Home remodeling is on the rise. More homeowners are spending time and money making
“Being a good neighbor begins with developing a conscious awareness of how our actions may affect others.”- Emily Post
First things first:
Obviously your priority is your home and the extensive paperwork that it takes to get those pesky permits pulled. But after everything has been pulled and you know officially that it’s time to start construction, you should notify your immediate neighbors know what is going on and let them know that if they have any issues, to contact you directly.
Ease concerns:
It is not their home, you don’t need their opinion on design ideas. But they may have concerns may have concerns about property values and if your remodel is legal. By alleviating their concerns, the easier they’ll make your life.
During construction:
Keep your neighbors happy by effectively coordinating with your general contractor and his team. Ask them to start work no earlier than 8 a.m. Be sure not to allow any construction equipment or dumpsters to block the neighbors' driveways and ask that everything be cleaned up on a daily basis. Abide by all city remodeling and construction laws.
Although you’ll do your best to keep them all happy, there will be that one that will complain. Do your best to take care of reasonable complaints. For the unreasonable ones, tell them to take it up with the planning department. The planning department will most likely give them the same information you already have. It just makes the neighbors feel better when it comes from the professionals.
The Aftermath:
As a nice gesture go door to door and thank each neighbor for their patience during your remodel. This will make them feel appreciated and hopefully keep a pleasant relationship.