Top tips for getting on with your neighbours during home renovations

There’s no escaping the fact that carrying out home renovations in Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch or elsewhere in the country can be a disruptive and at times noisy undertaking. While you might be prepared for the disruption and upheaval caused by a refurbishment, it always pays to spare a thought for your neighbours.

Actress and singer Lily Allen recently shared how her and husband actor David Harbour were concerned that their home renovations (which lasted for two years) would upset their neighbours.

However, she said that their neighbours have been incredibly welcoming and understanding about the project.

So, if you want to make sure you stay on the right side of your neighbours during your refurbishment in Poole, what steps can you take?

It might sound obvious, but one of the best and simplest is to talk to them about your plans and share any information you can about your renovation project. It’s particularly important to let them know about any potentially noisy or disruptive work, or if there may be a skip or lorry that could cause inconvenience.

As an article for The Gaurdian noted, the more warning you can give your neighbours of your project, the longer they have to get used to the idea and accept the potential forthcoming disruption.

Here at Bournemouth Constructions, we always do our best to keep disruption to a minimum, for both you and your neighbours. However, there are times when this is inevitable. Our team are always happy to be introduced to your neighbours if that is useful, and can explain a little more about the precise work we’ll be carrying out.

Another thing to consider is party wall agreements, if the works you plan to undertake go near the boundary between yours and your neighbour’s property. Party wall agreements are especially important when your refurbishment work involves a shared or adjoining wall.

There are two options in this instance – the first is to download a free party structure notice template letter that you can adapt and share with your neighbours. Typically this needs to happen at least two months before work starts. This can be a good option if you have a good relationship with your neighbours.

If you’d prefer a more formal agreement, you’ll need a party wall surveyor, who can handle all the paperwork for you and draw up a party wall award. This does come with a cost of, typically, a few hundred pounds though.

We are well-versed in everything relating to property refurbishment and residential building projects, so you can always raise any questions about the work and how it will proceed with our team before you accept our quote.

As a local team of experienced craftsmen and professionals, we are always happy to do what we can to support our customers and their neighbours. Get in touch now to find out more about our work and how we can help you transform your house into a home.