Originally Posted By: hspinnler This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I am looking at two new house where all the grading on either side of home is backfill. The slope drops off dramatically on each side but does not affect the dwellings which are on basements. The buyers want to know if the slope is too drastic. Obviously, the builder is avoiding bearing the additional costs of adding retaining walls and terraces to minimize the fall off. They barely are willing to add a few bushes and pinestraw. I don’t know how the folks buying are going to cut the grass. I want to be helpful. Perhaps I should have them contact the soil and erosion AHJ?
From a safety perspective, does anyone feel obligated to report such concerns? If you do, where do you stop? 10' away from the dwelling? Property line?
Originally Posted By: dandersen This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
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Re-read the SOP, and recommend a site Landscape Architect or a Civil Engineer to evaluate the concern.
Your duty would only involve pointing out your concerns.
OK guys, this is getting a bit silly.
The question was:
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From a safety perspective, does anyone feel obligated to report such concerns? If you do, where do you stop? 10' away from the dwelling? Property line?
I don't get paid $600 to walk in and recommend 15 specialist to look at something I "feel" isn't right. Someone has to pay for this!
Somewhere you have got to come up with something to justify your call. What is the condition, what should it be, how can that be done. I get blasted for referring to the "Code" but you can give anyone "Information" that they can interpret themselves and make some attempt at fixing the situation if they all agree that it is in fact an issue of concern.
How about posting some worthwhile information here to help us learn and make justifiable calls. This is not a report writing thread, or a legal thread.
Answer the question asked.
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From a safety perspective, does anyone feel obligated to report such concerns?
I always feel obligated to discuss Safety Issues. I interview my clients and attempt to get a profile of the occupants and visitors to the property. If they have a condition (young children, seniors, physical impairment) that may make an otherwise "No big deal" issue into a potential hazard, I call it out.
Many Code Requirements are for safety concerns. I use them as reference.
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If you do, where do you stop? 10' away from the dwelling? Property line?
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Dave’ hope you are fine.
You might be to much overpaid and trying to do to much to justify your position, but I agree with you in General. ha. ha.
You do not need 15 professionals to make a credible determination as to what the safety concern is, you only need one. The right one which is not your cup of tea, considering it is beyond your scope of the SOP.
Leave it up to the professionals to determine the fix or remedy or whatever else you want to call it. Unless you have been a site and landscape Engineer for 10-15 years I will have to say that you need to refer the problem to the qualified people.
Talking through your hat will only get you in trouble with time.
I am a stickler on safety issues, but in no way will I pretend to know or try to perform the expert advise of the expert in that field. This action would be dangerous if you are from a small city or town.
