I don’t think anyone wants to endure excessive noise, dust or interruptions, from a neighbour’s renovation. That’s why when you plan to renovate, it’s a great idea to keep the neighbours on side as best as you can.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do before and during a renovation, to minimise the impact to those around you. Here are our best tips to ensure your renovation stays neighbourly and your neighbours stay nice!
1. Give plenty of notice
First of all, avoid starting out on the wrong foot with people you may have to live beside for years to come. Give your neighbours as much notice in advance that you plan to renovate, as possible. Explain the scope of the project and the expected time frame. It’s also a good idea to give them your contact details, in case they need to reach you or your contractor.
2. Arrange for minimal disruptions
Take into consideration your neighbour’s lifestyle habits and do your best to schedule the work to suit. For instance, they may work from home, work evenings, or have small children who nap during the day. If you plan your renovation work around times, it will make a huge difference to level of disruption they experience.
3. Reach out with a peace offering
Extending a peace offering is a smart idea. Not only is a gift a nice gesture before construction begins, it’s also an extra thoughtful touch, if the work becomes extra disruptive, or goes on longer than expected.
4. Communicate with contractors
Let your contractors know that it’s your goal throughout the renovation to keep your neighbours happy. Advise them of any special arrangements or restrictions they may need to work around, but remember at the end of the day, it is your responsibility as the homeowner to resolve any issues.
5. Plan parking arrangements
If parking in your street is limited, plan in advance where work vehicles or dumpsters can be parked out of the way. Your neighbours won’t appreciate a dumpster blocking the view from their front window for several months.
6. Stay in touch throughout the process
Keeping the lines of communication open with your neighbours is always the best ways to keep things amicable. Check-in with your neighbours regularly throughout the renovation so they feel appreciated. Regular communication also gives you a chance to update them on the progress of the work.
7. Show your gratitude
Once your renovation is finished, extend your gratitude by inviting your neighbours over for dinner or drinks. It’s the perfect way to thank them for their patience and co-operation, and of course let them be one of the first to see the finished project.
8. Accept you can’t control everything
No matter how much you do to try and keep the neighbours happy, there’s always a small chance something may go wrong and the relationship is compromised.
If that’s the case, at least you’ll know you did as much as you could to keep disruptions to a minimum. If they can see you genuinely care and are willing to listen to their grievances, then there’s a good chance they will accept the situation for what it is.