How to Keep Your Neighbors Happy During a Home Renovation Project
No matter how big or small your home renovation project is, there’s a good chance it will impact your neighbors in some way. The noise and mess can drive them crazy if you’re not careful. Not only can you make them uncomfortable in their homes, but you can also get in trouble.
Renovating your home can be a huge undertaking – and no matter how well you plan, there’s always a potential for disruption to your daily routine and that of your neighbors. Luckily, you can do a few things to keep everyone happy during the project.
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Tell Them About the Project
Before you start a renovation project at your home, make sure to tell your neighbors about the plan. Not only will they know what’s going on in advance, but they may even welcome the idea of a renovation.
More importantly, if your renovation project includes party wall structure works, new wall construction at the property boundary, and excavation work near the neighboring property, you are required to craft a party wall agreement in London that requires surveyors’ services.
Also, if you let them know in advance, you can work out a schedule to make everyone happy. If your neighbor still gives you a hard time, show them the benefits of what you are doing. For example, share that information with them if it improves their home or property values.
Keep Everything Clean
Renovations can produce a ton of dust and debris – both inside and outside the house. Even if you try your best to limit the mess, it will still be there. While most people understand this and are okay with a bit of mess, someone may complain. The trick is to keep things as neat as possible.
The best way to do that is to get a dumpster rental like Redbox+. Having a dumpster makes it easy to throw bulky items like old windows and drywall so that it’s not sitting in your yard, driveway, or sidewalk. No trash looks nice, and having it on display throughout the project may cause your neighbors to complain.
Keep the Noise Down
Renovating your home is a noisy business. There will be the sounds of saws, hammers, and other power tools. Inside the house, you’ll hear loud noises from electrical work or digging around in walls and under floors. But, if there’s no one to complain about the noise outside, the chances are that everyone will be okay with it.
If you have to work outside, try to do it when it’s not the busiest time of day. If possible, choose a weekday between 7 am and 5 pm. You can also always talk to your next-door neighbors about this. Touch on this topic with them to find a mutual plan that works for everyone.
Try to Stay Within your Property Line
Another good neighbor tip is to stay within your property line. It’s easy to get carried away with renovations and forget where you are, but sometimes having a few boundaries in place can help keep everyone happy.
When you have building materials delivered, they’ll most likely sit on the curb for a bit before being brought into the home. If you go a little beyond your property line, this can be an inconvenience for neighbors. Make sure to keep the materials on your side of the sidewalk and driveway. If you absolutely need a few inches from your neighbor’s property, make sure to ask first. And clean it all up as soon as possible.
Check the Laws
Depending on where you live, there may be laws regarding renovation projects. In some places, for example, renovations that disturb the peace of a neighborhood are not allowed at all.
Some cities will allow certain construction hours during weekdays while others have very strict ways. It’s always a good idea to check with your city planning office about these laws. This way, you should know what’s allowed and how to keep peace with neighbors during your renovations.
Be Courteous
Although most people won’t say anything, you know your neighbors better than anyone. But, unfortunately, some people are rude and will look for reasons to argue no matter what.
If that’s the case with your neighbors, it’s important to stay courteous. It may be difficult when someone is giving you a hard time, but it’s much better not to be rude in return.
You don’t want to start an argument with them over a simple thing like renovations. Instead, try explaining why you’re doing what you’re doing and offering solutions (if possible) that will make everyone happy.
Invite Them When it’s Done
If possible, it’s good to invite your neighbors over as the project progresses. They may not have been aware of how much work was going on inside or outside your house. If they didn’t care before, the chances are that they will now because you kept them in the loop about what was happening throughout the project.
Be sure to invite them over for a cup of coffee or a barbecue once the project is done. You’ll get a chance to show off your new home, and they’ll get the opportunity to see what was going on inside your house.
Everyone will be happy that you kept them in the loop and didn’t leave them behind. Remember that some people may not like these types of projects, but most are more than willing to put up with some noise or inconvenience for a short time.
