the Nosey Neighbour a guide to keeping them happy

But the reality of city living is that we’re surrounded by wide-eyed renovators with big dreams. In Sydney, around 5% of properties are sold each year. That’s roughly one in twenty homes welcoming new owners, many of whom arrive with rather ambitious plans.

And we all know the feeling of buying somewhere that “doesn’t need any work”, only to discover a leaking roof, a kitchen that looks lovely but is an operational nightmare and a bathroom benchtop you’ve decided you absolutely cannot live with.

So, chances are, you’ll find yourself on one side of the construction fence eventually. And when that day comes, a little neighbourly goodwill goes a very long way.

I’ve encountered complaints about trades sitting in their cars with the engines running during lunch breaks. For heating. In minus ten degrees.

I’ve also witnessed a delayed blossom on a much-loved street tree being attributed to nearby hand-spading works. The tree was simply running a little late that year, but naturally, we were prime suspects.

All this to say, people become rather protective of their homes. Understandably so.

In the interest of preserving that idyllic sense of street camaraderie, and being able to water your front garden without strategically avoiding Margaret from number 12, here are a few things I have found genuinely helpful.

First, introductions.
Share contact details, introduce your builder and establish a friendly point of contact before anyone picks up a hammer. A personable, communicative builder makes an enormous difference. They’re effectively your unofficial neighbourhood diplomat, so choose one with a little charm.

A heads-up goes a long way.
A short letter before construction starts, and another before particularly disruptive works, can make all the difference. Nobody enjoys discovering there’s a concrete pour booked for Thursday morning when they’ve planned a peaceful day working from home.

Play by the rules.
Both homeowner and builder have a role in ensuring construction complies with the relevant approvals and conditions. Working hours, noise restrictions, site management and protecting neighbouring properties aren’t simply suggestions. Familiarise yourself with the requirements in NSW or SA. Nobody wants to give Margaret a legitimate reason to call the Council.

Document everything.
A pre-construction dilapidation report may be required as part of your approval conditions, particularly where neighbouring properties could be affected. Not particularly glamorous, but a useful record of existing conditions that protects everyone’s interests. Even if Council doesn’t require one, I would strongly recommend it anyway. Consider it an insurance policy.

A little housekeeping.
Dust travels. Offering to arrange a window or facade clean, hose down an affected outdoor area (with permission) or provide a car wash voucher after particularly messy works is a thoughtful gesture. Sometimes an apology is best delivered with a clean windscreen.

Share the benefits.
If your renovation involves new boundary walls, fencing or landscaping, have a conversation. Your neighbour might find themselves with a rather lovely new outlook, potentially at no expense to them.

Never underestimate baked goods.
For your neighbours, certainly, but especially for your builders. They’re the ones fielding the daily commentary, smoothing over grievances and keeping the peace while trying to build your dream home. A packet of biscuits never hurt anyone.

And finally, please invite your neighbours round for dinner when the tools have gone down and you’ve cleaned the construction dust away for the tenth time.

Good food is the way to many people’s hearts. Particularly when served from a beautiful new kitchen.

And after months (or years) of peering over the construction fence, who could blame them for wanting a look around? After all, everyone LOVES being a nosey neighbour.