Dear Karen,

I live in a townhouse development in Mashpee.  Recently the condo board approved the right to let us expand our decks. I live in an end unit and a big reason why I bought this particular house was because it is an end unit and the way my deck is situated the other 4 people in my section can’t see me when I’m out there because my deck is set back. Whereas the other 4 people can see each other when they are out on their decks.

A week ago my next door neighbor said she wanted to expand her deck but she needs me to sign off on it because we abut each other.  The reason why I am writing is because I am in a quandary…if she expands her deck “out” which she is going to do…it we devalue my townhouse because I will have less privacy.  She says she will put up partition but I don’t want to look at that when I could be looking at beautiful conservation land.

We have a very good relationship as neighbors and I am afraid if I turn down her request it’ll ruin our friendship.

What the heck should I do?

Doreen in Mashpee

Karen’s Answer

Doreen,

You answered your own question.  You’ll have to turn her down.  She’s not asking to borrow a cup of sugar…she’s asking you to make your house less desirable to a potential buyer…should you ever sell your townhouse.

Explain to her that it’s more of a business decision and hope that she understands. If the situation was reversed she probably wouldn’t sign off on you expanding your deck either.

If she brings up the “partition.” Tell her you’re worried about who might buy her house after her…they may take the partition down and you down want to look at people partying at all hours.

I hope your friendship will remain intact.

Best,

Karen