Great Answers: How to stay on good terms with neighbors during big construction projects

How can I stay on good terms with our neighbors during a big construction project?

In many cases, home construction projects cause unavoidable disruptions to normal daily routines, for both the homeowners and their neighbors. They can be loud, inconvenient, and messy, and while homeowners typically accept these disruptions for the sake of the finished product, their neighbors on the other hand, usually aren’t as understanding.

Knowing this, we asked our community of quality what they suggest homeowners should do in order to stay on good terms with their neighbors throughout a construction project.

Kathleen Palmer of Arocon Roofing and Construction gave the following advice:

“One of the best ways to stay on good terms with your neighbors during a large construction project is to keep the job site as clean as possible at all times. No one likes construction debris creating an eyesore in the neighborhood, especially when the debris enters someone else’s yard.

Also, the crews need to be as polite, courteous, and as aware of their surroundings as possible. Cigarette smoking, loud music, and cursing are all things that really irritate homeowners and shouldn’t be acceptable on any professionally run job site.

It is also important to let your neighbors know the work schedule so they can expect the delivery trucks and crews to help coordinate parking that is convenient for everyone.”

Martha Fisher of Croixco Construction gave this advice:

“Visit the neighbors, take them to breakfast or dinner, or send them a letter. Bring a notepad and take any notes regarding their concerns. Explain that you take pride in your home and will be doing some remodeling. Explain that this only helps the neighborhood’s value as well as their own.”

Kara Wilson of New England Design & Construction wrote:

“I’d suggest to the company completing your project that they at least mail out a flyer to your neighbors. Obviously not every company is going to be able to devote a person to come out and knock on doors like we do, but a flyer shouldn’t be too hard to communicate. If they are resistant to that idea, I’d suggest sending out a letter yourself, just informing them of your intent. That way, they feel acknowledged right off the bat, and there are clear lines of communication going forward.”

Here’s what Chris Owen of Precision Countertops, Inc. had to say:

“As both a professional and neighbor with construction going on around me, I can certainly appreciate both sides of this situation. The best advice I can offer is to make sure you:

1. Have a good line of communication with your contractors.

2. Ensure [your contrators] have a good place to park that won’t interfere with neighbors.

3. Have a proper disposal area (dumpster) so that the work site remains tidy.

4. Have reasonable working hours (i.e. not 6 AM on a Sunday morning).

5. Meet your contractors’ needs so they’ll go out of their way to accommodate your neighborly concerns.

Beyond that, I encourage homeowners to invite their neighbors over to look at the house once the framing goes up, and then again after they’ve moved in. A nice house warming party to look forward to will help your neighbors feel like a part of the project, and they’ll be more willing to forgive the occasional inconveniences that are bound to occur.”

Michelle Slowe of NEWPRO suggested the following:

“1. Be excited, communicative, and available throughout the process.

2. Remind those working on your home to be as tidy and quiet as possible.

3. Do not accept disruptive behavior.”

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