Expert: Dan Griffin - 6/4/2009

Question
We are currently putting an 450 ft. addition onto our ranch home.  This includes a full basement under the addition.  We just had our basement walls poured a few days ago, in which we are not able to backfill the dirt for a few more weeks (same with putting the floor on our addition).  Once the basement is complete, we will be finishing the construction ourselves by the end of the summer.

My issue is that JUST recently, a few neighborhood children ages 4-8 (that we barely know) have been trying to befriend our children b/c of their curiousity of  construction.  

We just mentioned last week to their parents of our new addition so they are fully aware of our situation, however, they continue to allow them to visit without our permission or when we are not home!  Their parents are very free spirited, and obviously have a lack of concern as to where their children are or their safety.  

Our children understand very clearly not to go near our construction, however, we have surprisingly come home to these neighborhood children standing on the edge of the dirt of the addition (with a 9' drop below their toes!).  Thankfully my husband was came home without them knowing, but what if he wasn't??  And how many times have they been over without us knowing??

We are extremely concerned about their safety!  And fear for our liability, should something happen to them!!  

So, my question is, how can we protect ourselves??  PS...We are going out of town next week and worry what we will come home to!!  

(it seems completely unfair that due to carefree neighbors, we need to protect our land~for someone elses lack of parenting, let alone their children's safety!).  

Thanks for your help!

Answer
kellie, this is an issue for all contractors.  A construction site is considered an "attractive nuisance".  I wish I could make you feel better about the issues, but the danger remains.  Most contractors surround the attractive nuisance with a perimeter fence or caution tape to at least be able to say they had made an attempt.

Orange "snow fence" is quite inexpensive and is easy with which to work.  It can be strung on rebar, t posts, or lumber stakes.  It does not have to be particularly sturdy, just there.  For simple over night conditions we often just string yellow caution tape to mark a safe set back.  Take a few pictures of the fence to be able to prove it was there in reasonable condition.

It is just one more cost of doing business.  No one wants to harm a child or deal with the issues resulting from a tragedy.  Keep the site picked up and as safe as possible for everyone's sake.