Opinion: neighbor's garage is unsightly - should I ask them to paint it?

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[Post New]08/19/2010 18:20
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You can't ask them to paint it. If I were the neighbor, I'd find that completely and totally obnoxious. They might even decide that, because you were so rude as to ask them to do it, they now want to make it EVEN harder for you to sell your house. (just saying it's a possibility)

You can offer to have it painted for them, and pay for it. That would be acceptable. But, other than that, you have no other options.


It is, indeed, presumptious, for you to ask them to paint their garrage. I would probaly laugh and if I chose to paint I might paint it purple with yellow polka dots. Maybe they don't like something on your property or, maybe, you've been a pain the entire time you have lived next to them.


You yourself sound like a dreamboat neighbor, albeit one who can't spell. Vindictiveness and immaturity are two very, very attractive qualities for any neighbor.

In any case, purple with yellow polka dots sounds lovely, much better than a shed with peeling paint.


I think one spot should be green with pink polka dots for "Baby Bop" Barney's friend, I think.
[Post New]08/19/2010 23:20
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:OP here: wow, so glad I posted! I don't offend easily so if a neighbor came to me and explained the same situation I think I would be more embarrassed then insulted.

But you all provided great advice that I didn’t expect. Thanks!


Why don't you just burn it down?
[Post New]08/20/2010 08:05
Anonymous
What would Roseanne Conner do if she were the neighbor with the "eye sore" garage?
[Post New]08/20/2010 09:29
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Maybe the paint contains lead and that is a danger to the community.


Only if you eat it.

And if the garage was built after 1974 (or thereabouts), it won't contain lead paint.

OP... are the paint flakes falling off the garage and landing on your side of the property? (Is the garage built right on the property line?) If it's offset a few feet off the property line, the likelihood of paint flakes landing on your property is less...

I'll give you that it is unsightly, but a health hazard??


No offense, but you have no idea what you're talking about. Peeling paint is a building code violation in many areas, including Maryland. Even if paint does not contain lead, it contains many other hazardous chemicals which is why you have to dispose of it carefully. Peeling paint eventually finds it way into the ground.
[Post New]08/20/2010 11:57
Anonymous
What county/jurisdiction do you live in, OP?
[Post New]08/20/2010 12:12
Anonymous
Only if you offer to pay for it.
[Post New]08/20/2010 12:24
Anonymous
If you ask nicely, it can't hurt to ask. You can offer to pay for half of the cost, or all of the cost if you think it's worth it. If they are smart, they will want your house to go for a good price, too, because it affects them as well.
[Post New]08/20/2010 12:39
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I agree with PPs -- just ask if you can pay to have it painted, as part of your staging your house for sale.







I agree with this. I would explain I am putting house on the market, and wondered if if would be OK with the neighbor if I had that wall of the garage professional painted at MY expense.
[Post New]08/20/2010 14:37
Anonymous
OP here: we live in Silver Spring.
[Post New]08/20/2010 16:28
Anonymous
How about a tall wide criss cross trellis nailed to your side of the fence? Then cover it with climbing roses, morning glories, grapes, whatever. If you are moving soon, cover it with ivy.

http://www.gardenguides.com/84187-build-own-decorative-garden-trellis.html
[Post New]08/22/2010 20:38
Anonymous
I think it's fine to approach the neighbor and ask if you can pay to have it painted. Like you said in your original post, they may have no idea about the condition from the back! And if they keep the rest of the property well-maintained as you say, I imagine they might even take it on themselves. (but you should go into the request expecting to pay, clearly)

Based on your posts, you seem like a very reasonable person. I would not be offended if approached nicely by a neighbor. Even if they suggested I pay for the repair. I might have to tell them I can't do the repair for right now, but I wouldn't be offended!

[Post New]08/22/2010 20:49
aprilmayjune
Member Offline
There are a few people on here acting like her wanting the back of the garage that's uglying her otherwise nice backyard is unreasonable... It is not. If you have a HOA, I would address it with them first... if not, I would do as the others said and just reasonably talk to them and offer to take the costs of having it done.
[Post New]08/22/2010 21:04
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:No offense, but you have no idea what you're talking about. Peeling paint is a building code violation in many areas, including Maryland. Even if paint does not contain lead, it contains many other hazardous chemicals which is why you have to dispose of it carefully. Peeling paint eventually finds it way into the ground.


Citation, please. I was responding to the previous person who mentioned calling in the health department... and you reference the building code. A Building code violation does not equal health code violation. And from my quick read of the MoCo building codes, it refers to peeling paint on a "dwelling" and from the description from OP, the garage in question doesn't sound like a "dwelling" under the code.
[Post New]08/22/2010 23:50
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No offense, but you have no idea what you're talking about. Peeling paint is a building code violation in many areas, including Maryland. Even if paint does not contain lead, it contains many other hazardous chemicals which is why you have to dispose of it carefully. Peeling paint eventually finds it way into the ground.


Citation, please. I was responding to the previous person who mentioned calling in the health department... and you reference the building code. A Building code violation does not equal health code violation. And from my quick read of the MoCo building codes, it refers to peeling paint on a "dwelling" and from the description from OP, the garage in question doesn't sound like a "dwelling" under the code.


A Building Code Violation can equal a health code violation--restaurants, hair salons, spas, etc.
[Post New]08/23/2010 08:41
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:No offense, but you have no idea what you're talking about. Peeling paint is a building code violation in many areas, including Maryland. Even if paint does not contain lead, it contains many other hazardous chemicals which is why you have to dispose of it carefully. Peeling paint eventually finds it way into the ground.


Citation, please. I was responding to the previous person who mentioned calling in the health department... and you reference the building code. A Building code violation does not equal health code violation. And from my quick read of the MoCo building codes, it refers to peeling paint on a "dwelling" and from the description from OP, the garage in question doesn't sound like a "dwelling" under the code.


A Building Code Violation can equal a health code violation--restaurants, hair salons, spas, etc.


If this is the case, I have seen numerous places that should be shut down! My DH had to get a lead certification for work. I used to freak out about peeling paint in older homes...but after he took this class, that is the least we have to worry about in regards to lead!
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