Three surveyors, a half naked man and a headache
So we are one month in and thesmooth ride seems to be over. Damn.
Last week was a bit of turning point in our project. Up until now we have been ahead of schedule and within budget. I knew that it could not last.
The party wall problem is now heading to a giddy climax with the boys meeting at our place on Thursday to try to agree an award - hopefully without the need for a third surveyor but I shall not be holding my breath in case I expire before writing the necessary cheques to pay them all. I remain disenchanted with party wall rules particularly as it would seem that I have unwittingly served the wrong notice! It should have been in three meter excavation form not a general notice - duh silly me. This probably would not be a problem elsewhere but my prophecy of doom is that it will be here, although presumably it could be amended?
The second and more alarming development occurred on Friday when I received a flurry of urgent calls from a builder, his wife and the elderly tenant of the adjoining house. It would appear that some time before 8.30 am a semi clad man began ranting along the street using a rather choice selection of words to describe, at volume, his discontent with the world. It is reported that he then spotted a window open at number four and approached at speed, spittle and sweat flying. Our lovely plasterer was unlucky enough to be the reception committee and was treated to a tirade of abuse and allegations of impropriety. According to the clothes phobic, we have been working early in the morning and over night and all weekend. Bless all of the lovely tradesmen who have evidently been working almost 24 hours a day on our project on a charitable basis since we have not been billed for this extra work. Indeed, if our neighbour is correct many have been working without break for four weeks. Now that is devotion ot the job. Even those who have not been quite so dedicated have been starting as early as 5.00am, seven days a week, always drilling or hammering for the full duration oftheir shift. Naturally I was very concerned - where was the fruit of these additional labours? Or, could it be that this gentleman was mistaken in his assertions?
Despite advice from the other neighbour to steer clear and form the Plasterer to be careful I felt it best to knock and attempt to pour oil on these troubled waters. Should not have bothered - the man was beside himself with fury, although his mood lightened when he mistakenly believed we shared the same name - Helen? Upon further enquiry he told me that we should not start work before 10.00 or 10.30 and that we should not speak in the garden as it disturbs him. I pointed out that would be Avery late start indeed and that we were probably ok to talk in our garden. He response was that we had to write to him about that. I left him much calmer and clutching my number to callshould we or our builders behave so outrageously in future.
Concerned that there may be some element of truth in the allegations I checked with our other neighbours to see if we had indeed been causing a nuisance. Apparently not and, in fact, most seemed to think that the site had been very quiet indeed. All was well until at about 6.30 I had to return to take some measurements. A furious row was taking place next door, clothes came cascading from the window. I left - what a cowardly custard eh?
Later intelligence revealed the old rudey nudeywas taken away by the Police and has yet to return…