move out of your driveway so that I can paint"
Y: "oh man, how many times am I going to have to do this..."
CDPM: "what do you mean? This is the first time I asked!"
Y: "How many contractors is the neighbor going to have? Hopefully you finish the job before you walk off the job like the last guy they hired.  Something about not being paid on time, or not being paid at all or something like that. Hopefully you got paid in advance.  Last dude they hired to do something, he didn't get a dime.  Something about him not being licensed right and them reporting him or something..."

Y:  "Dude, again?  I am so tired of having INS vans all over my property blocking the mailbox.  Happens every time he hires anyone."

[Dervacumen]

Well obviously the way to solve that is to plant more olive trees on the property line.

I have a tree next to the property line.
My next door neighbor frequently cuts the branches that hang over the fence so my tree is all goofy looking.  I didn't plant it - it was there when I moved in.
I did however plant four more right next to the fence once he started cutting the tree branches.  Weird thing is, the more he cuts, the more shoots pop out on his side while mine just sort of sit there.
So yeah, this solution works to a point.

[Mikezilla]

Well obviously the way to solve that is to plant more olive trees on the property line.

Har har, I didnt even know the damn thing WAS an olive tree when I bought the place. The only perk is that it makes my house creepy during Halloween. I made a dead guy and he hangs really well from it.  

[yotsuya]

Well obviously the way to solve that is to plant more olive trees on the property line.

Har har, I didnt even know the damn thing WAS an olive tree when I bought the place. The only perk is that it makes my house creepy during Halloween. I made a dead guy and he hangs really well from it.  

Leave the dead guy up all year, but hang a sign from him that says "Complainer". Problem solved.

[Necro]

I would seriously get out and take some pictures of your house, his, your cars, etc., as soon as possible.  If there's ANY overspray take his ass to court to get your house/car/etc. fixed if he refuses to fix it. 

[BobA]

I thought olive branches were a bilblical sign of PEACE.   Guess the neighbour doesn't get it.

 

[drventure]

Best thing to do in this case. Just say no.

"No, for all sorts of reasons, I can't allow you guys to do any work on my property. You have to figure out a way to get it done otherwise."

There's no need to be a dick about it, just be polite and say there's all sorts of legal reasons that won't work.

Then if they do start doing some work, use video tape to make sure they stay off your property and record any thing that happens (overspray, spilled paint etc). Walk out with the video camera running and if asked, just explain that you need to have record of what's going on.

and, start looking for a new place, preferably on a little bit of land, cause life's too short to have to deal with that crap!

[Vigo]

I thought olive branches were a bilblical sign of PEACE.   Guess the neighbour doesn't get it.

 

Haha! Nice catch on the irony behind that situation! 

Mike, if you try to patch things with your neighbor, try to avoid saying that you are "extending the olive branch" to her. 


Oh, and as far as my neighbor situation goes, their whole house is painted except for our side. We will see if they show up today to finish the job. Maybe they will consider rolling the paint on instead like we asked them to do. I am really hoping that this issue does not extend past today, I am car sitting later this week, and need my driveway to hold my brother's car. The street is permit parking only, so it has to stay in the driveway. I do not want to give the car back caked in paint overspray.

[ed12]

tell the other party's involved of such
"car-sitting" and then tell them they have xx to get er done
and walk away..if they persit call the local's

ed

[Mikezilla]

I thought olive branches were a bilblical sign of PEACE.   Guess the neighbour doesn't get it.

 

Haha! Nice catch on the irony behind that situation! 

Mike, if you try to patch things with your neighbor, try to avoid saying that you are "extending the olive branch" to her. 


Oh, and as far as my neighbor situation goes, their whole house is painted except for our side. We will see if they show up today to finish the job. Maybe they will consider rolling the paint on instead like we asked them to do. I am really hoping that this issue does not extend past today, I am car sitting later this week, and need my driveway to hold my brother's car. The street is permit parking only, so it has to stay in the driveway. I do not want to give the car back caked in paint overspray.

Haha I know huh?! Thats pretty fun. That old crone will probably live forever too. Ugh.

Yeah no joke, maybe they will decide on the rollers, that seems to be the solution that works for everyone. Lousy neighbors. 

[CCM]

I cringe when I hear stories like this!  At the moment we are lucky, the neighbors on either side of us are cool, and we each have decent sized yards, so there is a buffer.  We have no one behind us, just woods.   The issue is that the house directly across the street for us is up for sale, and I am worried that some jack-ass is going to move in.   Every time I see someone looking at the house, I want to run outside blast some death-metal, let my dogs run wild, and swear alot, just to scare them off, but my wife won't let me.

No one in my neighborhood is overly friendly, which is perfect.  We wave, say hi, chat every once in a while and that's about it.  I hear stories from my co-workers about neighbors that stop over all the time, unannounced, and stay for hours.  That would drive me insane.  Our next house will definitely have even more land, 5 acres minimum.


Oh, and on topic, I would NOT let the painters work on your property.  As others have mentioned, you are potentially opening yourself up to alot of liability.

[HaRuMaN]

Our next house will definitely have even more land, 5 acres minimum.

My next house:

http://www.missilebases.com/parismissouri

[Hoopz]

Our next house will definitely have even more land, 5 acres minimum.

My next house:

http://www.missilebases.com/parismissouri

Some of those pics look like screen shots from Half-Life 2.

[Vigo]

Any property that advertises itself as a nuclear war-proof communications center and lists:

• escape hatch emergency exit
• heavy blast doors
• blast valve closure mechanisms

among it's features deserves serious consideration.

[HaRuMaN]

And it has a heavy-duty working lift for all my arcade games...   

[Hoopz]

That would have made a kick ass fort to play in when we were kids.

Let's be honest... it'd make a kick ass fort to play in now that I'm an adult too.

[Vigo]

New update on the neighbor painting situation. This morning I found a note on my car from the neighbors saying that the painters will be back and they will be painting by hand and they want me to move my car for the day. The letter was polite as well, but given my history with my neighbor, I am having a hard time agreeing to even this. On the other hand, if I let them use my driveway, we will just be done with this whole situation. My wife is sick of watching our property like a hawk. We got better things than fight with our neighbors even more.

Here is the short list of why I don't feel up to clearing my driveway.

• When we first moved in to our house, the neighbors asked to use our driveway for yard work. We agreed, and they chopped down our fence on us. The only reason we didn't call the cops is we were new and didn't want want to burn bridges.
• Nobody has enough courtesy to tell me about these things more than the day of.
• The painter was a real ---tallywhacker--- to my wife. If I was there, I would have been tempted to take a swing at the guy. I'll leave it at that.
• In the last year, the neighbor has also had roofers in and a carpenter redoing their porch. On both occasions they made home of our driveway as well.
• Our roses got pretty badly damaged on Monday.
• Our city has a property lookup that is public to view. We searched our property yesterday, and found the neighbors posted this bogus complaint on our house:

"The house is in shambles and they don't take care of it. Their exterior paint is peeling, their retaining wall is crumbling and the front of the house isn't even usable and the roof is falling apart. When is someone going to do something about this house?"

The last time the neighbor's made a complaint against our property, they said that we were housing illegal immigrants in our attic. Out of reaction to the complaint, the city took away our Homestead property tax exemption, which meant our property tax went up by like $2000 among other issues.

[HaRuMaN]

That would have made a kick ass fort to play in when we were kids.

Let's be honest... it'd make a kick ass fort to play in now that I'm an adult too.

No kidding.  If I win the lottery, I'm buying it and turning it into my own personal nuke-proof arcade.   

[Vigo]

That would have made a kick ass fort to play in when we were kids.

Let's be honest... it'd make a kick ass fort to play in now that I'm an adult too.

No kidding.  If I win the lottery, I'm buying it and turning it into my own personal nuke-proof arcade.   

It's also a good platform to use the phrase - "I'll be in my bunker." 

[ChadTower]

The last time the neighbor's made a complaint against our property, they said that we were housing illegal immigrants in our attic. Out of reaction to the complaint, the city took away our Homestead property tax exemption, which meant our property tax went up by like $2000 among other issues.

Was that a valid complaint?  If it wasn't you can sue them for harrassment and damages.  There may be city and/or state laws they violated as well that are worth speaking to your city clerk about.

Given this new information... and assuming those complaints are bogus... don't allow them to use your driveway for anything.  Ever.  No more.  Don't ever do a single thing for them for any reason. 

[Vigo]

The complaint was most definitely not valid, but the city bit on it hard because the property was a rental before we bought it, and there was a sign at the end of my driveway that said "Tenant parking only" I just never got around to removing the sign. I'm lucky the city did not get ICE involved, because that would have been a huge pain as well.

I talked to the head city inspector about the damaging issue of their complaint. Their response was that anyone is allowed to put up any complaint they want, and the city will look into it as part of their policy. They don't offer much help in that area, because they want to keep retaliation issues at a minimum.

[HaRuMaN]

Their response was that anyone is allowed to put up any complaint they want, and the city will look into it as part of their policy.

Time to complain that your neighbors have a huge pot growing operation in their attic and cash / guns stashed in the walls?

[ChadTower]

The complaint was most definitely not valid, but the city bit on it hard because the property was a rental before we bought it, and there was a sign at the end of my driveway that said "Tenant parking only" I just never got around to removing the sign. I'm lucky the city did not get ICE involved, because that would have been a huge pain as well.

I talked to the head city inspector about the damaging issue of their complaint. Their response was that anyone is allowed to put up any complaint they want, and the city will look into it as part of their policy. They don't offer much help in that area, because they want to keep retaliation issues at a minimum.

That's why I said city clerk.  This sort of thing is part of their job.  In your town the clerk might not be the actual person to handle this but the clerk will route you to the person who does handle it.  Either way, they cost you a substantial sum of money through a false accusation, and you do have a civil case against them.  Also, pursue the matter with the town, because they raised your taxes without proof, and that's not reasonable either.

[t3design]

Most people don't realize that there were 384,000 house fires last year (2010). 27,500 of those were intentionally set.

Just saying.

[spoot]

Vigo,

After reading your above posts.......I'm shocked you aren't in jail for shooting those wankers yet.   

[Vigo]

@Chad - Well, to clarify, we did get our homestead tax rate reinstated after a couple months. It was a lot of time and effort, and I had to take off of work quite a bit, undergo multiple inspections of our home, have conference calls, fill out forms, the whole 9 yards. I guess I am not that into pursuing a litigation route since that issue was eventually resolved, but I am just bitter as hell about it. You are right though, the city was the most unreasonable in this case, I am sure these bogus claims come in all the time, they should know better.

Most people don't realize that there were 384,000 house fires last year (2010). 27,500 of those were intentionally set.

Just saying.

Is that an idea, or something I should watch out for?  At this rate, I am a bit worried about my house. Before we moved into our house, our neighbor was digging without permit in their front yard. They ruptured a gas main and the whole block had to be evacuated while the city repaired the line. 

Vigo,

After reading your above posts.......I'm shocked you aren't in jail for shooting those wankers yet.   

The trick is to enjoy the small victories of their idiocy. Last year they had a bunch of scrap metal in their yard that they needed to get rid of. They spend over $500 renting a dumpster and getting a permit to have the dumpster on the street. After they finished filling the dumpster, it was no more than 10 minutes that a scrapper drove by, saw the metal, and took it all so he could recycle it for profit. When the dumpster company came to pick it back up, the amount of stuff in the dumpster could have easily fit in the neighbor's trash can.

[Mikezilla]

Haha thats pretty funny.

Seriously though man, burn the house down, then move away from where you are. Youre in Minnesota right?! GET OUT OF THERE!!! 

[Vigo]

Haha, well if my house burns down at 3am right after I conveniently was out taking a walk with the family...and my arcade machine, I'll be sure to get ---my bottom--- somewhere closer to the equator.

[NiN^_^NiN]

New update on the neighbor painting situation. This morning I found a note on my car from the neighbors saying that the painters will be back and they will be painting by hand and they want me to move my car for the day. The letter was polite as well, but given my history with my neighbor, I am having a hard time agreeing to even this. On the other hand, if I let them use my driveway, we will just be done with this whole situation. My wife is sick of watching our property like a hawk. We got better things than fight with our neighbors even more.

Here is the short list of why I don't feel up to clearing my driveway.

• When we first moved in to our house, the neighbors asked to use our driveway for yard work. We agreed, and they chopped down our fence on us. The only reason we didn't call the cops is we were new and didn't want want to burn bridges.
• Nobody has enough courtesy to tell me about these things more than the day of.
• The painter was a real ---tallywhacker--- to my wife. If I was there, I would have been tempted to take a swing at the guy. I'll leave it at that.
• In the last year, the neighbor has also had roofers in and a carpenter redoing their porch. On both occasions they made home of our driveway as well.
• Our roses got pretty badly damaged on Monday.
• Our city has a property lookup that is public to view. We searched our property yesterday, and found the neighbors posted this bogus complaint on our house:

"The house is in shambles and they don't take care of it. Their exterior paint is peeling, their retaining wall is crumbling and the front of the house isn't even usable and the roof is falling apart. When is someone going to do something about this house?"

The last time the neighbor's made a complaint against our property, they said that we were housing illegal immigrants in our attic. Out of reaction to the complaint, the city took away our Homestead property tax exemption, which meant our property tax went up by like $2000 among other issues.

Honestly don't do it.

I can see them spilling and dripping paint all over your drive way and what happens when they clean the brushes? they will use your tap as it's closest to their can and who know where their splashes and flipping of the brushes will go.

I would make sure that they can't have a car in your driveway they can use the place that's getting painted or park in the gutter.

Just cause they were nice in the letter doesn't mean the actual workers will care about your property and if something does happen then what? the company won't fix it and your neighbours sure as hell won't it's safer if you just don't get involved and tell the people who are trying to use your driveway to go away politely

[Vigo]

I got a feeling you are exactly right on how it would all pan out if I let them use our driveway.

Funny thing is the painters never showed up today.  

My neighbors did however leave a treat on my mailbox....



Yes, that's a moldy bagel. 

[ed12]

welp where i live
we call it pay-back-time
u got a stereo ? if so find 11
u walk around in scant colth's
leave a wreck or 2 in the lane-way
leave a note on there mail box that u are going to invite your
redneck bro's over for a few week's
would they mind if they camp out on there lawn ?
they will get the point

ed

[Well Fed Games]

What the hell? Are they trolling you in real life?  

My neighbors did however leave a treat on my mailbox....


Yes, that's a moldy bagel.  

[Donkbaca]

Up the ante - go moldy quiche on their porch

[Luigi]

Damn, reading this reminds me of some sort of tv show 

I can't believe all this happened and you didn't tell them that you NEVER want to see them again on your property and there is no chance you will do ANY favor to them. In Germany, when stuff like this happens you could go to court and have it made clear that some specific person is not allowed to step on your property. You may call the police if they don't obey.


I'm really glad that we have a good neighbourhood around us!!

[ChadTower]

A moldy bagel?  That's just weird. 

There is only one good course of action for you here:

TREBUCHET

[Nephasth]

Hatfields vs McCoys. Queue the banjos.

What was for breakfast this morning?

[Vigo]

I gave that bagel a high lob into their backyard. One of their dogs will happily have it for breakfast.

[ChadTower]

I gave that bagel a high lob into their backyard. One of their dogs will happily have it for breakfast.

We have a winner! 

Next time put laxatives in the bagel.

[Malenko]

I think its time for you find a reason to spray paint thinner in the air near their house (on your property)

[Mikezilla]

That is insane. You should go get a fish and throw it on their property, hopefully in some bushes near a window or something.

A moldy bagel? What scumbags! You should leave some milk out in the sun for a few days and then put that on their mailbox. In the jug, out of the jug, whatever you prefer. 

[Vigo]

You know, the funny thing is a moldy bagel on top of my mailbox is such a lame ass trick that my wife and I just burst out in laughter at it. One time I caught him putting an empty cookie tray on my doorstep as well. Where is the creativity?

I think the suggestions above are pretty darn clever (and hilarious) ideas.   

[ChadTower]

Few things are worse than discovering your dogs have uncontrollable diarrhea.  They'll probably bring the dogs in, have them mess up the floors and throw them back out, bring them back in and have them mess up the floors, and the cycle will go on for a while. 

[Vigo]

 

Yeah, they have 3 dogs, 2 large and 1 medium. I have only dealt with dog diarrhea on a little dog and that is horrid to deal with.

[Vigo]

 

[Dervacumen]

Thanks for that. So the insurance should show the names or address of the property they are insured to work on? I highly doubt they have us on there.

I believe that you can require anyone to add you to their insurance as an additional party for any event; in this case being on your property on a ladder and using a product that may cause lasting and significant damage to your property.  That way if anything happens, you can report it to their insurance instead of your own and they will bear the consequence rather than you.  In other words, you don't take the insurance hit, thus no increase in premium as a result of their negligence.
I'm not in insurance nor am I a lawyer so I cannot offer this as advice.  I only suggest it might be something to discuss with a qualified party.

Wow, that sounded annoying at the end but it illustrates why I'd do this.  No doubt if something needed to be remedied, the insurance companies lawyer's get paid to duke it out, not you.

[Dervacumen]

New update on the neighbor painting situation. This morning I found a note on my car from the neighbors saying that the painters will be back and they will be painting by hand and they want me to move my car for the day. The letter was polite as well, but given my history with my neighbor, I am having a hard time agreeing to even this. On the other hand, if I let them use my driveway, we will just be done with this whole situation. My wife is sick of watching our property like a hawk. We got better things than fight with our neighbors even more.

Here is the short list of why I don't feel up to clearing my driveway.

• When we first moved in to our house, the neighbors asked to use our driveway for yard work. We agreed, and they chopped down our fence on us. The only reason we didn't call the cops is we were new and didn't want want to burn bridges.
• Nobody has enough courtesy to tell me about these things more than the day of.
• The painter was a real ---tallywhacker--- to my wife. If I was there, I would have been tempted to take a swing at the guy. I'll leave it at that.
• In the last year, the neighbor has also had roofers in and a carpenter redoing their porch. On both occasions they made home of our driveway as well.
• Our roses got pretty badly damaged on Monday.
• Our city has a property lookup that is public to view. We searched our property yesterday, and found the neighbors posted this bogus complaint on our house:

"The house is in shambles and they don't take care of it. Their exterior paint is peeling, their retaining wall is crumbling and the front of the house isn't even usable and the roof is falling apart. When is someone going to do something about this house?"

The last time the neighbor's made a complaint against our property, they said that we were housing illegal immigrants in our attic. Out of reaction to the complaint, the city took away our Homestead property tax exemption, which meant our property tax went up by like $2000 among other issues.

Wow.  Okay, the gloves are off.  I'd park as close to the property line as possible and take a vacation day, then open up the car doors on your side of the property and spend all day giving it a meticulous cleaning, so you can observe the whole thing.  I'd also set up a camera on a tripod to film it so the background also gets the side of your neighbor's house in view.  Tell them you're taking video for a website.  You are.  You can post it here when the time is appropriate.

[Dervacumen]

I don't get it - why would anyone leave a bagel or cookie tray on your door step?

I'm hoping this doesn't go to P&R but the bagel and tray are both derogatory references to Jewish culture.  Could be a starting point.
I need to learn how to respond to multiple posts within one thread.

[Dervacumen]

Think about it - is this really worth stressing over?  Why not be the better person and let them paint their house? 

If you've been singled out and targeted it's likely you'll get fed up at some point.  They call that going postal.

[gabe]

Some people on this thread are -really- weird.  Poisoning dogs and setting up cameras?  Threatening to call INS to harass a bunch of poor guys that have to paint houses for a living?  REALLY?


Think about it - is this really worth stressing over?  Why not be the better person and let them paint their house? 

My thoughts exactly.

It sounds like you deserve to have one another as neighbors. I'm glad I don't live next to either one of you.

[Vigo]

I've laid out a lot of my history with my neighbor's. They have asked to use our driveway before for yardwork and we were happy to help. My wife emptied the driveway for the day and we came to find they chopped down our fence.

We have in fact been the better person on many counts. They once wrote us a letter stating that they are going to trample our flowers that we put up in place of the fence that they tore down. I wrote back that I wanted to discuss this face to face and we can work things out. I even gave them a bunch of candy as a gift with the letter as a peace offering. That was a week before they dumped a cookie tray at our doorstep.

The truth is there is not one thing I have done against them, lobbing the bagel in their yard is probably about as bad as I have gotten. I have reported them when they parked in front of my driveway before, and when they put out their garbage in the middle of my driveway ramp, I push it back to their property, but that is about it.

We haven't even had to tell them they couldn't use our driveway in this case. When the the guy came to my door and talked to my wife, she didn't even say no, she just said that they would have to wait for me. My wife offered the compromise right away and they refused that day. Yesterday, when they agreed to the compromise via note, they didn't even show up so we couldn't even talk to them. 

Some people on this thread are -really- weird.  Poisoning dogs and setting up cameras?  Threatening to call INS to harass a bunch of poor guys that have to paint houses for a living?  REALLY?


Think about it - is this really worth stressing over?  Why not be the better person and let them paint their house? 

My thoughts exactly.

It sounds like you deserve to have one another as neighbors. I'm glad I don't live next to either one of you.

So I guess I am wondering, when haven't I been the better person, and what is a single thing that makes be a bad neighbor to live next to?

[CheffoJeffo]

I see a lot of the same stupidity in this thread that PBJ does.

Document, document some more and report to the authorities.

Don't play any stupid game or think that because you have taken the high road in the past that you have a right to do something stupid.

Or you could stop whining about it and just nuke the site from orbit ... it's the only way to be sure.

[Mikezilla]

Some people on this thread are -really- weird.  Poisoning dogs and setting up cameras?  Threatening to call INS to harass a bunch of poor guys that have to paint houses for a living?  REALLY?


Think about it - is this really worth stressing over?  Why not be the better person and let them paint their house? 

This is a joke right?

[Mikezilla]

Some people on this thread are -really- weird.  Poisoning dogs and setting up cameras?  Threatening to call INS to harass a bunch of poor guys that have to paint houses for a living?  REALLY?


Think about it - is this really worth stressing over?  Why not be the better person and let them paint their house? 

My thoughts exactly.

It sounds like you deserve to have one another as neighbors. I'm glad I don't live next to either one of you.

Lol why is everyone getting so serious about this? Has anything anything like this happened to you Gabe? The neighbors are the ones that were jerks to Vigo first, hell, they filed a complaint/lie about having tenants and it screwed up his finances. That incident alone would have pissed me off, not only are they on this property but they are going to mess up HIS paint on HIS house. You guys are ridiculous.

[gabe]

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."

I only have this thread to base my opinions on, but from the sounds of things you're both acting like children... Actually, probably not children, as they are usually lacking the social skills required for the type of passive aggressive behavior exchanged across your property lines.

Instead of passing notes and bagels back and forth like a couple of 12 year old girls, why don't you just walk over there and knock on the door? Seems pretty simple to me.

My neighbor's house is very close to my driveway. I can't imagine demanding how or when he paints his house.

Live and let live.

[Mikezilla]

Thats kind of a "holier than thou" attituide if you ask me.

Im assuming you havent read the entirety of the thread or else you wouldnt have commented the way you did.

I bet you could "imagine" it when a bunch of dudes roll up in a unmarked pickup truck in your driveway telling you they are painting your neighbors house and if there is any back spray they arent going to be responsible.

Live and let live. Pffft. Tell that to the dude who put a moldy bagel on his mailbox. 

[Vigo]

Thanks, Mike! You know exactly how much of a pain a bad neighbor can be, and have actually read the thread. 

@Gabe

You are assuming that I am doing the same thing as my neighbor. Bad assumption. I have gone to my neighbor multiple times to talk, they don't answer their door. When they wrote a note to me about trampling my flowers, I asked please talk to me face to face. That is the only note I sent them. I also never told them they could not paint. My wife told them we didn't want them spray painting when the wind is blowing towards us. We had zero notice ahead of time, and my motorcycle was locked on the driveway.

There is a difference between Live and Let Live and protecting your property.

[gabe]

@Vigo and Mike - I've read the thread. I get it. Vigo - perhaps you have exhausted all options. I'm obviously not an expert on your situation. Looking in from the outside, it seems like this should be REALLY simple to resolve with a little bit of communication/understanding. I guess that is difficult if they won't answer the door. Perhaps offer your phone number?

I'm basically of the opinion that you both need to live next to each other. You might as well try to make the best of it.

What is the point of trying to make one another's lives as miserable as possible? Who wins in that competition?

[Vigo]

I know exactly what you are saying. I wish this was all done and over with on Monday. The longer this goes on for, the more I have to put up with. My point of view has always been protecting my property.  I am not very vindictive guy, but I have just made vow that my neighbors are not going to harm my property again. When they had the roofers in, we just made it on our terms. They wanted to put a dumpster in our driveway and just dump everything off of the side of the house. We talked to the roofers and told them they need to take it down by hand or make a chute, because I did not want a heavy dumpster left in my driveway, nor wanted thousands of pounds of asphalt dumped on my bushes. The roofers agreed and we all got on with our lives.

This time there are a lot more variables that put me at liability, and can damage my property and the car that I am watching in my driveway. It all be on my terms if they plan to work out of my driveway, and I am going to do what I must to ensure that.

What is the point of trying to make one another's lives as miserable as possible? Who wins in that competition?

That's what I have been wondering of my neighbor for years. I have no idea what their problem is, nor what it achieves to their end. From my understanding, the fence thing was because they thought it made their property look smaller, but beyond that, I have no clue.

[yotsuya]

Vigo-

Why not put a fence up on your side of the property line?

[Ed_McCarron]

I gave that bagel a high lob into their backyard. One of their dogs will happily have it for breakfast.

We have a winner! 

Next time put laxatives in the bagel.

Real smart.  It's totally the dogs fault.   

[Vigo]

Vigo-

Why not put a fence up on your side of the property line?

This is something my wife has been suggesting since they cut the original one down. It's getting to the point where I think I will put one back up, but I wonder if it is inviting more trouble. I have a feeling the neighbors would try to cut it down again. I would be a lot more active in stopping them this time around, but it might spiral into a lot more trouble than it is worth...why pay for and work on something that is going to end up getting destroyed?

It is something I have been mulling over for a while now.

[yotsuya]

If it's all on your property, they should have any say as long as you're not violating any codes.

[Ed_McCarron]

I have a feeling the neighbors would try to cut it down again. I would be a lot more active in stopping them this time around

Fences are fun.  Was it a property line fence, or on your side of the property line?  Right down the line requires the OK from both sides...  But a few feet (check local codes) on your side needs no approval.  And, if they touch it, you call the police.  You don't get involved personally.

[hypernova]

@Vigo and Mike - I've read the thread. I get it. Vigo - perhaps you have exhausted all options. I'm obviously not an expert on your situation. Looking in from the outside, it seems like this should be REALLY simple to resolve with a little bit of communication/understanding. I guess that is difficult if they won't answer the door. Perhaps offer your phone number?

I'm basically of the opinion that you both need to live next to each other. You might as well try to make the best of it.

You seem to harbor some sort of naive view that everything works out with diplomatic discussion in some idealized and perfect world where everyone gets along and nothing bad happens.  I don't know if that's because all the people around you are pleasant or what.  But that's just simply not the case with some people.  No amount of diplomacy will stop some people from being the way they are.

Vigo, fortunately I don't have the same issues as you in regards to neighbors.  Our one neighbor's yard is 100% weeds, but he's a nice guy, so whatever.  I keep my yard and do my best to keep it weed-limited.  I do have a co-worker who also has a less-than-stellar neighbor as well.  Still not nearly as bad as your situation.  Long term, best idea is to eventually move whenever you get a good chance to.

Vigo-

Why not put a fence up on your side of the property line?

This is something my wife has been suggesting since they cut the original one down. It's getting to the point where I think I will put one back up, but I wonder if it is inviting more trouble. I have a feeling the neighbors would try to cut it down again. I would be a lot more active in stopping them this time around, but it might spiral into a lot more trouble than it is worth...why pay for and work on something that is going to end up getting destroyed?

It is something I have been mulling over for a while now.

I can't remember if you've said this before in the thread, but having a surveyor actually mark out your property line, and making sure the neighbors see the resulting marks would prevent them from cutting it down.  Else they open themselves up for lawsuits.

[NiN^_^NiN]

Vigo-

Why not put a fence up on your side of the property line?

This is something my wife has been suggesting since they cut the original one down. It's getting to the point where I think I will put one back up, but I wonder if it is inviting more trouble. I have a feeling the neighbors would try to cut it down again. I would be a lot more active in stopping them this time around, but it might spiral into a lot more trouble than it is worth...why pay for and work on something that is going to end up getting destroyed?

It is something I have been mulling over for a while now.

They aren't going to stop and you have a right to build a fence I would personally build it and keep everything related to it regarding the building and the property lines and if they do destroy it take them to small claims court that should shut them up.

I would also send a letter to them advising that the fence is on your side of the property and they may not touch it just so you have proof that you have advised them.

They wont stop and I think a fence will be the best way to put them out of mind out of sight

[spoot]

This thread reminds me of my neighbor.  I bought my house two years ago.  I'm out in the garage and he wanders over to have a friendly chat.  We start discussing the old homeowner and he goes on about how the chain link fence was installed wrong (so, sharp pointies at top) and then says the fence is his and proceeds to point out the property line and how the old home owner didn't believe him and they had to call in the city to say where the line was.  After I pointed out I really had no concern over the property line unless I was gunna build sumthing, I looked at him and said I'm glad the fence is on your property for when/if sumone hurts themselves on the fence.  He's not brought it up since.   

And yes, we still chat now and then.........he bitches alot about the "---goshdarn--- lezzies" that used to own the house.   

[Hoopz]

he bitches alot about the "---goshdarn--- lezzies" that used to own the house.   

From The Warriors?

[Necro]

Wow...you must live next to my father-in-law.  Lesbians is impossible for him to say I think, just refers to 'There daughter is nice.  She's a lezzie.'.  My wife and I we're like '...WTF? '.  By the tenth time we just walk away.

[Vigo]

Hehe, this thread is really heading down some interesting avenues. 

About the above Fence property line comments: The fence was definitely mine, and the neighbors knew it as well. So I can't pin it on their ignorance. The first time I met my neighbors was our first night we stayed at our house. A police car chase involving about 8 cop cars had just ended in our front lawn. (That was a real "Oh, ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---! What kind of place did we move into?" moment.) It was at least a nice segue to meet the neighbors at least. Our first conversation went something like this.

Neighbor: Hi, you must be the new Neighbor. (I'll cut out the awkward introductions and go to the awkward conversation)
Me: Does this kind of crime stuff happen here all the time?
Neighbor: I bet you hate your fence there.
Me: Huh? Wha..? Uh..it's an OK fence.
Neighbor: Yeah, but it is an ugly chain fence you have.
Me: I guess its a tad ugly. I dunno. Why you asking?
Neighbor: Eh. Hey, you like local baseball? I love local baseball.

Now the fence was obviously on my side of the property, but I don't know the exact property line. I remember reading that a new fence has to be something like 3-5 inches from the property line according to city code. If I put a new fence up, I might run into an issue with the neighbor trying to dispute that it is too close to the line. It costs like $300 to have the city survey the property line.


It also looks like the painters are back. Just got a call from the wife. She is going out to talk to them. There will be more development today.

[yotsuya]

Hehe, this thread is really heading down some interesting avenues.  

About the above Fence property line comments: The fence was definitely mine, and the neighbors knew it as well. So I can't pin it on their ignorance. The first time I met my neighbors was our first night we stayed at our house. A police car chase involving about 8 cop cars had just ended in our front lawn. (That was a real "Oh, ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---! What kind of place did we move into?" moment.) It was at least a nice segue to meet the neighbors at least. Our first conversation went something like this.

Neighbor: Hi, you must be the new Neighbor. (I'll cut out the awkward introductions and go to the awkward conversation)
Me: Does this kind of crime stuff happen here all the time?
Neighbor: I bet you hate your fence there.
Me: Huh? Wha..? Uh..it's an OK fence.
Neighbor: Yeah, but it is an ugly chain fence you have.
Me: I guess its a tad ugly. I dunno. Why you asking?
Neighbor: Eh. Hey, you like local baseball? I love local baseball.

Now the fence was obviously on my side of the property, but I don't know the exact property line. I remember reading that a new fence has to be something like 3-5 inches from the property line according to city code. If I put a new fence up, I might run into an issue with the neighbor trying to dispute that it is too close to the line. It costs like $300 to have the city survey the property line.


It also looks like the painters are back. Just got a call from the wife. She is going out to talk to them. There will be more development today.

At this point, I'd just let them paint the ---smurfing--- thing, but tell them that if they get any paint on your ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- that you're going to hold them liable. Damn. I'm fustrated FOR you.  

[Vigo]

Thanks man! We want to just end this as well. 

So here is the scoop of this morning. My mother came to my house last night, she has 2 day conference today and tomorrow at the nearby convention center and is using our driveway to park her van. She hadn't left for the day yet, and she actually went out to talk to the painters before my wife had a chance to get the baby ready and go out there. I didn't sign up to have my mom fight my battles, but that is the way it turned out this morning. 

In short, the painters told my mom to move her van. My mom said she couldn't because she didn't have a street parking permit and was leaving for her conference. The painters then told her to go park in a parking ramp downtown. Well, even the painters knew that paying $20 to hold your vehicle far away is asking the ridiculous, so we already hit our impasse.

My mom then pointed out the fundamental communication problem, that how other than a note on the windshield, the neighbors have not spoken to us at all. The painter did a double take at that. According to the painter, he was told by the neighbors that they already spoke with us and we agreed to let them use our driveway even before they started.

Now that the painters suddenly understood the situation, that they had been lied to from day 1 by the neighbors. The guy was pretty pissed at our neighbors and said he is calling the job done until the neighbors talk to us.

So the painters packed up and shipped out. We will see if the neighbors will finally come and talk to us now. If they plan on having the rest of their house painted, they will.

Meanwhile, I am setting the moldy bagel threat level to orange.

[Nephasth]

Meanwhile, I am setting the moldy bagel threat level to orange.

 

Good to hear that the contractors aren't ---Deutsche Frankfurters--- and handling the situation appropriately.

[Mikezilla]

Are these people mentally unstable? Do they not speak english? What is wrong with them?

[Well Fed Games]

I didn't sign up to have my mom fight my battles, but that is the way it turned out this morning. 

No shame in that, Moms are awesome! My mother-in-law has kept me out of all sorts of trouble.

[ChadTower]

Sounds like we really do need a sarcasm font around here.  People really thought we suggested he poison the dogs and do other weird stuff?  Did you think the trebuchet was a serious suggestion as well?

 

[Mikezilla]

Sounds like we really do need a sarcasm font around here.  People really thought we suggested he poison the dogs and do other weird stuff?  Did you think the trebuchet was a serious suggestion as well?

 

Yeah no ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---. Or maybe there should be some sort of apptitude test before we allow admittance into the forums. I got chastisted in another thread because someone didnt get my pop culture reference(south park) or my obvious sarcasm. 

[Necro]

  Did you think the trebuchet was a serious suggestion as well?
 

Wait...it wasn't?  Well hell.  Then consider this a serious endorsement of trebuchet fueled retaliation god dammit. 

[Vigo]

So accrording to my wife, the painters came back to paint other areas of the house....oversprayed bright blue paint all over my motorcycle, my front fence, my moms van, my driveway......   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I am so damn pissed!!!!!!! This is exactly why I don't give them an inch, and they weren't even on my driveway!

[stu33]

I can sympathize with you.  My neighbors are a nightmare.  They're both in their late 70s/early 80s, and run the area neighborhood association.  I went to one of their meetings once, I was the youngest person there by at least 30 years.  They spent their whole time talking about houses and families in the neighborhood that they didn't like and how they could get rid of them.  It was like an octogenarian gestapo squad.  My favorite tactic that they employ is when they all gather up their yard waste and dump it on an 'undesirable's' yard while that family is at work/school/whatever.  Then, before they get home, one of the gestapo calls city code enforcement on them.

I didn't join their little association.  When asked why not, I simply told them that I wasn't really comfortable with their outlook and I wished them well.  They called code enforcement on me the next day because I had put out a broken appliance in my yard.  It was a broken vacuum cleaner.  And it was garbage day.  The code enforcement officer called me and said "Look, we got a complaint, it's from a serial complainer, but I have to follow up.  Could you get rid of the vacuum cleaner in your yard?" and I replied with "Yeah, as soon as the garbage guys pick up the trash." He replied with "It's with your trash pickup?  Jesus.  Alright, never mind.  If for some reason they don't take it, just put it back inside until next week or something so I don't have to waste more time with her stupid crap?"

Here's the best part, her grandkids are constantly over to her house and they just riddle her computer with viruses.  Once a month she calls me to come over and clean up/fix her computer.  I don't know why I don't just say no, but I do it every time.

[Vigo]

Wow! that is complete BS! I'm sorry, dude!   

[yotsuya]

Vigo-

Well, considering that your Mom told the painters your concern, perhaps you should contact them yourself (if they are from a company and not just some guys with a sprayer). Take photos and document everything.

[stu33]

Not nearly as BS as yours.  With the overspray issue, if they don't offer to resolve it with no questions asked, I'd be talking to a lawyer.

[Vigo]

My wife talked to the painters three times today....she asked for their insurance info and business license # every time which they will not provide either of them. Wife called the cops to just to file a report. We plan on just washing everything, not making a claim, but want a record of this for our own protection.

[Mikezilla]

My wife talked to the painters three times today....she asked for their insurance info and business license # every time which they will not provide either of them. Wife called the cops to just to file a report. We plan on just washing everything, not making a claim, but want a record of this for our own protection.

Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- man I am so freaking sorry. See. That SUCKS. Hey Gabe! Are you reading these posts?! What do you suggest now?

Man that blows. Paint on my motorcycle?! I would have gone crazy if that happened to me. The thing that sucks is that you were at work the whole time this thing was going down...

[yotsuya]

What kind of report did she file with the police?

[Vigo]

Yeah, I'll be heading home as soon as I can. A few more minutes...

My wife is just having a cop come over to record it. We have no identifying information on the painter, he said he didn't have anything on him, so she told the guy to stay and wait while a police officer came over.

Man that blows. Paint on my motorcycle?! I would have gone crazy if that happened to me. The thing that sucks is that you were at work the whole time this thing was going down...

I have yet to see my bike...I may go ape ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- when I get home.

[yotsuya]

I tell you what, I bet those painters regret taking on this job.

[Well Fed Games]

I'm pretty sure I hate your neighbors.

[hypernova]

Sounds like we really do need a sarcasm font around here.  People really thought we suggested he poison the dogs and do other weird stuff?  Did you think the trebuchet was a serious suggestion as well?

 

It's a trebuchet.  It should be built regardless.  Because, well, it's a freaking trebuchet.  Sweetness.

Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- man I am so freaking sorry. See. That SUCKS. Hey Gabe! Are you reading these posts?! What do you suggest now?

He'd probably suggest Vigo's being a crybaby and to talk it over with the neighbor...

Raise hell, Vigo.  Raise hell.

[ChadTower]

Yeah, I'll be heading home as soon as I can. A few more minutes...

My wife is just having a cop come over to record it. We have no identifying information on the painter, he said he didn't have anything on him, so she told the guy to stay and wait while a police officer came over.

She didn't happen to think of getting the guy's license plate number, did she?  It was probably the only openly visible identifier.

It takes some balls to spray paint on a man's motorcycle.  I know guys that would beat a painter into intensive care for that.

[Dervacumen]

So accrording to my wife, the painters came back to paint other areas of the house....oversprayed bright blue paint all over my motorcycle, my front fence, my moms van, my driveway......   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I am so damn pissed!!!!!!! This is exactly why I don't give them an inch, and they weren't even on my driveway!

This can't be true.  If it is go straight to the police and let them handle it.  And get some dandelion seeds and spell out "PIGS DIE" on their front lawn this evening.  They'll look beautiful in the spring.

[Necro]

If you don't contact a lawyer or immediately file a claim in small claims, this switches from them being ---meecrobs--- to you being a pansy-ass that's letting them walk all over you and you get no more sympathy.  Seriously, don't let this just go...this is a fairly major bit o' ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow---. 

[danny_galaga]

Damn, what the hell is wrong with people? Hopefully you sue that painter out of business, and hopefully he tries to sue your neighbour or something. THAT won't come to anything, but at least your neighbour can be uncomfortable for a bit...

[ChadTower]

How does overspray on the near side of their house end up on your property?  I'm sure it happened but I'm having trouble visualizing them being aimed in the direction of your property while painting the near side of the neighbor's house.

[shateredsoul1979]

It's gotten to the point where you have to interview your neighbors before you move into a neighborhood =/

[danny_galaga]

How does overspray on the near side of their house end up on your property?  I'm sure it happened but I'm having trouble visualizing them being aimed in the direction of your property while painting the near side of the neighbor's house.

Quite easily. The spray doesn't just go to an object and stick on it. You spray, and what doesn't stick, bounces off again. The the wind can take it any direction. It doesn't matter which way you are facing, or what side of the house they were on so long as the remote direction (the direction it would travel if there were no objects in the way) of the wind is headed towards his house...

[ed12]

to any extent any contrater would have put up a spray curtian
come on boy's and girl's u know they call it a SPRAY BOOTH WALL
get real

ed

[gabe]

Sounds like we really do need a sarcasm font around here.  People really thought we suggested he poison the dogs and do other weird stuff?  Did you think the trebuchet was a serious suggestion as well?

 

It's a trebuchet.  It should be built regardless.  Because, well, it's a freaking trebuchet.  Sweetness.

Holy ---steaming pile of meadow muffin--- man I am so freaking sorry. See. That SUCKS. Hey Gabe! Are you reading these posts?! What do you suggest now?

He'd probably suggest Vigo's being a crybaby and to talk it over with the neighbor...

Raise hell, Vigo.  Raise hell.

Yeah, I'm reading the posts. Vigo created this thread looking for feedback. I provided some. I'm not really sure what kind of response you are trying to get out of me?

There are ---uvulas--- and idiots out there. Sometimes they win and paint your mom's van blue. I realize that. I was trying to convey a message of tolerance in my previous posts. That outlook on life generally works for me.

Vigo - sorry to hear about the unfortunate turn of events. Any updates? I'd be interested in seeing pics of the damage.

[ChadTower]

There are ---uvulas--- and idiots out there. Sometimes they win and paint your mom's van blue.

They saw yrmom's van and they had to paint it blue.  No colors anymore they had to paint it blue.
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes.  I have to turn my head until my darkness goes.
I see your driveway and your stuff is painted blue.  With flowers and my love you don't know what to do.
I see people post some crap and quickly look away.  Like a stupid trolling thread it happens every day.

[Mikezilla]

There are ---uvulas--- and idiots out there. Sometimes they win and paint your mom's van blue.

They saw yrmom's van and they had to paint it blue.  No colors anymore they had to paint it blue.
I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes.  I have to turn my head until my darkness goes.
I see your driveway and your stuff is painted blue.  With flowers and my love you don't know what to do.
I see people post some crap and quickly look away.  Like a stupid trolling thread it happens every day.

 

[Rando]

Here's the best part, her grandkids are constantly over to her house and they just riddle her computer with viruses.  Once a month she calls me to come over and clean up/fix her computer.  I don't know why I don't just say no, but I do it every time.

An old boss I had and didn't get along with once brought in his daughter's laptop which had a HD crash and asked me to see if I could recover any files.  I was able to get access to the files and burned them to CD for him.  Included in the files were some... risque pictures that his daughter (over 18!) had apparently taken for a boyfriend.  Those shots MAY have been stashed somewhere as a bartering chip should our relationship ever have gone south.  Not saying you should snoop of course while fixing, but you never know what files may be causing a problem... 

[shateredsoul1979]

and that's why you should never trust anyone to fix your comp...

Also, sometimes it's as easy as taking the hdd out and using an external hdd dock to recover data.

[stu33]

After the 2nd time I just ghosted her computer post-fix and kept the copy.  Now, when I have to fix, I just restore the ghost image.  Easy peasy japanesey.

And honestly...there are no risque pictures involving an octogenarian that I would ever be interested in, unless it's an 80 year old copy of that contra ad in 2065.

[Vigo]

Thanks for all the support guys! I have been too worked up to post anything on the subject over the weekend.

Really Really long story short is they painted on my stuff, and I just cleaned it up to avoid damages. I talked to neighbors and painters and nothing got accomplished. I can go into details later, even after all they did to my stuff, I still tried the civil route trying to work things out and compromise to just let them finish and be done.  After I proposed a few  reasonable solutions, which they admitted they could easily do but just were not going to, they resorted just end up throwing out insults and walking away. I asked them what they solution was, and the painters and neighbors both said they were fine not painting that wall. That's a solution for me. Their house can look like ass, not my problem.

There is a lot more to the story, I just don't feel up to posting a 10 page summary of the issue.


***

So today, my wife went out with her camera to check out our property for any further damages. Not even realizing the painters were here, she saw that they were working on our driveway and had stuff sprawled all over it. They weren't painting, they were taking off tape and putting the gutter drains back. Stuff they could have easily done from their property. My wife snapped some photos quick, then told the guy to get off our driveway. The painter went into a storm of profanity screaming at her. She held her ground and her cool and told him to get off or she would call the cops for trespassing. The guy picked up his ladder and pretending not to know where my wife was, swung it right at her. My wife dodged it, and then the painter went over to her roses and stomped on one of the bushes out of spite before leaving the driveway. My wife is really shaken, but wife doesn't want to call the cops over it, and the painters have also ditched shortly after the incident.

This has gotten really ugly....but this might all be over for a while at least, it's too early to say.

[yotsuya]

Thanks for all the support guys! I have been too worked up to post anything on the subject over the weekend.

Really Really long story short is they painted on my stuff, and I just cleaned it up to avoid damages. I talked to neighbors and painters and nothing got accomplished. I can go into details later, even after all they did to my stuff, I still tried the civil route trying to work things out and compromise to just let them finish and be done.  After I proposed a few  reasonable solutions, which they admitted they could easily do but just were not going to, they resorted just end up throwing out insults and walking away. I asked them what they solution was, and the painters and neighbors both said they were fine not painting that wall. That's a solution for me. Their house can look like ass, not my problem.

There is a lot more to the story, I just don't feel up to posting a 10 page summary of the issue.


***

So today, my wife went out with her camera to check out our property for any further damages. Not even realizing the painters were here, she saw that they were working on our driveway and had stuff sprawled all over it. They weren't painting, they were taking off tape and putting the gutter drains back. Stuff they could have easily done from their property. My wife snapped some photos quick, then told the guy to get off our driveway. The painter went into a storm of profanity screaming at her. She held her ground and her cool and told him to get off or she would call the cops for trespassing. The guy picked up his ladder and pretending not to know where my wife was, swung it right at her. My wife dodged it, and then the painter went over to her roses and stomped on one of the bushes out of spite before leaving the driveway. My wife is really shaken, but wife doesn't want to call the cops over it, and the painters have also ditched shortly after the incident.

This has gotten really ugly....but this might all be over for a while at least, it's too early to say.

Oh man-- did she at least get the license plate number off of the vehicle?

[Vigo]

Let's see the photos.

What photos you wondering about, paint overspray or guy on our driveway?

Oh man-- did she at least get the license plate number off of the vehicle?

Yeah, she did. They are in unmarked trucks, so that is about all we got on the painters in general.

[spoot]

Please please!   Will sumone think of the roses!?!?!   <- Screamed in sum random politicians voice. 

What the hell man.  Those painters need a kick in the nadz.

[yotsuya]

I assume they're probably not a licensed and bonded outfit. Are they done with the house?

[Vigo]

Besides the side of the house facing me, yes. It looks like they are.

[Mikezilla]

Wow. Im glad your wife has a spider sense. Jesus. I dont even know what to say to all that. These people are scum, and their hire scum painters. Who knows, maybe they are relatives. What are you going to do Vigo?

[Well Fed Games]

I know it is a cost and inconvenience, but I wonder if a surveillance camera (could be hidden) pointed towards their place and your front door might not be a bad idea? That way your wife could keep an eye out (and potentially record any illegal junk) without going outside.

I think it is really good you are constantly trying to build bridges and compromise. They still may be massive --bags of cream-filled twinkies--, but I hope that someday there can be at least less aggression coming from their side.

[hypernova]

Included in the files were some... risque pictures that his daughter (over 18!) had apparently taken for a boyfriend.

No risque photos posted online = story not true

Assuming no blatant nudity, we have a cheesecake thread for exactly this situation.

Unless she's fat and/or ugly. 

[Louis Tully]

.

[CCM]

You need this:



http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16881377018&cm_sp=DailyDeal-_-81-377-018-_-Product

[ChadTower]

What good does video evidence do when you're confronting someone who does not deny the issue?  He doesn't need proof.  He needs to stop rolling over for them.

[404]

Honestly, i feel for you in this situation. The big issue i see here however is that you are allowing them to essentially abuse your good nature. There is a time in any situation where you just need to put your foot down and if you need to, call the police every single time a confrontation occurs. I have lived around some crazy neighbors before. I feel your pain here, at times it makes it completely unbearable to even go home with the anticipation that you may just end up see those guys before you get into your house.

[Vigo]

Thanks, everybody! 

Well, I think right now I will wait and see what they will do, if anything. I'm in Minnesota, so there is not much painting season left, and I can breathe a bit easier about the issue soon. I have everything pretty well documented, and I feel pretty good that I have done far more than needed trying to compromise. The painters shot themselves in the foot by bringing themselves into the issue to begin with. If they just left it to my neighbors to work it out for themselves, then I doubt this would have a serious issue. Of course, the fact that my neighbors would rather leave one wall of their house not painted than to compromise and work with us speaks volumes about their general attitude.

For long term, I might give the security camera idea a whirl. That Newegg one looks sweet, not a bad price for the system either. I do already have a UV webcam that I could use for the time being. Security cameras systems are getting so cheap though. 


I'll admit, I have done more rolling than I should, but my willingness to compromise would remove any emotional argument from them if they think they can take this to small claims court. Which is all the argument they have to begin with. Of course, they don't know much about our legal system. The lady said that she went to the neighborhood association and they will enforce the issue (We don't have an association, we have a neighborhood facebook page  ). She also said that she was consulting with the city attorney and they would be forcing us to give up our driveway to them. (She doesn't know the city attorney is the lawyer for the city, not for the people and doesn't deal with this kind of issue.) My wife and I have resolved that the time for compromise is over, and we will just immediately call the police every time they trespass on our property. 



I think I'm gonna watch Gran Torino tonight. 

[CheffoJeffo]

There is a time in any situation where you just need to put your foot down and if you need to, call the police every single time a confrontation occurs. I have lived around some crazy neighbors before. I feel your pain here, at times it makes it completely unbearable to even go home with the anticipation that you may just end up see those guys before you get into your house.

This.

Document and notify. Don't be afraid to call the police to report stuff -- if you are afraid of wasting the time of street cops, then volunteer to go down to file your report at the station.

We have neighbours at the cottage who are pretty much despicable and think that everybody should do whatever they want. So far, we have had visits from the fire department (illegal burning), the police (a number of visits for everything from having our septic bed redone to having fireworks displays), bylaw enforcement officers and a number of visits from the building inspectors -- all based on false reports. We document everything and deal with the authorities appropriately. We have never been issued any citations or even been cautioned, but our documentation and reporting to the authorities has them tagged for harassment and abuse of system.

[Well Fed Games]

What good does video evidence do when you're confronting someone who does not deny the issue?  He doesn't need proof.  He needs to stop rolling over for them.

Well, trying to defuse the situation does not equal rolling over. And as far as the camera, I was more concerned about his wife being able to know what is going on outside without having to engage the crazy neighbors.

[yotsuya]

Unfortunately, if they leave that wall unpainted, it might affect your property value if you do decide to move. Who wants to live next to a half-painted house! 

[Vigo]

True enough. The same could be said about buying a house with a shed and a fence that had paint overspray all over it. I think the neighbor also shot the value down a tad when they painted their beautiful, all-wood porch gray and bright blue. It was an awesome looking porch.

[ChadTower]

Well, trying to defuse the situation does not equal rolling over. And as far as the camera, I was more concerned about his wife being able to know what is going on outside without having to engage the crazy neighbors.

He has gone well past defusing the situation into allowing them to do whatever they want whenever they want without any consequences.  Defusing the situation includes eventual compromise.  Where do you see the neighbor agreeing to any reasonable changes to their behavior?  Where do you see the neighbor making any considerations whatsoever?

[Malenko]

I still want to know how moldy bagels and empty cookie trays are racial slurs.

I guess Jews are known for bagels (I dont get it) and I think its cause you put cookie trays in the oven?
I mean whats the point of a racial slur that no one gets?

[Alpha17X]

If you or your wife don't ever want to do anything 'to avoid issues'. Every time something comes up. The issues you're dealing with are obviously frustrating but it seems like every time there was a solution neither of you wanted to take it, giving your neighbors the easy way out and unsurprisingly they continued to walk all over you.  Putting things like poisoning their dog of building a trebuchet aside, the police should have been involved long ago, initially the issue should have been taken up with your city's bylaw and licensing department, or it's equivalent.  When a contract swings a ladder at your spouse  and the goes and causes blatant property damage, that is not the time to remain silent, that's the time to call the police because she was assaulted on her own property.

I feel for you, but my day job is a city administrator, and from that perspective, you have let big things slide so many times that the only thing they're likely to care much about at this point is whether or not the contractors had the appropriate work permits, older issues are over and done with, they might be good legal ammo if you have documented proof they actually happened, but due to the fact that they are no longer occurring, not much can be done about those now.

Document events as they occur and take action immediately. If a contractor assaults your wife, she should be calling the police and reporting and filing charges for assault.

At the end while I wouldn't say you brought any of this on yourself (that would be ridiculous) I can confidently and unfortunately say that you did allow them to continue.  These issues all sound like they could have been easily stopped near the very beginning of your ordeal. You need to put your foot down firmly,  you've almost literally been letting your neighbors and these contractors walk all over you. Remember you've got a backbone and got to to 'war'using your cities by laws and the law.