When Plot Plan Measurements Are Wrong...

[river]

Hi everyone! First post!

Does the building code specify that construction must be within x inches or y% of plot plan measurements? If so, does it say how discrepancies are addressed? How does the thickness of the wall between two adjoining neighbors come into the measurement?

If you already bought an IP home and have discovered you're missing over x inches of setback, what do you do?

I suppose if you're considering an existing home and you measure a shortcoming that bothers you, you can just pass on it. It's like anything else you might personally have as a deal beaker.

But what if you're in the process of buying new (deposit down, some papers signed) and you discover a discrepancy? IP has its fat waiting list if you're not interested. And you have no guarantees of better accuracy in later deals. What should these folks do?

 

[WTTCHMN]

Hi everyone! First post!

Does the building code specify that construction must be within x inches or y% of plot plan measurements? If so, does it say how discrepancies are addressed? How does the thickness of the wall between two adjoining neighbors come into the measurement?

If you already bought an IP home and have discovered you're missing over x inches of setback, what do you do?

I suppose if you're considering an existing home and you measure a shortcoming that bothers you, you can just pass on it. It's like anything else you might personally have as a deal beaker.

But what if you're in the process of buying new (deposit down, some papers signed) and you discover a discrepancy? IP has its fat waiting list if you're not interested. And you have no guarantees of better accuracy in later deals. What should these folks do?

Move the wall.  Easier to do it now than to wait until your neighbor moves in.

 

[collected]

I've heard that if there's a wall between you and your neighbor that's on the boundary then you both have 50% of that wall.  They will probably have you sign a bunch of paperwork that limits their liability.  I would ask questions and read the fine print in any contracts.

 

[gasman]

Keep in mind that plot plans for walls are measured to center of the wall (not the edge surface).  That could be the few inches of discrepancy.

Otherwise, you'll have to work with your builder.  If the builder isn't cooperative, you'll probably have to involve the city inspectors and/or code compliance officers.

None of these options are easy, and will take a lot of persistence and patience.

Good luck.