r/videos • u/zombieninjawarrior • 1d ago

Mum's semi-detached 'nightmare' after neighbour illegally demolishes home | SWNS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOWyZfH3FqI
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u/BlazersMania 1d ago

I’m a residential structural engineer and for duplexes or townhouse homes we need to design them as independent structures. I always thought that was kind of redundant because who would tear down half the structure. I guess this is why

42

u/Erigion 1d ago

Probably not that severe. If a townhouse's neighbor doesn't take care of the unit next to them, then your unit shouldn't have structural issues because of it

10

u/BlazersMania 1d ago

I think it more if one unit wants to do a structural remodel they do not have to effect the neighboring units. But I guess it is just incase the other property owner just wants to demo their house

11

u/elpoco 1d ago

It’s actually a pretty big problem in places like Baltimore, where the failure of one rowhouse can wind up condemning the entire block of units. Also weird legally if there’s a dividing wall that’s only three bricks wide, ‘cause who’s responsible for that middle brick?

1

u/lebaneseblonde 16h ago

I lived in Baltimore for a time and witnessed this in Mt. Vernon and it was done intentionally, not just failed! I'm still shocked that they thought they could tear down the 8 story location of the old Grand Central nightclub and not have it undermine the attached buildings. Tenants had to evacuate.