Roofer took over my side yard

[Blazinlow86]

Seriously...now your talking about my name. That's Messin with a mans livelihood...dont go there

Couldn't you just delete all your posts in this thread if you don't wanna mess with your livelihood?

 

[gotbeer74]

Post 6 wasnt even my post

 

[Still Brewn]

Amusing thread, as a landscape contractor who installs lots of plants and fences right along property lines, I kind of see both sides. I also was a roofing laborer for a short time many years ago.

That said, we are extremely careful to respect property lines, sometimes going to great lengths to do so. It is the best way to avoid trouble. And I HATE tight lot, in town jobs, and always add a significant PITA factor to the bid on them, if I bid on it at all.

Mature nursery stock is expensive, especially if professionally installed and warrantied. Does not take much damage to rack up $200, as that will get you a medium sized shrub or two, or a small tree. Nice perennials cost around $20 each installed.

Around here these days, with the exception of a few high end hand nailing crews, all the roofers are foreigners with little regard for any niceties. They leave so many nails around their job sites that I've had to get a nail sweep to protect the tires on my equipment on sites they have worked on. We charge that to the customer, and point out how messy their roofers were, and let them deal with them.

Thank you....
And its not about going out and "getting them" just to get them. It is about respect for other people's property, the time they put in and the care they have devoted to their piece of paradise and wether it is the the Taj Mahal or the slummyiest hole in South America it is still private property and someones time and effort to make it the way it is. Would anyone like it if someone else came and took a dump in their yard? No, well that is what that contractor is doing.

I hated it and moved....its not right but in most/all cases its kids....whata ya do, arrest kids for being kids..

Well in my neighborhood I usually only have to say something about once a year to kids, it is mostly adults stopping their cars to steal around here and it's not just my yard they steal from, there are a number of yards that have nice flowers growing around me.
The point wasn't about the flowers specifically it was about the disrespect people have, as in this case with the contractor, for other people's things. When my contractor let a sheet of osb slip off my roof and it broke a couple of bricks in our patio he had the courtesy to come and let me know right away offer to pay even though he knew it would be another year at least before I would ever be able to get out there and see it.. That is a good contractor.
If you reread my post it says "it a mean thing to do" about the trespassing ticket. It's is not something I would do without talking to the neighbor first..... As in the boss.
And as for calling the cops on the rose thieves I did, several times but I should have stated that it was a lady that lived across the street and had been asked several times nicely to not do that, then I yelled at her a couple of times then I finally got fed up and called the police. She eventually was arrested for entering another neighbors apartment and stabbing him in the face with a propane torch. Additionally she was also telling my other neighbors that I had chased her down the street with a hammer, fortunately all the neighbors knew she was full of it because at the time I could barely walk without a cane to keep my balance, let alone run. The other guy I called the cops on would just go around on a regular basis stealing and vandalizing people's plants, trees and gardens or anything else like sign posts.... anything he could swing the golf club at he always seemed to be carrying.

 

[S-Met]

Read post #6. He's going to report either the homeowner or contractor....just in case. That would be a threat of legal

For the record I think the contractor should pay for the plants if thats what the OP wants....I, as roof contractor, would pay for it in a second as we do the right thing.....all the talk of legal crap and insurance claims is what pushes my buttons...so uncalled for in this situation

Please re-read post #1 and pay specific attention to the poster: @gotbeer74.
Now go back and re-read posts 2,6 and let me know if op posted any mention of legal or insurance claims.

Most all of your replies are to the remainder of the gen-pop and I do believe you threw the 1st stone calling anyone complaining about damage to their property a ********* neighbor.

Youd would be the neighbor I'd be forced to shoot....hes bitchin about a plant...a plant.
While his neighbor is having a massive demo job being done....everything you said to do would make you the worst neighbor on the planet

If my neighbor did what your saying to do over a plant I would make his life a living hell for the rest of his life

Homeowner Rule #1
Dont be a ********* neighbor

So... do us a favor and set the pint-glass down. I don't want you to fall off of the roof.

 

[bob1852]

Seriously...now your talking about my name. That's Messin with a mans livelihood...dont go there

Scratch that...

Note to self, make sure my neighbors' never do business with you. I'd hate for you to damage my property and shrug it off as no big deal.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Scratch that...

Note to self, make sure my neighbors' never do business with you. I'd hate for you to damage my property and shrug it off as no big deal.

I never said it was no big deal....I said dont make it a big deal...big difference.

 

[Blazinlow86]

Scratch that...

Note to self, make sure my neighbors' never do business with you. I'd hate for you to damage my property and shrug it off as no big deal.

No kidding

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Most all of your replies are to the remainder of the gen-pop and I do believe you threw the 1st stone calling anyone complaining about damage to their property a ********* neighbor.

THats not true at all. Look at my first post response...no issue with anything....THen the following post mentioned calling the police and filing a property damage report before the homeowner even had the chance to speak with the contractor or homeowner....thats where the ********* neighbor comment came from and I stand by that....and that wasnt even directed at the OP...so please dont twist the quotes

 

[November]

My neighbor had a contractor doing some landscaping work done a few weeks ago. The contractor came over and asked if he could use my property to access the neighbor's yard with some heavy equipment. Sure. They took down my fence and moved some huge bulldozers and dump trucks in.

Not only did they repair everything like I would expect, they left it better than they found it. It probably did not cost them much, but I was still impressed. I called them last week about doing some work for me.

That kind of work is big on word of mouth recommendations. I bet once they find out that they caused damage they will happily make it right...

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

^^ Exactly^^

Lots of talk of calling the police, get the contractor for trespassing, Call his insurance company, file property damage reports. generalizing "teaching all contractors a lesson"......every single thing your NOT supposed to do before ever even talking to anyone.....yet some people think thats the right path....and would even try to smear my companies name to defend it.....wrong on all levels

Lots of contractor bashing going on....If the haters hate contractors so much learn how to do it yourself....nothing wrong with that. Then youll never have an issue because your perfect

 

[Redpappy]

This is a very interesting thread.... respect for other people property and actually communication ( face to face communication that is)is almost non existent anymore and it is so sad. And this thread shows it. There are a few that still have respect, but they are far and in between.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Post 6 wasnt even my post

Your right...sorry about that

 

[gotbeer74]

This is a very interesting thread.... respect for other people property and actually communication ( face to face communication that is)is almost non existent anymore and it is so sad. And this thread shows it. There are a few that still have respect, but they are far and in between.

I actually was just able to do this with the owner. Again she is very sorry that this happened and will pay for all replacements that need to made. My main reason for the original post was to vent while having a cup of coffee, yes it is only a plant, but these plants were now in the ground for 5 years and starting to thrive. A lot of work was done on my part and my kids to get them where they are today. In 1 hour someone comes and pulls out, flattens with plywood or cut them down with slates to where they were when we started. Yes, they will grow back, you're right, but that does not make it right.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

I actually was just able to do this with the owner. Again she is very sorry that this happened and will pay for all replacements that need to made. My main reason for the original post was to vent while having a cup of coffee, yes it is only a plant, but these plants were now in the ground for 5 years and starting to thrive. A lot of work was done on my part and my kids to get them where they are today. In 1 hour someone comes and pulls out, flattens with plywood or cut them down with slates to where they were when we started. Yes, they will grow back, you're right, but that does not make it right.

Perfect....it's unfortunate that it happened and keeping things good with the neighbor and contractor has been my point from the start....jumping to conclusions and labeling people or companies as "bad".....none of which you did...but others on this thread have is wrong...things happen and things get resolved. It sucks that your plants that the kids helped with got damaged but the neighbor was sorry and I'm positive the contractor would rather it didnt happen either

 

[gotbeer74]

Perfect....it's unfortunate that it happened and keeping things good with the neighbor and contractor has been my point from the start....jumping to conclusions and labeling people or companies as "bad".....none of which you did...but others on this thread have is wrong...things happen and things get resolved. It sucks that your plants that the kids helped with got damaged but the neighbor was sorry and I'm positive the contractor would rather it didnt happen either

Not sure about the contractor found 3 soda cans and Gatorade bottles in my yard no where near the roof.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Not sure about the contractor found 3 soda cans and Gatorade bottles in my yard no where near the roof.

LOL...Do you really think they whipped soda cans onto your yard over the fence just to be a d!ck...anything is possible but highly unlikely

 

[gotbeer74]

LOL...Do you really think they whipped soda cans on to your yard over the fence just to be a d!ck...anything is possible but highly unlikely

No other way to get in my yard 6 ft privacy fence on both sides and a 40 foot garage in the back

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

Geez ROTTEN, you don’t have to take this personally, and if your defense of a neighbor and contractor reflects your attitude I’d never hire you. The situation might be hard to keep debris from escaping the worksite. However, the person with the damaged plant and old broken slate all over has every legal right to complain and be made whole.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Geez ROTTEN, you don’t have to take this personally, and if your defense of a neighbor and contractor reflects your attitude I’d never hire you. The situation might be hard to keep debris from escaping the worksite. However, the person with the damaged plant and old broken slate all over has every legal right to complain and be made whole.

Your local...I'll send you my info if you want and you can research my company...we dont have a single strike against us ever...My entire position from the start was don't call the police, or file charges against someone without even talking to the homeowner or contractor to try to resolve the issue.....The OP just stated he just talked to the homeowner and worked it out....so every post before that was throwing someone under the bus before even trying to resolve the issue....and thats wrong

If thats a reflection of who I am Im OK with that...I give people a chance to make things right before taking legal action....which I've never had to do in my life

We'll be doing a roof local to where I think you are this week. Your more than welcome to stop by and say hello and see how things work...I think you would be pleasantly surprised with the professionalism

 

[Hoppy2bmerry]

The second post talking about filing a report wasn’t the OP, and it would have been necessary if the contractor didn’t clean up or did more damage. Of course, people should speak to each other and work it out. Your “position” came across as condescending. Take that as feedback, because sometimes people don’t realize how they come across or their intent might be different. Luckily, I don’t need a new roof at the moment.

 

[Redpappy]

I actually was just able to do this with the owner. Again she is very sorry that this happened and will pay for all replacements that need to made. My main reason for the original post was to vent while having a cup of coffee, yes it is only a plant, but these plants were now in the ground for 5 years and starting to thrive. A lot of work was done on my part and my kids to get them where they are today. In 1 hour someone comes and pulls out, flattens with plywood or cut them down with slates to where they were when we started. Yes, they will grow back, you're right, but that does not make it right.

Good to hear that everything is getting resolved. As best as it can be. I beleive venting is a good thing, before addressing an issue.

 

[balrog]

I feel like this went from zero to 11-finity fast, and then resolved.

And I missed the whole dang thing!

Wow.

 

[passedpawn]

Communication, communication,
Communication.....

Best post. For almost ever situation, this will win the day. Thank you sir.

 

[Dland]

Sometimes they do not want to communicate with you, but always do when I can.

Hiring out work has its perils, as does being the one who is hired.

If you ever had to put a fence on a line and the abutter did not want it there, you'd know what I'm sayin. ( I try not to take jobs like that, but stumble into them now and again.)

Anyway,..had a good brew day, now enjoying a nice lager from March, cheers...

 

[passedpawn]

If you want to win, be calm. Seek first to understand, THEN to be understood (thanks S. Covey). I can assure you that the most unreasonable people, once they calm down, will accept a compromise.

Accept compromise, even if you consider it a loss. It's not a loss if it's reached that point.

I've been running my own company for many years, I know people. Even the unreasonable ones respond best to a calm person who will listen.

 

[madscientist451]

Talk to your neighbor in a neighborly way and ask if there is any way to resolve the issue.
She hired the contractor, so her insurance should cover damages. Fixing damaged siding could be more expensive than the damaged plants.
Having a crappy relationship with neighbor really sucks and you'll have to decide how far you want to push your rights.

 

[Punx Clever]

I got halfway through the first page and had to ignore JOHNNYROTTEN... the onlyest person I've ever ignored on any web-forum ever...

Private property is sacred. If you are doing something that infringes on someone else's property, you ask permission first. Period.

"Ehrmagerd! It's too hard to keep my work off of other people's property!"

Yeah, sorry man, you are wrong.

 

[Still Brewn]

I'm glad you were able to work it out with your neighbor even though it is ultimatly not her responsibility, that falls with the contractor. I would still follow up with your insurance agent, The siding is not self mending and repairs to siding need to have some kind of guarantee that it won't leak 5 years down the road etc and if you don't have some kind of documentation it will come down to a he said she said kind of thing. When the repair is completed you will also want to follow up with new pictures sent to your agent or a new inspection by your insurance company. Rotten needs to take a chill pill, this was not a personal attack on you or your business. This was sound advice so this homeowner can protect himself and his property against future damage and cover himself for current damage. Just because you contact your insurance agent does not mean you have to file a claim. They work for you and can be your advocate if things don't go as discussed/planned.

 

[Still Brewn]

"teaching all contractors a lesson"......ev

You are mis quoting and misinterpreting what I said. I said "a lesson all contractor need to learn" as in ask permission and be respectful of the neighbors of the people you are doing work for and if you make a mistake own up befor the customer has a chance to notice. And all of this goes for everyone doing anything.
I still say "yes sir" and "thank you ma'am" to everyone try it, it is contagious and can calm down a hostile situation.

 

[Soulshine2]

"jumping to conclusions and labeling people or companies as "bad".....none of which you did...but others on this thread have is wrong..."

Wow, nobody started calling anyone names until you popped in to defend subpar, uncaring contractors..."over a plant , a plant " and what you assume is only $200.
You seem to like the word *********s. I also think you have anger issues.

Just FYI- In my younger days I worked many years as a landscaper and then obtained an Associates in Applied Science degree in Landscape design(M)/Turfgrass management (m) on a full scholarship. I was an assistant greenskeeper at a country club for 6 yrs. I obtained a few specialty licensing to do my job.
Established (5 yr old) landscape plants and other landscape material isn't cheap. Figure in labor and fuel as well. What you think is a petty $200 can turn into $1000 or more in repairs.

OP said there was damage to his 1 yr old siding as well.
I have also been a contractor and have installed siding on many homes during my 24 year carpentry career after I left the landscape industry. I have a good idea what material costs, the time it takes to go get it at the supply house, IF its not a special order color or style. The wait and cost because you cant just special order one or two pieces, you have to buy an entire box. Then a crew has to be scheduled to go make the repairs. In the meantime, the elements and insects can enter the damaged site, causing further damage, possibly structural. Worst case scenario, I know.

Years ago my neighbor had a tree cut down and had the stump chipped. The contractor was a shady character in the first place ,but he backed his equipment trailer onto my paver driveway without asking, ( I was at work, the neighbor across the street had taken pictures and told me once I got home. ) which caused 2 giant ruts 25 ft long which had to be taken up and re-laid at a later date. His stump grinder leaked hydraulic fluid on my lawn which in turn killed some grass and seeped into the soil while it was there.
I spoke to the neighbor and he did nothing. I spoke to the contractor and he wasn't going to do anything either. He got in my face about it too. Damaged my property then wanted to get mad at me about it...So, I called the police and had a report filed. Police knew this guy (not his first time)so they talked to him at another site and he came back over a week later with some dried up sod pieces and said he fixed it. Looked like a brown jigsaw puzzle. I ended up excavating and refilling 6 inches of soil and getting new sod on my own. Insurance agent was a good guy , I submitted the report, pics and receipts. I was reimbursed for my time and the material .
Last I heard the tree guy was in jail for repeated destruction of property ,operating a business without license(city ordinance), bond nor insurance ,fraud (talked old folks into paying ahead, then skipped out on the work)and a few other charges unrelated.

I wasn't saying at all the OP should call the police right away . BUT, as the thread progressed as everyone has said to talk to the homeowner first then if it wasn't resolved then to get a damage report just in case . If Insurance has to be involved ,if a report has been filed it helps move the claim along.

Sounds like the OP spoke to his neighbor and they resolved .

someone please close this thread.