Happy Tuesday, Reader!
I spent two weeks traveling around Europe last month (a late celebration of 30 years of wedded bliss) - and - it was definitely a whirlwind.
Always keeping an eye on homebuilding activities, I was struck by something I saw in Lucerne.
Here in the U.S., we have to stake off a house before we start. If you're not sure what that means, it's just laying out the perimeter of the house using (you guessed it) wood or iron stakes.
This stake-off lets the inspector, Home Buyer, and Excavator know where the house is going. It also helps the Home Builder ensure that the house is going to fit inside the Building Setbacks.
In Lucerne, Switzerland, I noticed that the stake-off takes a bit of a different turn. Instead of small stakes that are high enough to step over, the stakes Swiss Home Builders use are quite high. See the pic below.
Why are their stakes so high?
The Home Builder is required to show how high the proposed building will be. The "V" shaped components of these tall stakes also denote the pitch and gables that might exist (which, in this photo's case, there are none - denoting a flat roof).
As it was explained to me, the tall stakes are put up to allow neighbors and other interested parties the ability to see how the new building will affect their view, etc.
AND they have the ability to contest the proposed building with their local governing body. Every resident has the right to veto new construction projects if they believe the project will interfere with their quality of life.
I'm curious how often buildings get contested. And I wonder if it's easier or more difficult to get things done than here in the U.S.
I'd love to hear your thoughts! Go ahead and REPLY to this email and let me know what you think.
Have a great week!
-Brad