Any builders on here?

OK, well I guess I should say it is more of a conservatory than an extension....just a great big old room on the back of the house! I have attached a picture for all too see, I'm sure some of you are just curious (i.e. nosey!!).

If you look at the wall by the fence, you will see that there is no point having a window there. Also the ground slopes, so the fence doesn't go all the way to the bottom of my wall, but actually sits on a brick wall.

Anyway, the builder is a very good guy - I don't think in any way he is trying to con me. The price he quoted is very reasonable.

I am just concerned that it is a safe / ok thing to do, building wise. All I would ask is that depending how high the wall goes, that a regular house brick is used as you get near the top of the fence (assuming it is safe / acceptable to use block in that way).

block will be fine for the purpose you've described.

the only reason brick is used is because it's prettier

we build whole double skin walls (like yours) out of block and then render the outside. as long as the ties are installed, and movement joints etc then safety is not an issue

but, as always, speak to a professional - cos i don't have professional indemnity insurance - lol

structurally it makes no difference really if its brickwork or blockwork - so the job looks fine regarding this. The only issue is the aesthetics of the wall. As you point out, if the fence comes down it'll look a bit of a mess - but then that could be covered with render, so it won't be the end of the world.

How are you going to maintain the fence?

does the rule about the left side fence still stand?

[Ruffy]

Originally Posted by GSXR Carlos

the only reason brick is used is because it's prettier

+1. This is also my understanding. The conservatory we have is very similar in that we have a block wall on the outside face next to the fence.

Originally Posted by GSXR Carlos

does the rule about the left side fence still stand?

Nope. There never was one.

i thought someone was always responsible for one side of their garden?

Originally Posted by GSXR Carlos

i thought someone was always responsible for one side of their garden?

Often but not necessarily. It depends what it says in the title. Sometimes the title is silent, so often it largely depends on custom and use. Most land in England and Wales is registered, you'd have thought that the Land Registration Rules would help, but they don't - in fact they state (rule 278 to be precise) that the red line on the boundary plan is not indicative of ownership of boundaries. Completely useless. So it's not surprising that so many people fall out over fences, often it's simply impossoble to advise people on the matter. Incidentally I do this for a living - I'm a solicitor.

Originally Posted by Ed

How are you going to maintain the fence?

I'm planning on letting it fall down

Seriously, I've not done any fence maintenance in the past few years. if it need replacing, it'll have to be done from the other side. The neighbours are ok.

On the legal side, I have no idea who is responsible for the fence.

Originally Posted by Ruffy

The conservatory we have is very similar in that we have a block wall on the outside face next to the fence.

Good stuff! I am not alone!

Thanks for all the reply's guys.