Renovating: The seven (neighbourly) sins

Whether it’s next door or down the street, other people’s renovations can create disruptions for everyone around. So when it’s your turn to transform that fixer-upper into your dream home, you need to talk to your neighbours – before the heavy machinery arrives!

Noise

We all know renovating can be noisy, so whether it’s trucks, hammers or heavy machinery, your neighbours deserve a heads-up about any potential noise pollution. Be aware there are laws governing noise, and your local council can (and will) enforce these!

Dust

Dust is tricky to avoid, particularly sawdust or dirt. Dampening any loose earth or sawdust helps prevent it from blowing away. Your neighbours and their property have a legal right to be protected.

Toxins

Toxins are particularly relevant to older properties. Asbestos is the number one issue here; another is lead-based paint. If you find these toxins in your home, enlist the help of professionals – and tell the neighbours right away (if their houses are as old as yours, they may also harbour such nasties). Your state EPA has guidelines for asbestos and lead paint removal and disposal; you can also check out the Department of the Environment website for more information.

Traffic

Increased traffic can be an issue, especially in narrow streets where parking is tight. Safe Work Australia has a useful guide on minimising the impact of traffic during construction.

Hazards

Holes, power cords, nails, screws – all of these can be potentially hazardous to both you and anyone else on or near your property. Ensure your contractors take all necessary safety precautions and thoroughly clean the area of any debris that could injure or damage.

Obstructions

The scaffolding is up, and suddenly, the people next door have lost their ocean view. This is a very delicate area to negotiate with neighbours: once you have the necessary approvals, you have every right to build up or out on your own property. But if you want to maintain a civil relationship, letting them know – as gently as possible – that they might be losing their million-dollar view is, while no guarantee for good relations, the decent thing to do.

Damage

An old wall comes down and with it comes the fence between you and the next door neighbours. Accidents happen. However, under the law, it’s your responsibility to have the site surveyed to protect adjoining property during construction. Be prepared to wear the repair costs.

Honesty is always the best policy. Be up-front, open and transparent about your plans, overestimate rather than underestimate the time and impact of your renovations and do your best to keep the neighbours onside. A nice thank you card and a bottle of wine (or case – depending on the situation) can work wonders for smoothing any ruffled feathers.