Yet another neighbor issue - WWYD?

[mjkacmom]

We've been living next door to a woman for 13 year. She's very nice, and a great neighbor (quiet, friendly, has a dog that rarely barks, we exchange Christmas cards). The only issue I've ever had, and really it's not an issue, is that on our block of very well maintained homes and yards (100 year old homes, wrap around porches, wood siding), her home and yard is not kept up (as in her 1970's siding is filthy, her yard has a foot worth of growth). I'd rather have that than a bad neighbor. Recently, she's been doing some work (I'm thinking she might be selling her home). She has a garage (cement, flat roof, white), that butts up to our back yard. It's always bothered me, because it's stained, with green growing on it, dirty window. Yesterday she had painters over there painting the garage. They only did 3 sides (our back yards back up to a street). Guess which side they didn't paint.

I would've even paid her painters to paint the side that faces our property, but went out during the day, and when I got back, they were gone. I had considered asking her if we could paint it in the past, but didn't want to insult her. Should I ask for the color white they used, so we could finally not have to stare at this awful wall? I am a little surprised she didn't have her painters paint this side as well.

 

[ajk912]

I doubt she is selling the house is she only painted 3 sides. That's odd, I agree!!!

Is it a monetary and/or capability issue? Maybe (if you are able, I mean) see if you can work out a trade, you guys mow her lawn for her and she does (whatever) for you?

I would be frustrated, as well. That type of growth is going to attract critters.

 

[JerseyJanice]

Could it be that they didn't paint that wall because they would have had to be on your property to do it and didn't want to go there without asking your permission?

Even if that's not the case, maybe you could ask her about it that way. Tell her that you noticed they left the side on your property unpainted and you wondered if it was because they didn't want to trespass. Then say you'd like to see it painted and ask if there is leftover paint.

 

[golfgal]

Maybe they ran out of time and will be back on Monday

 

[shortbun]

I'd be asking her if they were coming back to finish the job OR what color did they use? Why not paint a beautiful mural? When we moved into our current home, the next door neighbors had already put up a cement block wall. It was awful!!!! I've just had some students from the local art college paint a pretty grass and floral mural on it. It's in the back yard and they will never know nor will any of our neighbors because it's near the house and blocked by other parts of the house. I'm happy.

In our old neighborhood, neighbors mowed for each other, especially the neighbors who needed the help got it. It kept up appearances and no one minded.

 

[mjkacmom]

Thanks for the replies. If I see her, I'll either ask if they're coming back, or if they have extra paint - I'd love to have a mural! We just have a 4 foot picket fence, and when her kids were little, had no problem with them retrieving their balls whenever they needed. It's a great neighborhood, and everyone knows and likes each other. As for her lawn, we don't even own a lawnmover (no garage).