How annoyed would you be?

[Anonymous]

A one story house on the corner of our suburban street was torn down and a new three story is being built. Most of the other houses on the street are one story (a few two stories). The new house was built right on the setback line to their only neighbor, leaving more room on the other side because it is a corner lot. (It used to be centered.) All the rules were followed as far as we know, but the neighbor is really annoyed at this huge house right on the setback line. This just reminded me of the NYT article on the new addition, but not exactly the same thing. Was this a neighborly thing to do or is this just getting your money’s worth from a new build?

[Anonymous]

Of course they are annoyed. Why wouldn't they be? And I would be as well. Nothing to be done, though. And it's par for the course in the part of FFX on the orange line that I'm familiar with.

[Anonymous]

If all the rules have been followed, there's nothing they can do, but I greatly sympathize with the poor neighbor.

My BIL buys land, builds large homes to the max he's allowed to by local regulations, and rents them out. He's faced several lawsuits from disgruntled neighbors and won every time, since technically, he's not breaking any laws. I hate that he does this, but on the other hand... he has a 30 year old disabled son he needs to support, and money doesn't grow on trees.

[Anonymous]

Neighbor can always sell and move somewhere else if they’re not happy.

[Anonymous]

I would be annoyed. If I had money I would build a taller house next to them. Also if I didn't have money to build for myself and this was a huge QOL issue, I would borrow to build the hugest possible homes and then sell it and make money on it. If I were completely broke and could stand living there anymore, I'd make sure to sell my house to a developer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would be annoyed. If I had money I would build a taller house next to them. Also if I didn't have money to build for myself and this was a huge QOL issue, I would borrow to build the hugest possible homes and then sell it and make money on it. If I were completely broke and could stand living there anymore, I'd make sure to sell my house to a developer.

But then you'd inconvenience your other neighbor.

[Anonymous]

If it’s worth it to tear down houses, expect more of this to come. As an aside, people cry about HOA fees and rules, but a HOA would protect against this.

[Anonymous]

If it’s legal…oh well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If it’s legal…oh well.

This. I’d be annoyed but there’s nothing I could do.

[Anonymous]

I used to live next to Pimmit Hills in Falls Church, one of the OG neighborhoods for this. As much as I heard people hate on HOAs, I made sure to buy a house in one after seeing the monstrosities built next to 900 sqft. bungalows.

[Anonymous]

It’s legal and bound to happen, so I wouldn’t get worked up about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Neighbor can always sell and move somewhere else if they’re not happy.

Their property value is diminished.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I would be annoyed. If I had money I would build a taller house next to them. Also if I didn't have money to build for myself and this was a huge QOL issue, I would borrow to build the hugest possible homes and then sell it and make money on it. If I were completely broke and could stand living there anymore, I'd make sure to sell my house to a developer.

But then you'd inconvenience your other neighbor.

Aren't they already inconvenienced? Once one huge tower of Mcmansion gets erected, they eventually overtake the area if prices support new construction.