WWYD?

Our neighbor had her house on the market since April without so much as an offer. It's just her and her daughter in the house - it's a 2-bedroom tudor.

She came over last night while I was out running some errands and spoke to DH about possibly staying and adding on an extension. She currently has a 15x15 deck in her backyard (coming off the house) and would build out another 10 feet and then up the 3 floors, so the extension would be almost doubling the length of the house. If she does this, it would block the "openness" of our backyard. All of the houses on my street are staggered on a diagonal, so the back of our house is even with like the middle of her house, our house is even with the house on the other side. Hopefully I'm explaining this right. If she does this, our backyard would pretty much be flanked with 2 houses.

Our neighbor wanted to clear it with us and make sure we are OK with this before she goes forward and starts to plan her extension. In one respect, I would LOVE for her to stay - she's an awesome neighbor. On the other hand, it would change the feel of our backyard. The houses are pretty close together, There is 12 feet between our house and hers.

So, is it even my place AT ALL to mention any of my concerns to her, even though she asked?

Re: WWYD?

I totally get why you don't want the extension, but the bad thing is if you tell her & she figures she's better off continuing to try to sell its very likely that the person that buys the house will consider expanding at somepoint as well. Most people aren't satisfied with 2 bedrooms anymore and its possible you might like those neighbors much less than you like her.
You could try to prevent her from having the extension built if she needs a variance but that usually creates problems.
You're in a tough spot but I don't think there is much you can or should do.

Message edited 10/11/2008 12:02:27 PM.

Re: WWYD?

first she has to get everything approved, and then has to get esitmates. she may not be able to afford it. also, her taxes will increase - something else she will need to weigh.

I personally would not try and talk her out of it. it's not my place

Re: WWYD?

If her plans are out of code it will need the approval of the neighbors. Honestly you need to consider your home. Do you use the back yard often? Is there another way she could do the extension with out it blocking you? I would mention it because maybe she can come up with an alternative with a good contractor.

Re: WWYD?

Although it is considerate she asked you I personally don't think that your opinion should influence her decision. Good neighbors are very important. I hope it all works out.