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There are many things to think about when taking on a home renovation. From budgets to timelines to materials, the process can be so overwhelming that you might even start to question your sanity. Still, if you want to make it through to the other side of reno bliss, it’s also important that you look outside your property — and consider your neighbours. Renos are stressful enough without factoring neighbour drama into the mix, so consider these tips for keeping the whole block happy.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
Renovations
How to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing Renovations
September 20, 2020
There are many things to think about when taking on a home renovation. From budgets to timelines to materials, the process can be so overwhelming that you might even start to question your sanity. Still, if you want to make it through to the other side of reno bliss, it’s also important that you look outside your property — and consider your neighbours. Renos are stressful enough without factoring neighbour drama into the mix, so consider these tips for keeping the whole block happy.
Brian McCourt is a contractor, design expert and co-host of HGTV Canada’s Backyard Builds.
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Start With a Positive Mindset
1/15Start With a Positive Mindset
1/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you want to keep the peace, having with the right mindset can go a long way. If you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/common-disputes-between-neighbours-and-tips-to-avoid-them-1923773/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">anticipate disputes with your neighbours</a> from the beginning, you’re more likely to act in a defensive way — and you can bring on the exact kind of tension that you’re trying to avoid. In every interaction, be as respectful as possible and consider their perspective. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/stop-procrastinating-home-reno-1909085/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Realistic Ways to Stop Procrastinating Your Home Reno</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsStart With a Positive Mindset
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -If you want to keep the peace, having with the right mindset can go a long way. If you <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/scott-mcgillivray/photos/common-disputes-between-neighbours-and-tips-to-avoid-them-1923773/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">anticipate disputes with your neighbours</a> from the beginning, you’re more likely to act in a defensive way — and you can bring on the exact kind of tension that you’re trying to avoid. In every interaction, be as respectful as possible and consider their perspective. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/stop-procrastinating-home-reno-1909085/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Realistic Ways to Stop Procrastinating Your Home Reno</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Give Advance Notice
2/15Give Advance Notice
2/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Keeping that courteous attitude in mind, be sure to let your neighbours know that you’ll be renovating well in advance. Whether you have a chat over the back fence, send a note or give them a call, a little bit of proactive information can go a long way. Be sure to fill them in on what part of your home you’ll be renovating and what the plan is. If people are expecting a bit of inconvenience, they’ll be a lot more patient when it comes their way. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/winter-renovation-myths-1924074/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Common Winter Renovation Myths You'll Never Fall for Again</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsGive Advance Notice
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -Keeping that courteous attitude in mind, be sure to let your neighbours know that you’ll be renovating well in advance. Whether you have a chat over the back fence, send a note or give them a call, a little bit of proactive information can go a long way. Be sure to fill them in on what part of your home you’ll be renovating and what the plan is. If people are expecting a bit of inconvenience, they’ll be a lot more patient when it comes their way. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/winter-renovation-myths-1924074/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Common Winter Renovation Myths You'll Never Fall for Again</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Don’t Be Shady
3/15Don’t Be Shady
3/15Photo Credit: Unsplash
It should go without saying that it’s never a good idea to try to sneak home remodels by your neighbours — but it happens. Going to the opposite side of the spectrum to try to hide your renos from your neighbour (especially if it’s because you’re trying to bend the rules or avoid getting the appropriate permits) is a big mistake that can backfire. <br><br> Related:<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/no-reno-home-upgrades-1938904/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 16 Home Upgrades That Don’t Actually Involve Renovating</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsDon’t Be Shady
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -It should go without saying that it’s never a good idea to try to sneak home remodels by your neighbours — but it happens. Going to the opposite side of the spectrum to try to hide your renos from your neighbour (especially if it’s because you’re trying to bend the rules or avoid getting the appropriate permits) is a big mistake that can backfire. <br><br> Related:<a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/no-reno-home-upgrades-1938904/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> 16 Home Upgrades That Don’t Actually Involve Renovating</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Provide a Timeline
4/15Provide a Timeline
4/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
It’s much easier for your street-mates to deal with the hassle of your renovations if they know when the madness will end. Always give your neighbours a rough timeline when you let them know you’re doing renovation work. Be sure to err on the side of longer than expected, so they aren’t annoyed if you take a little more time than you thought. Before you start, consider these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-realistic-timeline-budget-1938791/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tips for creating a realistic renovation timeline and budget</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/renovation-tips-help-seniors-stay-in-home-longer-1933125/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Renovation Tips to Help Seniors Stay in Their Home Longer</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsProvide a Timeline
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -It’s much easier for your street-mates to deal with the hassle of your renovations if they know when the madness will end. Always give your neighbours a rough timeline when you let them know you’re doing renovation work. Be sure to err on the side of longer than expected, so they aren’t annoyed if you take a little more time than you thought. Before you start, consider these <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-realistic-timeline-budget-1938791/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tips for creating a realistic renovation timeline and budget</a>. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/renovation-tips-help-seniors-stay-in-home-longer-1933125/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Renovation Tips to Help Seniors Stay in Their Home Longer</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Share Your Contact Info
5/15Share Your Contact Info
5/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Give your neighbours phone numbers and email addresses for where they can reach you, should any issues come up. This is an especially important step if you have workers taking care of renovations when you’re not home. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-tips-building-an-addition-1914906/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Building an Addition? HGTV Expert Reveals Everything You Need to Know</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsShare Your Contact Info
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -Give your neighbours phone numbers and email addresses for where they can reach you, should any issues come up. This is an especially important step if you have workers taking care of renovations when you’re not home. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-tips-building-an-addition-1914906/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Building an Addition? HGTV Expert Reveals Everything You Need to Know</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Watch the Clock
6/15Watch the Clock
6/15Photo Credit: Unsplash
Just as you wouldn’t love to hear a raging party all night long when you’re trying to sleep, your neighbours don’t want to hear banging, sawing or other reno-related noises at all hours. Know your municipality’s noise bylaw rules for what hours you’re allowed to do construction — and stick to them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-hacks-save-time-and-money-1918219/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Must-Know Reno Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsWatch the Clock
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -Just as you wouldn’t love to hear a raging party all night long when you’re trying to sleep, your neighbours don’t want to hear banging, sawing or other reno-related noises at all hours. Know your municipality’s noise bylaw rules for what hours you’re allowed to do construction — and stick to them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/reno-hacks-save-time-and-money-1918219/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Must-Know Reno Hacks That Will Save You Time and Money</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Turn Down the Volume
7/15Turn Down the Volume
7/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of course, there are some sounds that are unavoidable when you’re taking on renovations. Be considerate and try to avoid doing the loudest activities the minute the clock strikes allowable construction times. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/renovations-soundproof-home-1935146/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Renovations That’ll Help Soundproof Your Home</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsTurn Down the Volume
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -Of course, there are some sounds that are unavoidable when you’re taking on renovations. Be considerate and try to avoid doing the loudest activities the minute the clock strikes allowable construction times. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/renovations-soundproof-home-1935146/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">20 Renovations That’ll Help Soundproof Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Know the (Property) Line
8/15Know the (Property) Line
8/15Photo Credit: Unsplash
I’m obviously a big <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fan of making your backyard the best it can be</a>, but it’s important that you know where your yard begins (and ends) if you want to avoid ticking off the neighhours with outdoor renos or additions. Double check exactly where your property lines are before taking on any projects. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Super Valuable Backyard Reno Ideas Most People Overlook</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsKnow the (Property) Line
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -I’m obviously a big <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/backyard-builds/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fan of making your backyard the best it can be</a>, but it’s important that you know where your yard begins (and ends) if you want to avoid ticking off the neighhours with outdoor renos or additions. Double check exactly where your property lines are before taking on any projects. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/7-super-valuable-backyard-reno-ideas-most-people-overlook-1900270/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">7 Super Valuable Backyard Reno Ideas Most People Overlook</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Go by the Book
9/15Go by the Book
9/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
By playing by the rules — aka. complying with your zoning bylaws and having all the necessary permits — you’re much less likely to break any rules and annoy your neighbours. And, if they are a bit irritated, at least you won’t add fuel to their complaints by having broken any rules.RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsGo by the Book
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -By playing by the rules — aka. complying with your zoning bylaws and having all the necessary permits — you’re much less likely to break any rules and annoy your neighbours. And, if they are a bit irritated, at least you won’t add fuel to their complaints by having broken any rules.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Keep Things Clean
10/15Keep Things Clean
10/15Photo Credit: Unsplash
Debris and dust go hand-in-hand with home renovations, but they can also be a big grievance for neighbours if they aren’t dealt with properly. Whether you’re doing renos yourself or you’ve hired a contractor, make it your responsibility to ensure that there’s a proper plan for waste removal. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/living-through-a-renovation-follow-these-tips-for-keeping-your-home-healthy-and-clean-1911093/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Living Through a Renovation? Follow These Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy and Clean</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsKeep Things Clean
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -Debris and dust go hand-in-hand with home renovations, but they can also be a big grievance for neighbours if they aren’t dealt with properly. Whether you’re doing renos yourself or you’ve hired a contractor, make it your responsibility to ensure that there’s a proper plan for waste removal. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/living-through-a-renovation-follow-these-tips-for-keeping-your-home-healthy-and-clean-1911093/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Living Through a Renovation? Follow These Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy and Clean</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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Take Responsibility
11/15Take Responsibility
11/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If your renovations impact your neighbour's property in any way (even if it’s just a flurry of dust that reaches their exterior windows), take responsibility for returning their home to its previous condition and clean up your own mess. After all, you would expect the same from them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/20-renovations-that-wont-add-value-to-your-home-1894750/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">25 Home Renovations That Will Not Increase the Value of Your Home</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsTake Responsibility
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -If your renovations impact your neighbour's property in any way (even if it’s just a flurry of dust that reaches their exterior windows), take responsibility for returning their home to its previous condition and clean up your own mess. After all, you would expect the same from them. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/20-renovations-that-wont-add-value-to-your-home-1894750/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">25 Home Renovations That Will Not Increase the Value of Your Home</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Prioritize Parking
12/15Prioritize Parking
12/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
Even the most patient neighbours will lose their cool quickly if they discover that there’s nowhere for them to park in front of their own home. If street parking is an issue, come up with a parking plan for any workers coming for renovations so that you don’t inconvenience your neighbours. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/renovation-ideas-make-studio-apartment-look-bigger-1936054/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Renovation Ideas That'll Make a Studio Apartment Look Bigger</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsPrioritize Parking
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -Even the most patient neighbours will lose their cool quickly if they discover that there’s nowhere for them to park in front of their own home. If street parking is an issue, come up with a parking plan for any workers coming for renovations so that you don’t inconvenience your neighbours. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/renovation-ideas-make-studio-apartment-look-bigger-1936054/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Renovation Ideas That'll Make a Studio Apartment Look Bigger</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Hire Professionals When Necessary
13/15Hire Professionals When Necessary
13/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If you’re thinking of making major renos a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY project</a> — but you don’t have a lot of experience — you might want to consider hiring a professional. Professionals should be able to take care of renos more quickly, which will be a big win for your neighbours in the long run. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/home-projects-never-do-yourself-1908984/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Home Improvement Projects You Should Never Do Yourself</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsHire Professionals When Necessary
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -If you’re thinking of making major renos a <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/diy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">DIY project</a> — but you don’t have a lot of experience — you might want to consider hiring a professional. Professionals should be able to take care of renos more quickly, which will be a big win for your neighbours in the long run. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/home-projects-never-do-yourself-1908984/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">8 Home Improvement Projects You Should Never Do Yourself</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Don’t Let Things Fester
14/15Don’t Let Things Fester
14/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
If — despite your best efforts — your neighbours are impacted by your renovations and they aren’t happy about it, deal with it right away. Hiding from the situation or avoiding their concerns will only make things worse. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/common-reno-mistakes-to-avoid-1903506/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">18 Common Reno Mistakes You'll Probably Make (and How to Avoid Them)</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsDon’t Let Things Fester
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -If — despite your best efforts — your neighbours are impacted by your renovations and they aren’t happy about it, deal with it right away. Hiding from the situation or avoiding their concerns will only make things worse. <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/common-reno-mistakes-to-avoid-1903506/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">18 Common Reno Mistakes You'll Probably Make (and How to Avoid Them)</a>Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Be Nice
15/15Be Nice
15/15Photo Credit: Unsplash
Renovations can be super stressful, so it’s understandable if your fuse is running short. However, if you want to enjoy your newly renovated home, you don’t want your neighbours to be your enemies when they’re finished. Be kind, be courteous and don’t forget to thank them for their patience when it’s all over (a nice thank-you card or some home-baked treats from your newly renovated kitchen probably won’t hurt!). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/10-genius-reno-tips-from-hgtv-canadas-brian-mccourt-1899200/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourt</a>RenovationsHow to Not Annoy Your Neighbours When Doing RenovationsBe Nice
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -Renovations can be super stressful, so it’s understandable if your fuse is running short. However, if you want to enjoy your newly renovated home, you don’t want your neighbours to be your enemies when they’re finished. Be kind, be courteous and don’t forget to thank them for their patience when it’s all over (a nice thank-you card or some home-baked treats from your newly renovated kitchen probably won’t hurt!). <br><br> Related: <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/renovations/photos/10-genius-reno-tips-from-hgtv-canadas-brian-mccourt-1899200/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 Genius Reno Tips from HGTV Canada's Brian McCourt</a>Photo Credit: Unsplash
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