construction noise & neighbors

acerunner

I'm doing a lot of construction on a house I recently purchased. I mostly work on it mornings and weekends. My regular job is later in the day on weekdays.

I always feel guilty about all the noise I'm making, especially during demolition. I know I would be annoyed with all the construction noise. I haven't gotten any complains though (yet?). Just my own guilt, i suppose.

What do you guys do the appease the neighbors when you are working on a long term project?

Scuba_Dave

Nothing really
I do not start before 8a...9a on weekends
And I stop before 8p...at least for noisy work

ovahimba

Just ask the neighbors. Its a good opportunity to say hello and chat, and see if there are any problems.

Starting at 8am weekdays is not unreasonable. Tree cutters around here fire up the chainsaws at exactly 8:01am.

epson

Well a normal work day is around 9am-5pm so the noise factor really shouldn’t be a problem. If you are really concerned you can go to your locally city hall and ask them when you can start/finish work, then if any of the neighbors do complain you can just tell them I checked with the city and I’m in my allowable time frame.

forresth

most construction noise ordenances I've seen say keep it quite before 7am. That a little early for me as a potential sleeping neibor. but 8am weekdays, 9 am weekends sounds reasonable. Its imposible too keep every neibor happy and get anything done.

Otis Gudlyfe

I like the ask the neighbors approach. That's what I did. It shows you care and people will be more understanding of your situation than if you just tell them the gvt allows it.
You may even get people who want to help.

xxPaulCPxx

You are better talking to the neighbors in person. It gives a face to the noise, as well as a number they can call - you instead of the city - if there are problems.

If you were REALLY smart you would bring around some fresh baked cookies or brownies for each neighbor you talked to, as a gesture of goodwill right off the bat. Then that noise is coming from a "Future Good Neighbor", not "Some "

acerunner

good point. I haven't gotten a chance to meet the neighbors, except one a few houses down because they out front doing something.

as for city ordinance, I am definitely working within the legally allowed time frame. 7AM to 9PM everyday.

xxPaulCPxx

Even though it's allowed, you might have a neighbor like my wife - who works late normally and doesn't go to bed until 12AM. The extra hour of sleep (8AM) is VERY precious to her.

Jim F

If your neighbors complain show them the pictures of the God awful addition my neighbors put up.

Attached Thumbnails

     

nap

contact your building department and your neighbors. I know of some areas that do not allow weekend work and most all areas limit the times you are allowed to make much of any construction noise. And as others have said, talking with the neighbors is often a good way to avoid having problems to start with.

Tom Struble

gotta love that dormer pitch

frenchelectrican

Before I do any major constructon I talk to the neghbours first to give them a head up with pretty loud noise and what hours they can withstand it but few case emergecy calls do show up and I have to use the tools some can make a bit of noise so I try keep it quiet much as I can but few situation that is complety unadvoidable.

I will have permit posted as well in case they have question.

That useally work out pretty good in most case.

There were few case I have to test the generators in my shop few did like the bark of large diesel engine but only during awake hours. { yeah I gave them a advance warning before I start up the engines }

Merci.
Marc

Tizzer

Have you given any thought about moving?

I'd do as already mentioned by meeting the neighbors, ya never know - maybe one will offer some help.

kwikfishron

That’s to funny, that’s why I love this place.

__________________